One of the world’s most beautiful and aspirational travel destinations, Tahiti and her islands, will soon offer a fourth InterContinental resort. Construction of the luxurious InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora has commenced, with an opening scheduled for May 2006 – making InterContinental Hotels Group the largest international luxury hotel operator in French Polynesia.

Located near Motu Reef on the eastern fringe of Bora Bora’s lagoon, InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora will feature 80 overwater Villas – each over 100 square metres – and 12 day rooms. The development represents an investment of US$65 million (A$87.3 million) by owner, Tahiti Beachcomber Société Anonyme (TBSA).

TBSA also owns the three existing resorts managed by InterContinental Hotels Group in French Polynesia, including InterContinental Resort Tahiti, InterContinental Resort Moorea and InterContinental Moana Beach Bora Bora. Over the last five years TBSA has invested US$50 million (A$67.2 million) into the refurbishment of these three properties to maintain their positioning as French Polynesia’s leading luxury resorts.

“French Polynesia is a destination of international appeal, and one that is worthy of investment – we have already seen strong returns on improvements to the existing hotels. I believe that the InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora will set the benchmark for high value luxury accommodation in one of the world’s most idyllic settings,” said TBSA Chief Executive, Richard H. Bailey.

InterContinental Hotels Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, A. Patrick Imbardelli said: “InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora will be a brand-defining luxury resort, encapsulating the essence of the brand – elegance, style, world-class service and cultural insight. This resort will raise the bar for luxury accommodation offerings in this market, making it the location of choice for our customers in French Polynesia and joining the world’s most iconic InterContinental hotels and resorts.”

Overlooking the clear azure waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, each of the new resort’s overwater Villas will feature separate bedroom and living areas with walk-in robes and spacious bathrooms. Guests won’t even need to leave their rooms to enjoy the idyllic setting, with each Villa featuring an expansive private terrace and separate bathing deck.

The Villas will also use a unique, environmentally sensitive air conditioning system that uses seawater to cool the air, eliminating the use of hydrochloride fluoro carbons and reducing energy usage by 80%.

InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora will also feature the exclusive Moana spa and a unique Balneotherapy and Thalassotherapy centre designed by Dr. Yves Treguer, creator of Monaco’s Thermal Baths – a unique offering in one of the world’s most aspirational destinations.

Similar to other InterContinental hotels and resorts around the world, InterContinental Resort & Spa Bora Bora will introduce a range of unique products and services tailored for the InterContinental guests. These include In An Instant so that guests can have all queries answered at a touch of a button; Global Connections to enable international travellers to keep in touch with their business and home with consistent technology connectivity; Around The Clock service that ensures guests' needs are met, irrespective of the time (24-hour Room Service, Valet Service, Gym/Health Club and Business Centre); and Little Things That Make A Difference such as a Jetlag Recovery Kit or Instant Money, a local currency pack or even the Insider Concierge to help guests discover the destination conveniently and easily.