Updated: August 10, 2018
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Luxurious, spacious and handy, yet isolated, with magnificent pools, but no beach.
The most convenient upmarket resort to Pape’ete and the airport offers rooms in classy 3-level blocks among impeccably landscaped gardens. Most face the ocean, while many offer genuine sea views. The above-water bungalows are tucked away in a corner near the second pool, while other larger bungalows feature a less-traditional design and are attached to an artificial island. Shimmering with numerous shades of blue, the main pool features a ‘waterfall’ and Infinity edges that blend into the ‘lagoonarium’ (popular for safe snorkelling and fish-feeding). There is actually no natural beach, only slivers of imported sand facing the ‘lagoonarium’, but the range of activities offered is impressive. The only real drawback is the absence of anywhere to eat or drink within walking distance.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – The Basics
- Location: In Faa’a, on the western outskirts of the Tahitian capital, Pape’ete. About 2km from the airport; 8km from downtown; and a little further from the ferry terminal for services to Moorea.
- Guests: Caters for all. Families are welcome, but nothing particularly set up for children (e.g. no kids’ club).
- Beach: Plenty of coastline, but no real beach. Some artificial areas of sand face the manmade ‘lagoonarium’ and an isolated sliver of natural sand faces the sea.
- Views: Many rooms provide sea views, especially on the second and third floors.
- Wi-Fi Internet: Free and unlimited ‘standard Wi-Fi’ throughout, which is good enough. A ‘Premium’ version costs too much.
- Parking: Plenty of free and secure parking near the lobby.
- Phone: (689) 40 86 51 78
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://tahiti.intercontinental.com/
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates. Use the website specific to your language, currency, and home-country for easiest use: UK • USA • Français • Deutsch • Nederlands.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Amenities
- Pool: 2 pools, both facing the sea with Infinity edges and a Jacuzzi attached. The gigantic main pool between the lobby and ‘lagoonarium’ features 2 tiers, ‘islands’ of palms and a ‘waterfall’. The second pool is more for those staying at nearby above-water bungalows (which is mostly adults) and has a swim-up bar.
- Spa: Deep Nature Spa Tahiti by Algotherm provides a wide selection of ‘marine beauty’ treatments and traditional massages. Also a steam bath and cold-water plunge pool.
- Fitness Center: Located next to the spa and open 24/7. Enjoy awesome views across to Moorea Island while on a running machine.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: None in the rooms, but a Jacuzzi is attached to both pools.
- Activities: Tennis courts and a water sports centre, with kayaks, snorkelling gear, water-skiing and jet-skiing, but nothing for free. Also, a jogging track and beach volleyball.
- For families: Cultural shows and activities (such as basket-weaving). The artificial ‘lagoonarium’ offers safe snorkelling among a reef, and fish-feeding.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Food and Drink
- Restaurants: Te Tiare Restaurant – for breakfast and all-day dining. Lounge chairs, open kitchen and themed buffet nights with entertainment. Popular among locals for the salad bar at lunch – except Sundays, when brunch is offered instead • Le Lotus Restaurant – light lunches and gourmet dinners. Gorgeous and intimate setting, with some tables on a jetty above the water. French wines and dress code. Lounge bar attached.
- Lounge/Bars: Tiki Bar – alongside the main pool and next to Te Tiare. Snacks, happy hours and live music most nights • Lotus Swim-Up Bar – at the second pool. Noisy, with some who never want to leave. Cocktails, champagne, juices and imported beers • Lobby Bar Terrace – for aperitifs, champagne and views of the pool and sea, but not as appealing as the other options. Light meals, and open 24 hours.
- Breakfast: Not always included; depends on the type of booking made.
- Room Service: Available 24/7.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Rooms
- Room Types: Standard Rooms • Superior Rooms • Panoramic Rooms • Junior Suite Overwater Lagoon Bungalows (and Superior versions) • Junior Suite Overwater Motu Bungalows • Overwater Motu Villa Suites • Antarès Suites
- Smoking Rooms: Not allowed in the rooms, but permitted on the verandas/balconies, and in special public areas.
