Are you looking for a candid InterContinental Tahiti review? You’ve come to the right place! After our first visit to The Islands of Tahiti I want to give you an in-depth look at our experience, showcasing what we loved about this property. So let’s dig in and start at the moment we arrived…
As the doors of our van slid open, Tahiti welcomed us with all our senses.
The smell of the salty air. The morning warm breeze off the ocean, the heat that wraps itself around you in a warm myst. Only a few hours ago, we were in the middle of a Canadian winter and now we were here, in Tahiti, soaking in all of the sights and sounds as we stepped into the main foyer of the InterContinental Tahiti.
The logical step would have been to check in and drop off our luggage, you know, the standard arrival protocol.
But then we saw it.
The view at the end of the lobby practically reached out and grabbed us, pulling us to the balcony edge. We dropped our bags with the concierge, exchanged a quick glance that said “we’ll deal with logistics in a minute,” and walked. Then we ran.
As we stepped out onto the terrace, all of us were reaching for our phones, our cameras, whatever device we could grab. We couldn’t help it. We had to capture this — not because we needed content, but because we couldn’t quite believe the view on the horizon in front of us.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen in my life.
The resort’s stunning infinity pool stretched out before us. Beyond that, the lagoon — their lagoononarium, complete with a living turtle sanctuary where these ancient, graceful creatures moved through the water. Further out, the overwater bungalows sat perched on the water. And then, in the distance, rising up against the backdrop like a painting someone had placed there specifically: Moorea.
We were giddy in disbelief. It was more magical than anything we ever could have imagined.
This was the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa. And we hadn’t even checked in yet.
Why This Resort Matters
We came to Tahiti for the first time, and the InterContinental was our first stop. Only ten minutes from the Fa’a’ā International Airport (depending on traffic, it’s only 1.3 miles or 2.1 km), you quickly traverse through the city and then up around the corner are in a beautiful Tahitian retreat. The overwater bungalows. Moorea in the distance. It hits different in person.
But here’s the thing — it wasn’t actually the view that changed everything for me. It was the people.
I expected nature in Tahiti to be incredible. I had bought all the guidebooks and researched the animals and the best places for photos. But what surprised me was the culture itself. The people of Tahiti were so welcoming, not because it was their job, but it’s because it’s a part of their culture. Each greeting was a sign of mutual respect, I see and welcome you, and you see, and welcome me… therefore demonstrating a reciprocal gesture of care and intent. It’s a real human connection, not a transaction. And from that, many other deeper connections and conversations bloomed.
And that energy is everywhere on this property. The front desk. The concierge. The person opening your car door. The housekeepers. The restaurant staff. Every single person is genuinely committed to making you feel welcome.
I came for the scenery. I’m left with something deeper — the feeling of being welcomed into a culture that actually values human connection. That’s what stays with you.
The Room That Wasn’t Really About the Room
Walking through the hallways of the InterContinental, you notice it immediately — this place is built with traditional Polynesian architecture mixed with modern comfort. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. There are carvings down the hallways, thatched roofs, and beautiful Tahitian gardens around the property. The rooms were updated with modern amenities, intentionally simple, clean, and beautiful.
We had two rooms — the girls in one, the boys in another — both with king beds, making for the perfect sleepover. Honestly though? The rooms were great, but no one was spending much time in them. With views out over the beach, across to Moorea, and out to sea life in the distance, we soaked it all in on that deck.
Our stomachs quickly reminded us that, as much as we were fueled by the view, it needed feeding. So we put on our sunscreen and headed out to breakfast before our first day of adventures.
Breakfast: Te Tiare Restaurant
When you walk into the Te Tiare Restaurant for breakfast, the first thing you hear is”La’Orana” or “Welcome” in Tahitian. The host follows up with an English greeting, hearing our language and connecting with us to help guide us to our table. Fun fact: most Tahitians speak 4 languages, English, French, Spanish, and of course, Tahitian!
