Situated amongst a hub of Islands in French Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean is Bora Bora, known for pristine beaches, crystal clear water and holiday resorts built with a world class attitude and reputation.  With approximately only 8900 people living on the Islands of Bora Bora permanently, there’s no doubt why tourism is the largest contributor to the economy.

Most of the resorts have bungalows and rooms built over lagoons, often with glass bottoms for optimal reef and fish viewing. The InterContinental resort branch owns and runs resorts in Bora Bora and Tahiti, of which are recognised worldwide for their bungalows and five star facilities. Of course, staying at the InterContinental in Bora Bora combines beauty and luxury to give you the ultimate getaway.

Where to find the InterContinental Le Moana

Water Bungalows at the InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort. Photo by Pierre Lesage, flickr
Water Bungalows at the InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort. Photo by Pierre Lesage, flickr

The InterContinental Le Moana resort is located on the Pearl of Pacific Island, to the south side of the main island known as Matira Point. In prime location of some of the most stunning beaches in the world, this resort has all there is to offer in terms of aqua activities. The resort is most known for its amazing glass bottom, over-the-water bungalow rooms – venturing out onto the protected coral reef lagoon.The resort is located only eight kilometres away from the main village of Vaitape, the largest city and home to over half of the permanent population of Bora Bora. The main language of the area is French.

Scuba Diving in the tropical waters in French Polynesia. Photo by UbiMaXx, flickr
Scuba Diving in the tropical waters in French Polynesia. Photo by UbiMaXx, flickr

The resort itself is one of the easiest to get to, due to its location and closeness to the main village. The airport is located on an islet, accessible by only a boat. However, the resort has frequent shuttle boat services between the two and there are often boats between the airport and main village for those travelling between shuttle times. Keep in mind that there is no public transport in Bora Bora – if you want to get around you will have to organise shuttle buses or boats with the resort or hire a bike or car for personal travel. It’s important that you remember to let the concierge at the InterContinental know of your arrival time so that a shuttle can be organised for you. There is a fee included in this service.

Staying in a beautiful water bungalow

Endless blue skies, perfect for outrigger canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling or swimming. Photo by tuanica, flickr
Endless blue skies, perfect for outrigger canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling or swimming. Photo by tuanica, flickr

Once you’ve arrived at the resort, settled into your luxurious glass bottom room and having changed into something more comfortable, you can begin to enjoy all that Bora Bora has to offer. The InterContinental is located beside one of the best beaches in the world, with reef and coral unlike any other. The best activity to do is to snorkel. Hiring snorkel, fins and mask are all complimentary, so make the most of them and marvel at the underwater life. Kayaks are also complimentary and are a great way to see more of the deeper water around the lagoon resort. If you are up for spending a bit more money, you can choose to do introductory scuba diving for $104 USD parasailing for $347 USD or on a spectacular view hunt in a 4×4 Jeep Safari for around $98 USD.

Eating and drinking

Inside the beautiful bungalows at InterContinental. Photo by Not Been There
Inside the beautiful bungalows at InterContinental. Photo by Not Been There

The resort has its own restaurant, called Noa Noa, which opens at 7 am serving only the finest in authentic Polynesian and French cuisine. Dinner starts serving at 7 pm and on Tuesday and Saturday there are themed banquets and a Polynesian show at 6.30 pm. The restaurant is located in the middle of the resort. However, if you’re more inclined to snack and would rather enjoy delicious fruity cocktails, take a seat at the bar of Vini Vini. Overlooking the beach and lagoon, this little bar and restaurant will serve you delicious little treats and drinks up until 10.30 pm. The snack bar runs between 3 pm and 6.30 pm – great for a light dinner to accompany a dip in the pool and a cocktail or two.

Exploring Bora Bora and Mount Otemanu

One of the best things to do in Bora Bora is snorkeling. Image by HighDynamic, flickr
One of the best things to do in Bora Bora is snorkeling. Image by HighDynamic, flickr

For travellers who are more thrill seeking, the best way to see Bora Bora is by foot. You don’t need car hire or shuttle boats to marvel at the luscious beauty of this island. Hiking is a great way to climb the mountains and see the lagoons hidden from view in Bora Bora.  There are a number of great walking trails on the island which can be accomplished in a couple of days because the island is small. It is recommended that you hike as part of a tour so that you are safe, and so that you gain some more knowledge on the culture and history of Bora Bora. The most famous hiking tour is the Mount Otemanu climb, which is the highest and most recognised feature in Bora Bora.

Another beautiful sunset over Mt. Otemanu. Photo by Jave Foto
Another beautiful sunset over Mt. Otemanu. Photo by Jave Foto

As a hiker, you can only reach up to the “shoulders” of the mountain, as it is over 720 metres high. Mount Otemanu and its twin peak, Mount Pahia are part of a group of extinct volcanoes, and so hiking is often unpredictable due to weather conditions, proving a challenge and so is best as part of an experienced tour. Most hikes up Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu leave from Faanui, the harbour and lagoon area of Bora Bora and the trek lasts all day – four hours up Mount Pahia and six hours up Mount Otemanu, so pack very good shoes! From the top of the climb, however, you have access to 360 degree views of Bora Bora in its full beauty – well worth it!

Day trips around the island

Sunset at the InterContinental, Bora Bora. Photo by SF Brit, flickr
Sunset at the InterContinental, Bora Bora. Photo by SF Brit, flickr

The InterContinental offers many day trips as part of its activity itinerary, but the one most recommended, with the highest ranked positive feedback is the Bora Bora Lagoonarium. You travel by boat out to the lagoon off Vaitape for shark and ray watching and feeding. You then are able to marvel at the coral gardens, snorkel and swim off of the boat into the lagoon and reef. Later, you tour the island, learn more about the culture and history of Bora Bora and taste a traditional lunch.

Afterwards you have the option to swim with lemon sharks and stingrays, and also get free relaxing time around the island. You can organise this through the concierge during your stay at the InterContinental.  The cost of the trip is $82 USD.

Other day trips can be organised through the concierge, including trips into the main village and to Faanui for the hiking trips up Mount Otemanu. Keep in mind that costs do apply – though there are a few things that are complimentary at the InterContinental including snorkel, towel and kayak hire. There is also a snooker table, ping pong table and outrigger canoes that are offered, free of charge. While Bora Bora is known as a place of luxury, and can be quite expensive, the InterContinental offers a few complimentary services which cut the costs for guests and allows you to enjoy the finer things in life.

The romantic side of Bora Bora

Dinner during twilight at the Noa Noa restaurant. Photo by Visual Itineraries
Dinner during twilight at the Noa Noa restaurant. Photo by Visual Itineraries

This resort is perfect for honeymooners and couples, as it has great packages and prices included for couples to enjoy their time together in paradise. Register your honeymoon online or through your travel agent to add your honeymoon to your gifts! As part of your wedding gifts, have your family and friends contribute to paying for your activities or room upgrades to take the stress out of planning your holiday at the InterContinental.

The resort also offers room service, with breakfast served on private beaches or delivered to your floating doorstep by outrigger canoe, as well as happy hour every day between 5 and 6pm. Ensure a booking in either a beach bungalow or over water bungalow today with the InterContinental. You won’t be short of choice and luxury.