The Best Hotel in Tahiti: The Intercontinental Tahiti (Hotel Review)
While most people will tell you that Tahiti is a great place for a quick stopover, let us convince you to stay on this beautiful island for more than just one night. We were told that staying 4 nights on the main island was too long, but honestly we found so many things to do which really introduced us to the incredible French Polynesian culture.
We stayed 2 nights at the Intercontinental Tahiti, which was conveniently located 2 km from Papeete International Airport. Despite the close proximity to the airport, we never were disturbed by the noise (it also helps that now during the pandemic there are less planes flying in general). Prior to arrival, we had no expectations of the resort- we were just looking for a place to relax in and sleep off the jet lag. After spending 2 nights there, it ended up one of our favourite resorts in French Polynesia and the perfect place to ease into island time.
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The International Tahiti is designed in a more traditional Polynesian style, with an open air lobby and dining facilities. We stayed in an overwater bungalow, complete with a king size bed, sitting area, and -most importantly- a dock that allowed you to jump straight into the water. You can’t get closer to the ocean than this!
There are two swimming pools and one lagoonarium on the property, and these are what truly make the resort stand out. The main pool is massive, complete with a waterfall and an infinity view. It overlooks the lagoonarium which is rich with sea life and abundant with growing coral reefs, which are planted and maintained by the resort's coral restoration project. We loved snorkeling in the lagoonarium, and spent so much time hanging out with the fishes there.
The second pool was truly the main event for us- it was a sand bottom pool!! We have never experienced swimming in one and still don’t really understand how it works but it is epic! The pool itself slopes down, so you feel like you are really entering the ocean from the sandy beach area into the pool, which overlooked the ocean and the island of Moorea. You get the whole beach experience minus the seaweed!
There is no direct beach access on the resort, but having 3 different places to swim on the property makes it even better!
We loved how spread out this resort was, and the amenities meant that you could always find a lounger and have your own space to relax in on the property. This was the perfect resort to hang out in, kick back the jet lag, and enjoy the magic of Tahiti.
COVID SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The Covid-19 pandemic safety precautions at the Intercontinental Tahiti were extensive and made us feel safe. There were temperature checks in the lobby, plexiglass installed at reception and the concierge, in addition to a mandatory mask policy. In addition to the multiple hand sanitizing stations, guests were also given their own tongs to use at the restaurant buffets to minimize the risk of high-touch areas. We were extremely comfortable staying at the resort, and were relieved to see that all staff and guests were abiding by the regulations.
INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI LOCATION
Not only is the hotel in a strategic location closeby to the airport, it is also only 10 minutes from town! We were able to drive into Papeete to shop for flower crowns at the main market, and checked out the infamous food truck scene at Les Roulette for dinner.
Our favourite black sand beach, located just past the Arahoho Blowhole, was a 40 minute drive from the hotel, and the Faarumai Waterfall just around the corner from there.
One evening we drove to the south of the island to Teahupo’o, to check out the infamous waves there. The drive is simply stunning, and we stopped at local fruit stalls along the way.
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