IHG and Pacific Beachcomber, the owner of several hotels in French Polynesia, announced this week that the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso will be reflagged as a Regent when the hotel reopens after renovations.
The other InterContinental in Bora Bora, Le Moana, is apparently staying under the current brand, but the Moorea one is still closed, and the Tahiti one is open (and I have stayed at them all).
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Video of the Overwater Bungalow I had at this property:
IHG’s & Pacific Beachcomber’s Announcement:
Regent Hotels & Resorts to debut in French Polynesia with signing of Regent Bora Bora
- IHG and long-standing partner Pacific Beachcomber to bring Regent’s distinctive expression of modern upper luxury to one of the world’s most iconic island destinations
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa closed on 1 June 2026 for extensive renovations and will undergo a significant transformation before reopening as Regent Bora Bora in late 2027
- The 84-villa resort will offer an exclusively overwater experience on a private motu overlooking Mount Otemanu
SYDNEY, 16 September 2026 – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed an agreement with long-standing partner Pacific Beachcomber to transform InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora. The resort closed on 1 June 2026 for extensive renovations and, following a significant transformation, will reopen as Regent Bora Bora in late 2027. The resort will mark Regent Hotels & Resorts’ debut in French Polynesia, one of the world’s most celebrated island destinations.
Set on a private motu on the eastern edge of Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon, the 84-villa resort will offer an exclusively overwater experience, with direct lagoon access and views towards Mount Otemanu and the open Pacific. The transformation will bring Regent’s distinctive expression of modern upper luxury to the destination, guided by Regent’s philosophy of uncovering fresh perspectives. The resort will blend intuitive service with immersive dining, exceptional design and meaningful experiences to connect with Polynesian culture and the extraordinary natural setting.
As a Regent, the resort will also embody signature brand hallmarks including Personal Havens, intimate spaces designed for moments of retreat and indulgence; Regent Experience Agents, providing guests with a single point of contact from pre-arrival through departure; and With Compliments, Regent’s approach to thoughtful inclusions as part of the guest experience.
Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Bora Bora is one of the world’s most extraordinary luxury destinations, making it a natural home for Regent. Together with our long-standing partner Pacific Beachcomber, we have an exceptional opportunity to transform this remarkable resort while preserving the natural beauty, Polynesian character and sense of place that make it so special.
“The most important aspect of this signing is not the brand conversion itself, but the continued confidence and partnership between Pacific Beachcomber and IHG. Our shared vision will elevate one of the most iconic resorts in the South Pacific for the next generation of luxury travellers.
“This signing reflects our selective approach to growing Regent in destinations where the brand can create something truly distinctive. With its private motu setting and exclusively overwater accommodation, Regent Bora Bora will strengthen the resort’s long-term positioning and create an exceptional new expression of luxury in the South Pacific.”Richard Bailey, Founder and Chairman, Pacific Beachcomber, said:
“Our partnership with IHG spans more than two decades, and we are delighted to embark on this next chapter together with Regent. Bora Bora demands a very particular kind of luxury, one that respects the extraordinary natural environment and remains deeply connected to Polynesian culture. Regent’s understated and highly personalised approach is beautifully aligned with that vision, and we look forward to creating an experience that is both exceptional and authentically of this place.”
Sustainability will remain an important part of the resort’s story as it transitions to Regent Bora Bora. The property was the first hotel in the world to implement a seawater air-conditioning system, using naturally cold water drawn from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to cool the resort. The innovative system has reduced the electricity otherwise required for air conditioning and refrigeration by around 90%, significantly lowering the resort’s energy requirements.
The system will continue to operate as part of Regent Bora Bora, preserving one of the property’s most important sustainability innovations through its transformation and next chapter.
Regent Bora Bora will further expand Regent Hotels & Resorts’ growing global portfolio, joining hotels and resorts in some of the world’s most compelling destinations, including Hong Kong, Santa Monica, Phu Quoc, Cannes, Shanghai and Bali.
Conclusion
This is now a third InterContinental hotel that IHG is reflagging under its Regent brand (Hong Kong and Cannes were the previous ones).
Bora Bora, and French Polynesia in general, is a charming place and much easier to get to from North America than the Seychelles or Maldives, now that there are more flights to Papeete from the US.
It is just sad to see these flagship IC’s being converted under the Regent brand.
