The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is the best place to begin or end a French Polynesia honeymoon. It sits on the lagoon in Faa'a, a few minutes from Tahiti's international airport, with overwater bungalows and an infinity pool that look straight across the channel to the jagged peaks of Moorea. After a long flight, you can be floating in the water within the hour.
Most couples treat Tahiti as a gateway rather than a destination, since flights from the US often arrive late at night or leave late in the evening. This resort turns those awkward hours into part of the honeymoon. Book an overwater bungalow for your first taste of Polynesia, or a room for a comfortable night before the morning flight to Bora Bora.
Le Lotus, the overwater gourmet restaurant and its infinity pool and swim-up bar are the social heart of the resort. Deep Nature Spa Tahiti is a 300-square-meter spa for recovering from the journey. It suits couples who want comfort and lagoon views close to the airport. It is not as secluded as the outer islands, so plan most of your nights elsewhere.
Highlights at a glance
- Overwater bungalows facing Moorea
- Le Lotus overwater restaurant and infinity pool
- Deep Nature Spa Tahiti
- A few minutes from Faa'a airport
- Ideal first or last stop in French Polynesia
Why Couples Love the InterContinental Tahiti
The view of Moorea is the headline. From the bungalows, the pool and the restaurant, the island's dramatic silhouette fills the horizon and sunsets behind it are spectacular.
Convenience matters as much. Flights from the US to Tahiti often land at night and the trip out to Bora Bora or Moorea usually happens the next day. Staying minutes from the airport means less time in transit and more time in the water.
Couples also like that it offers a taste of overwater living at a lower cost than Bora Bora. Spending a night or two in an overwater bungalow here, then moving to a beach villa elsewhere, can be a smart way to balance budget and experience.
Rooms and Bungalows to Book
Accommodation ranges from Classic and Premium rooms to Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites and overwater lagoon bungalows.
For a first or last night, a Premium room with a lagoon view gives you comfort and a glimpse of Moorea at a moderate price. For a true honeymoon moment, book an overwater bungalow: you can step from your deck into the lagoon and watch the sun set behind Moorea.
If you have a late-night arrival, ask about early check-in or book the night before so your room is ready when you land. Many couples also book a room for their final day to rest before an evening departure.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Le Lotus is the resort's overwater gourmet restaurant, with views of Moorea during daylight hours and a romantic setting at night. It is the place for a celebration dinner. A second restaurant offers more casual meals.
The Le Lotus infinity pool and swim-up bar are where guests gather in the afternoon. Grab a drink and watch the boats cross the channel to Moorea.
Deep Nature Spa Tahiti, at 300 square meters, offers treatments to ease jet lag and relax after the flight. A couples massage on arrival day helps you shift into island time.
In Papeete, try the roulottes, food trucks at Place Vai'ete, for poisson cru and local dishes in the evening.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Snorkel in the lagoon in front of the resort, then relax by the infinity pool. Book a lagoon excursion or a whale-watching trip from July to October, when humpback whales come to the waters around Tahiti.
In Papeete, visit the municipal market for flowers, pearls and pareos and walk the waterfront. Eat at the roulottes at Place Vai'ete in the evening.
Farther afield, take a 4x4 trip into the Papenoo Valley for waterfalls and lush mountain scenery, watch the sunset on the black sand at Point Venus or join a boat trip out to see the famous Teahupo'o wave on Tahiti Iti. Moorea is a short ferry ride away for a day trip.
Getting There
Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT) is about 2–3 km from the resort, a few minutes by car. The resort can arrange transfers or you can take a taxi. Air Tahiti Nui, Air France and United fly to Tahiti from the US.
From PPT, short Air Tahiti flights connect to Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a and other islands. Ferries to Moorea leave from Papeete, about 15–20 minutes from the resort by car.
If your onward flight leaves early or your arrival is late, staying here avoids rushing and lets you start the trip rested.
Is It Worth It?
As a first or last stop, yes. The InterContinental Tahiti gives you lagoon views, overwater bungalows and a strong spa minutes from the airport, which makes the journey easier and the trip feel longer.
It is not a remote retreat. It is close to the airport and Papeete and it serves many travelers in transit. Couples who want seclusion and the clearest lagoons should spend most nights on Bora Bora, Moorea or Taha'a.
For couples on a budget, a night or two in an overwater bungalow here is a cheaper way to experience the classic Polynesian room than a full stay on Bora Bora.
Good to Know
The dry season, roughly May to October, has less rain and lower humidity. November to April is warmer and wetter, with occasional storms.
Mosquitoes are present and dengue occurs in French Polynesia, so bring repellent. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
French Polynesia is expensive, so check what your rate includes. The resort welcomes families and has many travelers in transit. Bring your passport for check-in.
Insider tips
- Book the night before a late arrival so your room is ready when you land.
- Try one night in an overwater bungalow here before moving to Bora Bora.
- Eat at the Place Vai'ete roulottes in Papeete one evening.
- Book whale-watching trips between July and October.
