InterContinental Bora Bora le Moana Resort5

This intimate resort enchants guests with its secluded atmosphere and authentic Polynesian hospitality—a world away from the sprawling, impersonal chain hotels. Its trump cards are the unique setting on Matira Point and the personal involvement of general manager Laurence, who warmly welcomes arriving guests. Visitors especially love the ability to step into the turquoise lagoon directly from overwater terraces, where rays and tropical fish teem below. That said, some note sluggish service in the restaurants and bar, plus thoroughly tired bungalow interiors.

Key Observations

Hands-on management: Manager Laurence and her team earn a flood of praise for genuine warmth, personal greetings, and helping craft special moments—whether a honeymoon or anniversary.

Main-island advantage: Unlike isolated resorts on remote motu islets, the hotel sits on Bora Bora’s main island, giving guests freedom: supermarkets, car rental, and affordable local eateries are right nearby.

Your own underwater world: The space beneath overwater bungalows is a living aquarium—guests routinely spot spotted eagle rays, octopus, boxfish, and even reef sharks from their decks.

Leisurely bar service: Guests repeatedly complained about slow staff at the pool and bar—waiting 20–45 minutes for orders, even when the place wasn't full.

Main Pros

• Stunning lagoon and Mount Otemanu views, especially from bungalows at the end of the pontoon.
• Complimentary use of kayaks, SUPs, and quality snorkelling gear.
• Literally next door to Matira Beach—one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.
• Superb Saturday Polynesian dance show with a varied buffet.
• Romantic touches like a bottle of champagne at check-in for honeymooners.

Main Cons

• Very pricey boat transfer to and from Bora Bora airport.
• Outdated furniture and interior elements in the bungalows that need refreshing.
• Slow, sometimes disorganised service in the resort’s restaurants (mixed-up orders, forgotten drinks).
• Shallow depth under some overwater villas makes jumping in unsafe—you have to use the ladder.

Overall Grade: A-

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name – InterContinental Bora Bora le Moana Resort
• Address – Matira Point, BP 156 Vaitape, Bora Bora, 98730, French Polynesia
• Contact – +689-40-604900, [email protected]
• Number of rooms – approximately 60
• Positioning & category – Secluded five-star premium resort, with an emphasis on authentic Polynesian style and personalised service

Description: The resort comprises 60 bungalows (some set on the beach, some on stilts over the water) decorated in a traditional Tahitian style with abundant wood, bamboo, and thatch. A striking feature of the overwater bungalows is the glass-topped coffee table in the living room, through which you can watch fish glide past and feed them. Guests enjoy a wide range of water activities, including the celebrated ‘canoe breakfast’ delivered right to the villa’s dock.

Target Audience: The hotel is ideal for honeymooning couples, anniversary celebrants, and romantic travellers who value an authentic atmosphere and want access to the island’s infrastructure rather than total isolation.

Location & Transport

Location: The resort occupies a picturesque spot on Matira Point at the southern end of Bora Bora’s main island. It’s a quiet, secluded nook, sheltered from strong winds on the beach side, though the overwater villa side can feel breezy at times.

Key Points of Interest: Matira Public Beach is literally across the road (a 2-minute walk). Supermarkets, car, scooter, and bicycle rentals are all within walking distance. The popular Bloody Mary’s restaurant is about a 30-minute walk away.

Transport: The hotel offers a boat transfer directly from the airport to its own dock, but the price is eye-watering. Some travellers take the free Air Tahiti ferry to Vaitape and then a taxi to the hotel, which works out much cheaper.

Walkability: The surrounding area is excellent for strolling. Guests can easily walk to local cafés, souvenir shops, and the beach.

Grade: A

Rooms & Cleanliness

Villas are spacious, clean, and bright, with very comfortable beds and great linens. Panoramic windows frame breathtaking sunrise or gasp-inducing sunset views. On the downside, guests note some worn furniture, heavy terrace doors, and the lack of a curtain or screen in the shower area in some rooms. The glass floor panel in the living room never fails to thrill every guest.

Grade: B+

Service

The staff’s attitude earns kind words: concierges Vai and Thibaud are professional and patient when booking excursions, while waitresses Oceane and Lena surround guests with care at dinner. The overall picture, however, is slightly marred by lethargy and minor mix-ups at the pool bar, as well as slow responses to requests for beach towels.

Grade: B+

Dining

Breakfast (buffet) offers a good selection with an egg station, fresh fruit, and pastries. The main restaurant, Noa Noa, delights with French and local dishes, and the Saturday traditional dance show is rated by guests as one of the best on Bora Bora. On ordinary evenings, however, the dinner menu feels limited, and prices in the restaurants are considered overblown compared to excellent eateries and food trucks just outside the resort.

Grade: B

Facilities & Amenities

On site there is a freshwater pool, a billiard table, a relaxation area, and a private sandy beach. Kayaks, SUP boards, and snorkelling gear (fins and masks) are provided free of charge. There is no spa at Le Moana itself, but guests can book a massage or take the complimentary boat to the superb Deep Ocean Spa at the sister InterContinental Thalasso resort. Wi‑Fi quality draws complaints from time to time.

Grade: B+

Important Notes

• Mandatory festive dinners apply on Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December)—they are automatically added to the bill, even on award stays booked with loyalty points.
• Check-out time is fairly early—11:00. Late check-out is at the management’s discretion and not guaranteed.
• The boat transfer from the airport is expensive, so it’s worth researching the alternative route via Vaitape in advance.

Practical Tips for Guests

• Book an overwater bungalow at the very end of the pontoon—they guarantee maximum privacy and an unbroken sunrise view.
• If the wind picks up on the overwater side, decamp to Matira Beach across the road: this side of the point is usually well sheltered and the water is as calm as a pool.
• Definitely make use of the free kayaks to paddle to the nearby Coral Garden—the best snorkelling in the area awaits you there.
• Don’t limit yourself to hotel dinners: excellent local eateries and food trucks within walking distance serve fresh seafood at far more approachable prices.

Final Verdict

The resort delivers an intimate, authentic Polynesian fairy tale with an unbeatable setting on Bora Bora’s main island. Despite tired room stock and leisurely restaurant service, the hotel leaves you with unforgettable emotions and a direct connection to nature.

Overall Grade: A-

Breakdown: Location: A | Rooms: B+ | Service: B+ | Dining: B | Facilities: B+ | Value for Money: B+

Best for: Romantic couples, honeymooners, and those who cherish seclusion but still want the freedom to explore the main island.

Not for: Fans of ultra-modern hi‑tech design, and guests who expect instantaneous, drill‑sharp service in the dining areas.