She asked us where we wanted to sit, leaving the difficult decision to us. With poolside tables for two and larger, comfortable booths in the back, there were so many great seats to choose from. We opted for one in the middle, close enough that we could still see the view, also in arm’s reach to the opulent buffet.
This buffet was the largest buffet I’ve ever seen, and beautifully presented. Options included:
- European-style cheeses and meats.
- Pastries. Muffins, Breads
- A salad bar
- Hot foods, including eggs, pancakes, and potatoes
- Custom Omlette Station
- Fresh fruits
- Yogurt and a granola bar
- And more!
As someone with allergies, they had dedicated spaces for gluten-free food, and staff were able to accommodate our needs. My daughter has a more serious allergy to peanuts, and communicating this wasn’t as easy as I would have liked, so next time I’m going to bring a printed card with her allergy explained in a few different languages to help bridge the communication challenge.
After we loaded our plates and filled our glasses with fresh juices, we settled into our chairs, our hungry eyes ready to devour what would only be our first round of food! Eighteen hours earlier, we were in Vancouver. Rain. Winter. The kind of grey that settles into your bones. And now? Now we’re sitting poolside at breakfast, looking out over Moorea, each of us eating our favourite breakfast foods, being welcomed by the most kind-hearted Tahitians.
We’d dreamed about this trip for over a decade. And there we were, living it. All four of us just soaking it in — the food, the view, the people, the moment. That’s when the gratitude hits. Not later. Right then, at the breakfast table.
Intercontinental Tahiti Turtle Sanctuary – Te Mana O Te Moana
After breakfast, we headed straight down to the Lagoonarium. And honestly, this is what separates the InterContinental from every other resort in Tahiti — they have an actual turtle rehabilitation center and sanctuary center on-property.
Te mana o te moana is an association that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Polynesian marine environment, including sea turtles. They work in partnership with the Direction of the Environment of French Polynesia to identify sea turtles requiring care and transfer them to the rehabilitation center for care.
The lagoonarium is located right in front of the Te Taire Infinity pool. The first thing that hits you is how beautiful the setting is. The water is clear and a bright indigo blue, with natural coral reefs, white sand, and palm trees looking down over the water. And then one of the turtles will pop their head out to say hello, and the excitement goes into the stratosphere.
Te mana o te moana had two green sea turtles in residence. One had an air pocket and could no longer dive underwater. So the staff put a sunproof t-shirt on him in the day so he didn’t get a sunburn! The other turtle had sustained a leg injury from being caught in a net and was being treated with hopes of being returned to Mother Ocean soon.
The center also had 8 baby turtles who needed support so they could grow strong and be released when they were ready. There were little numbers on their shells (with #7 being my favourite), and watching those tiny creatures made you realize how important this work actually is.
The center invites you to learn more about the sea turtles, their life cycle, and the challenges they face by attending one of their educational tours. They take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30 – 2:30, and on Saturdays from 9:30 – 10:30. The cost for the tour is 1,500 xpf per person over 12 an 500 xpf per person under 12.
Lagoonarium
The Lagoonarium is connected to the ocean, allowing the sea animals to come and go as they please. Every time you visit, you never know what you’re going to see as it’s always changing. And guests are allowed to snorkel in the oceanside portion of the lagoonarium. (which is separate from where the turtles are)
Photographer’s Tip: There’s a small motu (small island) in the middle of the lagoonarium, and it’s best to head down to the bridge and motu first thing in the morning. The sun rises over the resort, lighting up the lagoon and surrounding area with the most beautiful golden hues. The palm trees reflect perfectly off the lagoon surface, and there are often very few guests milling around, making for the perfect shots.
Food & Dining at Intercontinental Resort
Le Lotus — The Overwater Restaurant
If you’re looking for a romantic culinary experience, make a reservation at Le Lotus. This overwater bungalow is open daily from 12-2pm and 6pm-9:30 inviting you to indulge on food that is as delicious as the scenery that surrounds it.
Intimate and elegant, French Chef Bruno Oger is passionate about serving guests fresh Tahitian cuisine for a truly gastronomic experience. We didn’t get a chance to visit this (didn’t make time for romance on our family vacation), but next time we will, as it looks like delicious food in a stunning setting.
