When you think of the perfect family vacation, the dreamy island of Bora Bora may not be the first place that comes to mind.  Well I’m here to tell you that it should be!  Sure it’s a bit of a schlep to reach this little slice of paradise, but once you are there you will quickly shake out the travel cramps and thank your lucky stars!

The longest part of your journey will be your flight to Papeete, Tahiti, which is accessible via direct flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Once in Tahiti, it’s a short walk to the domestic terminal for a 40 -minute flight to Bora Bora.  If you have little ones in tow, it might be a good idea to book a night or two in Tahiti to break up the travel and help them adjust to the time change.

 

 

Divine Accomodations

Bora Bora is best known for its divine overwater bungalows, some of the most unique and luxurious hotel rooms in the world.  Everything about them spells off-the-grid, privacy, romance, adventure- and in the case of family travel- fun!  At the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, the overwater villas are so spacious and lavish that they simply cannot be called bungalows. Book one of only four, two-bedroom Teremoana Suites on property for the ultimate family escape.  Both bedrooms are outfitted with sumptuous king-size beds overlooking a wall of windows with direct views of Mt Otemanu for the most memorable sunsets!

 

Head up to the second floor, where you will find a loft with a work-space and private solarium.  Or lounge on the expansive deck with your own private pool and direct access to the turquoise waters of the lagoon. The villa is complete with two large bathrooms built to pamper – heated toilet seats, rain shower heads, and stand-alone bathtubs with lagoon views make a trip to the bathroom just another part of your island getaway.  A stay at the Teremoana suite also comes with a variety of perks- a minibar stocked daily with snacks and beverages; 3 different safes, including a large one that can accommodate laptops and camera equipment; complimentary breakfast and daily treats served at your villa.

 

Amazing Amenities

The InterContinental Bora Bora is a great place for families because the resort and the kind staff make it easy for guests to be flexible, meaning you can do as much or as little as you like to ensure sure your time away fits your vacation needs.  The resort prides itself in being true to the nature of Bora Bora, so you can experience lush landscaping and an authentic Polynesian feel throughout.  You will find a Secret Garden of Love, a tropical version of the Pont des Arts in Paris, where you can choose which of the five Polynesian love spirits would best define and protect your relationship, and attach a lock to the respective palm tree.

 

The hotel property boasts a sizable infinity pool with panoramic beach and ocean views.  Located at the heart of the property is the Deep Ocean Spa, an award-winning  tranquil oasis where you can enjoy one of their signature Polynesian treatments while overlooking a lagoon abounding with sea life. And for ultimate relaxation, you can soak in the outdoor jacuzzi or use one of the steam baths.

Little ones are also looked after at the InterContinental Bora Bora. They are welcomed with in room gifts, such as sand toys, treats and candies, and a “Planet Trekkers” booklet with activities and games to play during their stay.  But the true appeal to children, and in turn for families, is the plethora of adventures that Bora Bora and the InterContinental have to offer.

 

 

Adventure & Activities

Traveling as a family often requires a bit more planning, to ensure that your children will have age-appropriate activities and entertainment available.  But you can rest easy when you head to Bora Bora, the InterContinental Bora Bora has a myriad of offerings that are sure to keep every member of your family engaged.  The Dive Center on property makes it a breeze to gear up for all of your aquatic adventures, like snorkeling in the Lagoonarium, a snorkeling excursion with reef sharks and stingrays, or a dive excursion.

 

The treasure hunt excursion is a great way to incorporate boating and snorkeling for kids with an exciting search for clues that will end with a prize.

Want to experience the crystal blue waters from above?  Book a jet ski tour, a sunset cruise, or go even higher for aerial views of Bora Bora from a helicopter.  For more local-inspired activities, authentic Polynesia events, such as crown braiding, raw fish preparation, and coconut shows, are held daily by the pool.

After an action-packed day, settle in at the Sunset Theater to watch a magical Bora Bora sunset, while the kids build sand castles on the beach.

 

Delectable Dining

The cuisine at the InterContinental Bora Bora is as varied and engaging as the activities.  The Reef Restaurant serves breakfast and themed dinner buffets in an indoor-outdoor dining Polynesian-inspired setting.  Or bury your toes in the sand as you dine at the Sands Restaurant with direct views of Mt Otemanu.  Sands restaurant serves a variety of gourmet and seafood dishes, paired with creative cocktails, and it often has live music.  For a truly intimate dining experience, book a table at Le Corail Restaurant, where you can enjoy a degustation menu of fine French cuisine and accompany it with a bottle of wine from the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia. You may want to book a babysitter for this one though; unfortunately, you will not find kid-friendly options on the set menu.  However, all other dining outlets on property offer a proper kids’ menu with a good variety of choices.

 

Our family was lucky enough to have spent four nights at this gorgeous resort in October.  We felt very well cared for, entirely safe in terms of the precautions that were being taken for COVID-19, and we had a very enjoyable stay as a family.  We are grateful for the memories we made during our visit, and we hope to have a chance to return someday.  Because after all, you shouldn’t have to choose between a family vacation and a vacation in paradise, when you can have both at the InterContinental Bora Bora!

 

For more information on the Intercontinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa, visit their website HERE, or visit Tahiti Tourisme for details on visiting French Polynesia.

Considering Moorea, read about our stay at the Hilton Moorea.