Intercontinental Tahiti: Escape to Paradise and Discover the Pristine Beauty of French Polynesia

I must admit that Tahiti was not among the destinations on my bucket list. I had initially settled for Fiji as the closest option. Little did I know that my 50th birthday would bring me to Tahiti, and it was an absolutely fabulous experience. In this post, I will delve into the hotel portion of my trip at the Intercontinental Tahiti and share some insights with you. I highly recommend that everyone puts French Polynesia on their travel list at least once. The trip was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience; you don’t want to miss out on that.

a body of water with a building and trees on the side

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If you want to immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty of French Polynesia, the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is undoubtedly the ideal place to stay. This resort offers an excellent base for exploring Tahiti’s main island, experiencing its rich culture, and enjoying breathtaking views. Moreover, the resort itself is a sight to behold, with majestic volcanic peaks and a pristine aquamarine lagoon complementing its lush gardens. Let me share some outstanding features that make the Intercontinental Tahiti one of the most sought-after resorts in French Polynesia.

Intercontinental Tahiti Accommodations

For many years, I have dreamt of indulging myself in the luxury of an over-the-water bungalow. However, as someone always mindful of their budget, I never actively pursued this desire. But, as I approached my 50th birthday, I decided to treat myself and make my dream a reality. Despite watching my finances dwindle, I kept reminding myself I deserved this special treat. So, after careful consideration, I eventually opted for the Overwater Bungalow Moorea View, which was more affordable than the Motu Suite Overwater Bungalow or Overwater Villa Moorea View. While the latter two options were undoubtedly luxurious, I ultimately chose comfort and practicality for myself and my mother.

The Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa provides various lodging options to suit various tastes. The Overwater Bungalows with Moorea View at the resort are the ultimate luxury and provide immediate access to the stunning turquoise lagoon. The 16.5 square meters deck boasts breathtaking views of Moorea, Tahiti’s neighboring island, and stunning sunsets. These suites, measuring 37 square meters, are located near the incredible Lotus infinity pool and a high-end restaurant. They are capable of accommodating two adults and one child. The bungalows have air conditioning and a separate lounge and bedroom with a king-size bed. The deck is well-appointed with seating for dining and lounging, and the opulent bathroom boasts a tub and a standalone shower.

The Intercontinental Tahiti provides various accommodations, such as Classic and Premium, with stunning views of the Garden, Ocean, and Moorea. You’ll be pleased to know that all rooms have modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, direct-dial international phone, internet, safe, refrigerator, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and daily housekeeping service.

The rooms look just like the photos they have online. Some of the bungalows can be a good walk from the main building, so if that’s an issue, ask for one as close to the building as possible. We had to take a shuttle from the main building to get to the deck where this video started. And it’s HOT & HUMID!!

Culinary Experiences

The dining choices available at Intercontinental Tahiti are abundant and cater to a wide range of tastes. Te Tiare, the resort’s main restaurant, offers delectable Tahitian cuisine while overlooking breathtaking views of the infinity pools and waterfalls.

people sitting at tables outside

A delightful way to start your day is by indulging in a delicious breakfast at 6 a.m. The all-day menu comprises light and refreshing dishes that will keep you energized throughout the day. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of food options available, ranging from small bites and greens to locally sourced seafood and premium imported beef from New Zealand. A salad bar is available for lunchtime every day except Sundays, providing a healthy and delicious meal option.

Moreover, guests have the luxury of customizing their stir-fry wok dish by selecting their preferred ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on serving local Polynesian delicacies for dinner until 9:30 p.m. every day. In addition, Te Tiare hosts dinner shows every Wednesday and Friday night, providing guests with a unique and entertaining dining experience.

For those seeking a more romantic and upscale dining experience, Le Lotus, the resort’s overwater restaurant, is an excellent choice. The restaurant offers creative cuisine and exquisite French wines in a cozy and sophisticated setting. You can enjoy meals from noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. Le Lotus also offers a romantic sunset dinner option, perfect for couples. Furthermore, the restaurant boasts spectacular views of Tahiti and neighboring Moorea, creating a truly memorable dining experience.

The Menus

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Swimming Pools

If you’re looking to escape the oppressive heat of the island, the Intercontinental Tahiti has two stunning freshwater infinity swimming pools that are perfect for cooling off. However, for a more tranquil and intimate experience, I suggest visiting Le Lotus at the resort. This sand-bottomed pool is 800 square meters and is ideal for lounging and soaking up the sun. And if you want to enhance your relaxation, there’s also a convenient swim-up bar and Jacuzzi. Additionally, Moorea is well-known for its awe-inspiring views.

a grassy area with palm trees and an infinity pool

Te Tiare offers a peaceful haven for guests to relax and unwind. The sprawling 1,200-square-meter swimming pool beckons with its refreshing waters and calming ambiance. The pool experience is further enriched by the serene Jacuzzi and the cascading waterfalls that add to the soothing atmosphere. The lush tropical surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop for guests to bask in while taking a refreshing dip. To ensure a hassle-free and secure pool experience, attendants can assist guests from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

a resort pool with a thatched roof and palm trees

SHOPPING

During our stay at the resort, my mom and I resisted the temptation of buying souvenirs from the numerous shops available. But let me tell you; those shops had some amazing Tahitian gifts that were hard to ignore! The Tiki Centre is a great place to start your shopping adventure, with a wide range of options for different tastes. You can find authentic Tahitian clothes, beautiful pareos, lovely fragrances, and the much-desired black pearls. 

