Sherman's Travel

Expert Review

When it opened in 2006, the second InterContinental resort on Bora Bora (the first, the smaller and less-luxurious InterContinental Le Moana, is also still open) was lauded for its tiki-meets-chic interior design. Guests are greeted by bare-chested Polynesian “warriors,” and yet they can also chill out in the ultra-cool Bubbles Bar featuring funky Philippe Starck-designed white furniture and relax in the one-of-a-kind Deep Ocean Spa where treatments harness the healing energy of water piped in from 3,000 feet below sea level. The same water used is used to cool the resort’s 80 spacious and contemporary overwater villas, identical except for the view (designated by categories that range from Emerald, offering a resort view, to Diamond Otemanu, offering uninterrupted lagoon and Mount Otemanu views). There are also three two-bedroom motu family suites set in a coconut grove. The resort features an air-conditioned overwater wedding chapel with a glass aisle, two restaurants (the more casual Sands overlooking the beach and the gourmet Reef), plus a cheerful and engaging staff.

Tags: luxury | spa | family | resort | views | expensive | romance | swimming pool