Algotherm Spa
If I’m being honest, the Alogotherm Spa is an experience I wish I had indulged in at the InterContinental Tahiti. Located on site in the heart of their tropical gardens, their spa invites you to relax and experience the oasis. With steam baths and plunge pools to enjoy before or after your treatment, I could see investing in a half-day experience of pure bliss at the spa!
Their service menu is full of unique experiences that make it hard to narrow down to just one! Here are some of their signature experiences that caught my eye:
Tahitian Wave
“With a back-and-forth motion reminiscent of ocean tides, experience sublime relaxation. A gentle scrub prepares the body for this rhythmic massage combining Lomi Lomi with Polynesian know-how. The result soothes the achy or tired muscles and realigns energy flow to achieve total nirvana.”
Bora Bora Bliss Massage
“This traditional Polynesian technique treats guests from head to toe with a sensual and relaxing full-body rubdown using local Monoï oil and tropical scents.”
Polynesian Taurumi Massage
“Relaxing and spiritual, this treatment creates harmony between the body and spirit. Harnessing Polynesian tradition and combining touch and petrissage massage technique, it is a multi-faceted therapy that restores inner wellbeing.”
And that’s actually the bigger lesson Tahiti taught me. You can’t do it all in one trip. There’s always something waiting for your next visit. Tahiti isn’t a bucket-list destination you check off and move on from. It’s a place you want to return to again and again.
The Algotherm Spa will be waiting.
Adventures: Why You Don’t Stay At The Resort
I came to Tahiti to experience that magic of the Islands, and the InterContinental’s location makes that possible. With its close proximity to downtown Papeete and the ability to hop on the freeway and head south down the island, the InterContinental is the perfect basecamp for those who like adventure-seeking. You can be poolside in the morning and back before dinner.
Papeete Market & Downtown Tour
Our first adventure was a half-day tour with Manava Tours — run by Mana and his wife Vanessa. Vanessa was our first host when we landed in Tahiti as she met us at the arrivals gate with a huge sign that said “Savage Family.” Mana was our guide for our whole time on the island of Tahiti, giving us that well-taken care of, full-service experience. Mana and Vanessa were AMAZING hosts, connecting with each member of our family and allowing us to customize our tours to meet our needs (like when I realized I needed to stop at a bank for cash!)
Our first adventure in Papeete started off at 10 am when Mana picked us up from our hotel and took us to the bustling Papeete Market. Local artisans sell everything from crafts to jewelry, to floral arrangements, and local farmers and fishermen sell food and fish.
Pro tip: don’t just walk the ground floor of the market. Go upstairs. Check out the shops on the outside, too (and capture photos from above). There’s so much to explore, and honestly, I could have spent the whole day there just watching people, talking to artisans, capturing photos, and understanding Tahitian culture through their work.
After the market, we went through downtown Papeete in search of the perfect Tahitian bathing suit, because I have an obsession with bathing suits and wanted to get one from Tahiti! We worked our way through all the shops, including Quicksilver, Rip Curl, and Oneill. It was fun exploring the city with a local guide who could explain the culture of the city, point out interesting facts, murals, and history, and also make sure we got to go shopping in our favourite stores.
After walking through the bustling downtown city streets, Mana invited us to visit an urban escape – Les Jardines de la Reine. Translated into English, this means, “The Queen’s garden,” and Mana toured us through the beautifully manicured gardens, pointing out the stunning hibiscus flowers and a gigantic banyan tree. We met an eel in one of the protected ponds and many pieces of art, sculpted from volcanic rock. It was only a short 10-minute walk through the garden and one of our favourite parts about our visit to Papeete. (Highly recommend!)
Snorkeling Tour In Papeete
I feel like all guests who visit The Islands of Tahiti should be required to go snorkeling. With the beautiful scenery on land, it’s easy to assume that’s it, but below water unveils a whole inspiring world filled with all-new characters and scenery that is worth experiencing.
