The hype
Guests are consistently blown away by the Otemanu views and the massive villas but often shocked by the price of food and transfers.
Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
$1,200-2,500/ noite
Reservar se You want the absolute best view of Mt. Otemanu from your bed and don't mind paying a premium for the privilege.
Por Que As Pessoas Adoram
- Unrivaled direct views of Mt. Otemanu from the Diamond villas
- The Deep Ocean Spa is the best in the South Pacific with glass-bottom treatment rooms
- Daily stingray feeding on the beach at 2 PM is a genuine wildlife encounter
Resumo Rápido: It's a bucket-list factory that charges you for every breath you take, but the view of the mountain is so good you might not care.
Revisado por @MichaelKenny5084878: I still dream about waking up in this overwater villa. Jumping off my deck into that crystal-clear lagoon was the highlight of my year. The sunset views of Mount Otemanu are even better in person—totally worth the splurge for a honeymoon.
Hóspedes Que Ficaram Aqui Disseram
Reality check
You are captive on a motu (islet); dining options are limited to the resort unless you pay for the boat shuttle to the main island.
- You are a honeymooner who wants to stare at a volcano from a bathtub
- You prioritize a massive, modern bathroom with a view over rustic charm
- You have the budget to spend $500+ per day on food and drinks without flinching
Limpeza e Manutenção
9.5
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service (morning clean + turndown), generally impeccable.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless, though some grout lines show age in older villas (pre-renovation).
- Maintenance: Excellent, but the South Branch villas are due for the 2025 refresh for a reason.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and replaced generously.
- Odors & scents: Fresh ocean breeze; no musty smells reported in renovated units.
Sleepability™
8SILENCIOSO
0-4BARULHENTO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Passing boats or jet skis during the day
- Construction noise from the South Branch renovation (starting June 2025)
Antes de reservar
Bom saber
- The electrical outlets are Type E (220V), so bring a universal adapter.
- Tap water is technically safe but heavily treated; the resort provides bottled water daily.
- Mosquitoes can be an issue at dusk; bring repellent.
O que levar
- Inflatable pool floaties (the resort has some, but bringing your own guarantees a vibe)
- Duty-free alcohol (cocktails are $25+, so a pre-dinner drink in your room saves a fortune)
Room Genie
Melhores escolhas
- Diamond Otemanu Overwater Villa (best view of the mountain, worth the upgrade)
- Brando Suite (if you have unlimited budget, 2 bedrooms, private pool)
Quartos a evitar
- Emerald Villas (face the resort/beach, less privacy, no mountain view)
- South Branch villas (starting June 2025 due to renovation noise)
Room Request Genie – copiar e colar
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a Diamond Otemanu Villa as far out on the pontoon as possible for maximum privacy. Please ensure I am located away from the South Branch renovation zone.”
FAQ e dicas ocultas
Tudo o que você realmente quer saber antes de reservar.
Is the airport boat transfer free?
No, it costs approximately 16,330 XPF (~$150 USD) per person roundtrip.
Can I walk to the main island?
No, the resort is on a private motu (islet). You must take a boat shuttle.
Is the shuttle to the main island free?
Only if you have a confirmed dinner reservation at Le Corail or a spa appointment; otherwise, it's about $30 roundtrip.
Are meals included?
Typically no, unless you book a specific half-board package. Breakfast buffet is around $50/person if paying out of pocket.
Is there a resort fee?
No daily 'resort fee' per se, but the transfer costs and service charges on food act as hidden costs.
Can I fly my drone?
Strictly prohibited on resort property to protect guest privacy.
Dicas de Insiders
- ✨
Buy alcohol at the duty-free shop at PPT airport before flying to Bora Bora to save hundreds.
- ✨
The 'Lagoonarium' is free to snorkel in and full of fish; you don't always need a paid excursion.
- ✨
Book the 'Canoe Breakfast' at least 2 weeks in advance; it sells out daily.
5 coisas que deve saber antes de partir
💡The 'glass bottom' coffee table in the room opens up so you can feed fish directly from your living room.
💡The water under the bungalows near the beach is very shallow (waist deep); for deep swimming, you need to be further out.
💡Service operates on 'island time' — a 20-minute wait for a drink is standard, not an error.
💡The AC shuts off automatically if the sliding doors are even slightly ajar.
💡You can hear your neighbors snorkeling past your deck if you're not careful with your volume.
Guia Local
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