Haven’t heard of the Villa Teremoana in Bora Bora? That’s perfectly OK, it’s just been rebranded from the original – the ‘Brando Suite’, probably the most fabulous of Bora Bora’s overwater accommodations. Read on about why Villa Teremoana of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort is so great and what makes it deserve a once-in-a-lifetime holiday here.
For the uninitiated, the villa is an overwater bungalow ‘floating’ over the shimmering emerald waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. It is the best, most spacious overwater villa in the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa’s collection.
Originally made because of a burning need for cheap, hardy accommodations by three American expats in the 50s at the island of Ra’ near Moorea; overwater bungalows, Moorea’s beauty and Bora Bora’s ubiquitous lagoon changed travel and accommodations forever. Now, for families, honeymooners and romantics, a holiday in Bora Bora would be very dull without a stay in one. And for millions across the world, staying in one is a bucket-list item to be ticked off one day.
But even amongst the thousands of overwater bungalows across the Maldives, the Caribbean, Indonesia, the countries of the South Pacific, Tahiti & Her Islands and Bora Bora, the Villa Teremoana stands out head and shoulders above as a giant. Why? Because it combines almost an overwhelming amount of luxury and pampering in a stunning natural setting.
Even if it is technically ‘a hut on stilts over water’, it is breath-taking. The massive two-storey bungalow (and it is huge at nearly 3,500 sq ft, suspended over water) is a two-bedroom affair with its own 19 sq metre private swimming pool, over 1,100 sq feet of terrace area and direct access to the lagoon. Then, the villa faces the iconic Mount Otemanu with unimpeded views – guests have the pleasure of waking up to the sight of the beautiful lagoon and the mountain looming not so very far away!
It was earlier called the Brando Suite because of Hollywood actor Marlon Brando’s love affair with then-French Polynesia. He shot a film here (you might remember it, it’s called the ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’, released back in 1953) and fell in love with the place, eventually coming back here to retire. The beauty of then-Tahiti blew the Hollywood megastar away and who can blame him? As a homage to the mega-star, the most opulent accommodation at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort was named in his honour – the Brando Suite. And now, it is renamed to properly reflect the heritage of Bora Bora. Quite fitting, and we could not agree more!
From the outside, the resort’s magnum opus is set at the very end of the walkway from the beach. This guarantees over 180˚ field of view of Bora Bora’s supremely lovely lagoon from the Villa Teremoana’s huge decks and pool. Oh, the overwater villa has a 19m2 pool hanging above the lagoon – just because… The decks include sun loungers, a shaded sitting area and a freshwater shower to rinse off after a swim in the lagoon.
Inside, the lavishly-appointed living room comes with plush convertible sofa set, a six-seater dining area, an entertainment zone with a recessed flatscreen TV, a dedicated wet bar and floor-to-ceiling glass panels to soak in the views of the forest-covered Mount Otemanu and the electric-blue waters of the lagoon. There are two bedrooms connected to the living room, which keep the theme of over-the-top decadence and natural beauty running in the background. Each bedroom comes with a kingsize bed which faces a huge picture window so that guests can wake up to the sight of Mount Otemanu and the lagoon. The bedrooms have their own ensuite bathroom, each with a double bathtub, separate shower, a picture window and dual vanities and washbasins. The floor above also has a shaded deck with recliners where guests can chill with a glass of bubbly and the sights of the lagoon.
Common amenities include complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, ceiling fans, room safe, direct dial telephone, flat-screen TVs with satellite cable, Bose sound dock for iPod, hairdryer, individual wardrobes, a convertible sofa bed, fully stocked minibar, expresso machine and tea/coffee making facilities. All in all, the Villa Teremoana can accommodate up to 8 people, four adults and four children, in absolute luxury for an incredible, bucket-list holiday in Bora Bora, Tahiti.
Check out more details of the lovely InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – it’s a resort proofed with the hospitality giant’s legendary service and attention to detail, along with Bora Bora’s natural loveliness to boot. Plus, in COVID-ready times, the resort has a full suite of measures ready to keep its guests and staff healthy and happy at all times. For first-timers, we’d recommend a read of the destination to know more about all the things to do, best time to visit and so on in our Explore Tahiti page. Happy (and safe) travels!
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