After a short drive from our hotel, we were introduced to Captain Keanu from Tahiti Snorkeling & Whale Tours. We boarded his boat to head out into the lagoon. Within minutes of leaving the dock, we were on a sandbar in water so blue it looked like Crayola invented the color turquoise after seeing this water. We threw on our snorkels and were quickly welcomed by a local stingray who came over to say hello.
Sailing off to our next snorkeling spot, this was the first time we were able to look out over the island of Tahiti from the water. Lush green jungles made up for 90% of the terrain, with small houses along the shoreline. Thatched-roof houses, proud palm trees, and locals buzzing by in their boats, waving a hello as they passed. Tahiti was a mix of bustling activity and calm seas, all in one setting.
Once we were close to our next stop, we started spotting turtles. We were all standing up and pointing out different directions in the water as we saw little heads pop up for air. Keanu tied us up to a buoy and had to stop us from jumping in. “Hang on, you guys. I know you’re excited, but I need you to pay attention to the safety briefing before we swim next to them.”
Here we were worried that these were the only turtles we’d see all day. As it turned out, after we were in the water, we lost count of how many we saw!
As strong swimmers and an excellent guide, we were given the opportunity to swim through a strong current to the other side of the lagoon. Once there, we could see a family of 8 eagle rays gliding through the water. I could hear a muffled squeal from my daughter as she yelled into her snorkel and pointed at the beautiful rays.
Our last stop on the tour was another surprise for the kids, a visit to “The Aquarium” at Faaa, which includes a sunken airplane, a sunken ship, and even a sunken chair and desk. A rock heart formation next to the plane summarized the experience of our first day underwater in Tahiti: a symbol of love for the place, a passion for the people, and a day filled with unique and unexpected experiences.
Snorkeling with whales – For my next trip to Tahiti, I hope to go snorkeling with whales with Tahiti Snorkel and Whale tour! Best seen between July and November, this is one of the rare places in the world where this is still possible.
Tahiti Iti — The Full Day Tour
Our last big adventure was a full-day tour to Tahiti Iti — (little Tahiti), the smaller island to the south of Tahiti. We drove about an hour and a half south to meet up with our guide Matahi from Tahiti Boat Excursions & Surf, and then spent the whole day on the water exploring Tahiti Iti.
Our guide Mathi kicked off the day with a great playlist, featuring everything from classic rock to 1950s sing-along songs, setting the scene. We cruised along the south side of the island, watching the colours of the lagoon change to different colours of teal as the depth below the boat transitioned through the water. The farther south we moved, the more remote the island felt, as roads and houses dwindled, to a point where it was just the wild Tahitian land up against the lagoon.
Our first stop was a fish farm, where we were invited to snorkel. Above the water, it didn’t look like there was much to see, but once we had our masks on, a school of 10,000 fish was just below us, a shocking surprise to say the least!
Next stop was Teahupoo — the famous Olympic surfing spot from the 2024 Summer Olympics. We didn’t try surfing ourselves, but it was neat to see people out catching waves on this iconic site.
Where we did stop, though, was in the remote lands of Fenua Aihere, inside the Grotto of Vaipoiri, where we got to go inside the freshwater cave and look back out onto the ocean!
My favourite excursion of the whole day, though, was when we stopped in Vaiau River and got to play Jane and Tarzan as we jumped off trees and swung down over the river on a rope. I went multiple times, loving the buzz of flying through the air! We enjoyed a nice, long break in this area, sipping drinks and nibbling on treats while standing in the river, watching the fish go by.
As if our day hadn’t been action-packed enough, Matahi spotted something on the horizon as we headed back to the basecamp for lunch. Dolphin fins! Unfortunately, he was the only one who spotted them, and once he did, they were gone. But Matahi wanted us to see them, so he stayed in the area for 8 or so minutes and the dolphins came over to us and said hello, jumping at the front of our boat and showing off their spinner dolphin tricks!
We had been scheduled to have lunch on the sandbar island, but the rain had come in. Torrential downpour of rain. The kind that makes you feel like you’re standing in a shower even though you’re fully clothed and outside! We gathered our belongings and ran to the restaurant, only 100 feet from the dock.