If you’re specifically looking for pearl items, I suggest visiting one of the pearl farms on the island. This way, you can see firsthand how the pearls are grown and make a more informed decision when purchasing. But don’t worry, if you don’t have enough time; you can always check out the Taina Pearl Farm shop, which has a great selection of pearl items that will catch your eye. 

Apart from the pearls, the Taina Pearl Farm shop has a boutique that showcases some stunning artwork created by talented Polynesian artists. You can take home a unique piece of French Polynesian art, so make sure to give it a look.

SPA AND WELLNESS

Mom and I didn’t make it here either, but the Deep Nature Spa at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa would be the perfect place to unwind and forget all your worries. They offer a wide range of treatments, like massages, facials, and body scrubs, that are simply divine. Polynesian massage is their specialty, transporting you to another world. Or if you want to relax and let go, go for their Deep Nature massage. It’s like a warm hug from nature itself. And the best part? Enjoy the sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool – the perfect way to get into the relaxed zone before or after your spa treatment.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Guests can indulge in a wide array of aquatic activities and water sports offered by the resort while taking in the breathtaking lagoon and its underwater wonders. Activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, Jet Skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant tropical fish and coral reefs that make up the lagoon’s ecosystem. The resort also offers guided lagoon excursions, captivating sunset cruises, and boat trips to explore nearby Moorea Island. During the early morning hours, guests can witness canoes rowing by and boats docking in the area, adding to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the resort.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Get ready to soak up the exciting culture of Tahiti with tons of fun events every day! You can learn all about local traditions like making beautiful leis, playing the ukulele, and watching incredible Tahitian dances. If you love food, take a cooking class to master the delicious local cuisine, or take a cultural tour to explore fascinating historical landmarks and museums. We had a blast taking the Circle Island tour with Tahiti Nui Tours. They’re conveniently located right in the resort lobby, making it super easy to find fun things to do and excellent sites to see.

Circle Island Tour

Led by a professional English-French-speaking guide, we discovered the rich history of Tahiti Nui and witnessed its breathtaking natural wonders.

The tour covers a distance of 114 km (about 70 mi), circling the main island and offering glimpses of the island’s past and present. In addition, the tour guide had some amusing anecdotes at each stop that gave us a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life.

 As we arrived at Pointe de Venus, the first thing that struck us was the stunning beauty of the beach. The water was so clear it looked like glass, and the sand was snow-white. In addition, the beach was surrounded by lush greenery and towering palm trees, adding to the tropical paradise feeling. We couldn’t wait to explore this iconic landmark further.

Our guide was fantastic and shared several ancient legends and folklore surrounding Pointe de Venus. We were captivated by his stories, which gave us a deeper appreciation for this beautiful place. The guide’s passion for the area was infectious, and we were grateful to have him as our guide. We couldn’t wait to learn more about the history and culture of Tahiti as we continued our journey. 

As we approached Faarumai waterfall, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. We had heard so much about its breathtaking beauty and couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves. And let me tell you; it did not disappoint! As we stood there admiring the stunning sight before us, we were in awe of the sheer power of the cascade. The water plummeted down the rocky cliffs and into the pool below, creating a mesmerizing display of mist and spray. The lush greenery surrounding the waterfall only added to its charm, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that made us feel like paradise. It was truly a magical experience that we will never forget.

Vaipahi Gardens is a must-visit spot for all nature enthusiasts out there. This amazing botanical garden is a charming oasis that offers a unique opportunity to explore the lush greenery and marvel at the beauty of exotic plants and flowers. As soon as we entered the garden, we were struck by the vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers that filled the air. We spent about 30 minutes strolling through the garden, stopping to admire the different species of plants and flowers. The garden is well-maintained, but the pathways can be somewhat difficult to navigate. Mom went in but didn’t get far. There were a variety of plants, from towering palm trees to delicate orchids, and the tranquil atmosphere made it the perfect place to relax and connect with nature. If you’re looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Vaipahi Gardens is the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.

 Maraa Fern grotto caves was the final stop of our tour. These caves are truly a hidden gem on the island, and visiting them was a surreal experience. As we approached the cave, we could feel the mist and cool air surrounding us, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that was both eerie and fascinating.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside the caves due to safety reasons, but just standing outside and hearing the sound of water dripping inside was an experience in itself. It’s incredible to think that such a natural wonder exists on the island, and it left us with a sense of wonder and amazement. We even tried to call for bats, hoping to see them fly out of the caves, but we had no such luck. Nonetheless, visiting the Maraa Fern grotto caves was a highlight of our trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island.

Intercontinental Tahiti Staff

The staff at the resort was more than gracious and accommodating. It started even before we arrived. As part of my 50th birthday celebration, I wanted to do a photo shoot on the grounds. I went 4 days before my cruise (more on that later) to recover from jet lag and for the photo shoot. I was able to find a photographer but had a very hard time finding an available makeup artist. Usually, the wedding season begins in late spring, but I suppose with the beautiful weather, it starts in early April in Tahiti. I emailed the concierge at the resort, and they found someone for me. Everyone always remembered your name everywhere you went. And they knew us and where we were staying whenever we needed a ride from the main building to our bungalow. When you feel like family, it’s hard to leave.

In conclusion, my trip to Tahiti exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend it as a travel destination. The Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa served as the perfect base for exploring the island’s beauty and culture. The overwater bungalows, with their breathtaking views and luxurious amenities, were a dream come true. The Te Tiare and Le Lotus restaurants offered delectable cuisine and stunning views, making every meal a memorable experience. And the infinity swimming pools were the perfect spot to cool off and relax. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I urge you to put French Polynesia on your travel list and stay at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.

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