- Best Room: Although some suites are more spacious and swanky, it’s hard to ignore the secluded Overwater Motu Villa Suites. With eye-catching traditional Polynesian layout and décor, they feature a massive sundeck/patio and full-length windows.
- For families: Rooms easily fit in an extra single, while suites and bungalows comfortably accommodate families of 4, without extra beds.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – What’s Nearby?
Restaurants
Despite proximity to the airport and downtown Pape’ete, the resort is surprisingly isolated, so there’s virtually nothing within walking distance. A few roulottes (food carts) usually set up after 5pm along the road about 200m down from the main entrance. Otherwise, the excellent Carrefour Hypermarket, 1.4km south down the main road, offers a fabulous selection of takeaway food. There are also a few casual cafés in the attached mall area, but for lunch only.
- Market or Grocery: About 1.4km south down the main road, the huge Carrefour supermarket sells everything anyone could possibly want – and more.
Local Transport
Buses stop every hour or so outside the main entrance of the resort on the way to Pape’ete (sometimes via the airport entrance). There are more buses in the morning; far fewer in the afternoons; and none on Sundays. Otherwise, arrange a taxi (unmetered) at reception, but rates are extortionate.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – The Hotel
The lobby at the resort sets the tone, with a likeable Polynesian décor.
All rooms at the InterContinental are in attractive three-level blocks facing the sea.
The resort grounds are vast and admirably not over-developed.
The grounds are quintessentially tropical, with plenty of shady palms.
The gardens are impeccably maintained, with grass like billiard-table tops.
The resort is on the northwest tip of the island, so the sunsets are majestic.
The InterContinental is so huge that guests and their luggage are often transported by buggy.
The second pool at the resort features sandy ‘shores’ and a bridge.
The second pool is mostly used by adults staying at the nearby above-water bungalows.
Attached to the second pool is a swim-up bar.
The pool in front of the main building is massive.
The main pool seems to glisten with different shades of blue.
The manmade ‘lagoonarium’ at the resort provides perfect snorkeling for beginners.
The only beach at the resort is artificial and faces the ‘lagoonarium’.
Numerous water sports, such as kayaking and jet-skiing, are available.
The Deep Nature Spa Tahiti offers a better-than-expected selection of treatments, as well as a steam bath and bracing plunge pool.
The Tiki Bar offers live music most nights.
The Lobby Bar Terrace is ideal for late-night cocktails, and is open 24 hours.
Seating at the Lobby Bar extends outside, with views across the resort and to the sea.
The main Te Tiare Restaurant at the resort is also popular with locals.
Te Tiare features an open kitchen so guests can watch their meal being prepared.
The menu at Te Tiare also includes light meals.
Also at the InterContinental, Le Lotus Restaurant is classy.
Some tables at Le Lotus are perched above the water.
The Overwater Bungalows are tucked away from the main buildings, providing seclusion, as well as unobstructed sea views for other guests.
The Overwater Bungalows boast a perfect setting, with a ladder from the sundeck into the lagoon below.
Furniture inside the Overwater Bungalows is unremarkable, but it’s all about the setting and views.
The sundeck attached to the Overwater Bungalows is substantial.
Even the Standard Rooms are pleasingly spacious and colorful.
Each room features a small but serviceable patio/balcony facing the sea.
Most views from rooms on the ground floor are blocked by trees.
Although the lowest category, the Standard Rooms are still very comfortable.
Only 8km from the hotel, the center of Pape’ete is pleasantly located alongside a harbor.
About 1.4km down the road, a shopping center is based around the massive Carrefour Hypermarket and includes several decent places to eat.
Much of the coastline along the inner city is lined with boats.
One reason to venture to the capital is the massive daily market, which also sells food and souvenirs.