Soaking wet and laughing, we ducked into the entrance of the restaurant and dropped our stuff at the table. Hungry after our full day out on the water, the chef had prepared a beautiful display of food. Steak, chicken, tuna, salads, fruit, rice, and more. Healthy and fueling, we felt spoiled as we dug into our plates, savouring this delicious fare.
It was the perfect ending to our time in Tahiti Iti. Wet, wild, real.
Intercontinental Tahiti – Your Perfect Hub
One of the biggest reasons the InterContinental works so well is simple logistics. You’re ten minutes from downtown Papeete. You’re five minutes from the airport. But here’s what matters more than the distance: what those ten and five minutes actually mean.
You can land, get to the resort, and feel like you’ve left the world behind. But you haven’t — not really. You’re still close enough that exploring the city is easy. Close enough that booking a tour and heading out on an adventure takes minutes, not hours. You’re not spending half your day in transit. You’re actually spending it on adventure-seeking!
Whether you want to experience urban Papeete — the markets, the shops, the culture of the city itself — or whether you want to head south and get completely out of the chaos, you can do both from here. It’s your hub. Everything branches out from it, but you’ve still got that peaceful resort to come home to.
Some people skip Tahiti entirely, using it as a stopover as they make their way to other islands. But if you actually visit Papeete and book a couple of tours and explore, you realize Tahiti has so much to offer. The InterContinental is positioned perfectly to let you discover that.
Who This Property Is Perfect For
This resort is perfect for families, groups, and couples. The resort has a wonderful selection of amenities — the pools, the restaurants, the spa — but with that beach resort feel and easy access to everything. You’re not stuck at the property, but you’re never far from it either. It works for people who want both relaxation and adventure, without having to choose.
InterContinental Resort Map
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
Anytime is a good time to visit Tahiti — it depends on what you want to experience. If you’re hoping to see humpback whales, plan your trip for whale season, which runs July to November. Otherwise, come whenever it works for your schedule and I recommend booking during the off-season to capitalize on savings.
What to Pack
Pack less. Seriously. You don’t need much in Tahiti other than light clothing and a bathing suit. Save yourself the hassle of heavy luggage.
One thing I’d strongly recommend: bring your own snorkel and mask. Yes, rentals are available, but having your own gear means you’re not relying on anyone else, and if you like being in the water — which you will — you’ll use it constantly. Invest in good equipment.
Eco-Friendly Travel
These are tiny islands. They need protecting. Here’s how to travel consciously:
Bring a refillable water bottle. The tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and there are refill stations throughout the island. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen — but also ask your resort what they provide. Most resorts have sunscreen available poolside, which saves you $30–$50 on a single bottle. We used the resort’s sunscreen, and it was a huge cost-saving.
Don’t bring single-use items. Be mindful of trash. The less you leave behind, the better it is for the island. If you plan to bring it, plan to bring it home with you!
Coming Home Different
We came to Tahiti knowing it was a dream we’d been holding onto for a long time. A bucket list trip. The kind of thing you save up for, plan for, and hope lives up to the hype.
And then we walked into the InterContinental lobby, saw Moorea across the water, and something shifted. We realized immediately — this was going to exceed every expectation we’d ever had. It set the tone for everything that followed.
The views are extraordinary. The ecosystem is stunning. But what actually transformed the trip was the people and the culture. The genuine welcome. The way Tahitians share their island is not as a transaction, but as an invitation. That’s what stays with you.
Staying at the InterContinental wasn’t just the right choice — it was the perfect launchpad for all of it. The location, the hospitality, the access to real adventures, and the people who work there who invited you into their home.
We came home different. And it’s not a bucket list trip anymore. It’s a place we’re already planning to return to. Because now we know these people. Now we’ve felt this culture. And we want to come back and experience it again.
That’s the real magic of Tahiti.
Disclosure: While we were hosted on this stay and experiences these words, images, and experiences are our own.
