InterContinental Thalasso Resort Review, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
During our time at the InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora we also made use of the shuttle service between the InterContinental Thalasso Resort/a> and the InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora Resort. I did not stay at the resort overnight but decided to write a InterContinental Thalasso Resort Review.
The shuttle boat departs for its scenic drive every 2 hours. This used to be complimentary transfer but now runs roughly for a fee of ~2,200 CPF (~$20) per person RT. The ride takes about 15 minutes one-way on a small motorized boat.
The InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora Resort just looks fantastic when you approach it from the water. The two wide arcs of overwater bungalows shine in the blue lagoon and the green hills as backdrop it's breathtaking!
When dropped of at the Thalasso pier you will notice how spacious and clean the whole set up of the hotel is. Bora Bora island itself feels rather cramped but the Thalasso has wide walkways and green spaces everywhere. It is located on a tiny island that separate the ocean from the lagoon. The ocean is not swimmable - there is no safe water access on this side.
All the main buildings are on the island while the guest overwater villas are inside the lagoon.
When we arrived the 'stingray feeding' was well underway. These stingrays were truly huge and it was rather scary to see who close they came to the resorts guests that went for this. They promptly got 'bit' which is just a suction mark no stingray attack :)
To my surprise the water was not as clear as at the Intercontinental Moana, Bora Bora. Seemingly the current was also non existing which gave the water a somewhat milky look.
Unlike the Intercontinental Moana the hotel's swimming pool was excellent and free to use for guests from the Intercontinental Moana.
The hotel provides free water sports equipment such as stand up paddle boards and Kayaks for your enjoyment. After those huge sting rays right up inside the lagoon i grew quite cautious about swimming but sting rays aren't usually dangerous - so they say....
The resort has a number of restaurants and bars on the grounds - all looked fantastic. The downside is though prices are about three times what you would hope for. Dinner will cost about $100 per person and that's already taking it lightly. It' safe to triple anything you would spend in a San Francisco or New York restaurant and you arrive at the bill at the InterContinental Thalasso Resort.
The drinks service wasn't cheap though with ONE fresh coconut coming out at $10!
We had a great time enjoying the grounds for a few hours - but felt a bit trapped. Boat shuttles are available to town or the Moana but somehow the hotel did not click. It's better saved for a day trip instead of a long stay in my opinion. I loved the Intercontinental Moana, Bora Bora and felt more at home there.
You can book the InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora Resort here.