Intercontinental Thalasso Spa: Deep Ocean Spa

The Intercontinental Thalasso Spa caught my attention because I often meet visitors in Bora Bora who say that the Thalasso is the best spa in Bora Bora.

Many guests at other resorts book a session at the Deep Ocean Spa. A couple we talked to during a stay at the Maitai strolled down the road to the Le Moana and boarded the Intercontinental's shuttle boat to get to across to the sister resort. We met guests at Le Meridian walking down the motu track to soak in the Intercontinental Spa.

This unique spa offers health benefits from mineral-rich water drawn from more than 800 meters under the sea. The treatments, and the sublime setting, have been appreciated by many thousands of travelers.

The Intercontinental Thalasso Spa was named Most Innovative Spa of the Year by Asia Spa Awards in 2011. And well-heeled readers of Conde Nast Travel voted it their 2nd favorite hotel spa in Australasia and the South Pacific in 2011.

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The lush grounds at the Thalasso Spa

The glowing Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa reviews had us eager to experience this ocean of well-being. So we took the opportunity when the weather turned overcast and windy, during a stay at the Le Moana. We were there to celebrate new year in Bora Bora so it was the end of December, the beginning of the rainy season. We accepted that every day might not be a perfect beach day. Deciding that a spa visit is a perfect wet weather activity, we took the free shuttle boat across to the Thalasso.

On entering the expansive reception area of the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa we were greeted by a row of flowing seawater drinking fountains. Julie, who was overseeing the spa, suggested we sample it's minerals. After we filled out a questionnaire she showed us around the treatment rooms.

Flowing deep sea water drinking fountains in the foyer

First she explained the relaxing pearl rain massage.

This combines the benefits of gentle massage, with oils, and the relaxing effects of a fine rain of warm seawater.

Next we saw the deep sea hydro-massage bath.

Hundreds of jets bubble out deep sea water to stimulate the circulation, improve the oxygenation of the tissues and relax muscles and joints.

The serene massage rooms are over water with glass flooring to view the lagoon life during the session. The couple's massage room has a spa bath festooned with flowers.

The over-water massage rooms

The view from the massage bed!

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Julie described the signature Bora Bora Deep Blue Massage which includes a moisturizing oil effleurage of marine purses followed by a gentle, relaxing Polynesian massage.

The afternoon spa schedule was busy, so we booked for the next morning. But we were able to enjoy half day access to the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa grounds. As Julie showed us around the inviting facilities we saw how pleasurable it would be to while away the afternoon. She gave us a traditional woven basket containing a pareo and flip flops and we went off to the sophisticated, ladies change room to shower.

First we followed the suggested program sequence:

Deep Chiller Walk

In this adventure, designed to increase circulation, I walked through cold seawater with jets massaging my legs on each side.

Steam Chamber

After the chilly walk, detoxifying for 20 minutes in the steam room is a real pleasure. On one occasion we shared the intimate, misty space with a very friendly Italian couple and the second time we chatted with Americans. We meet interesting people from all over the world in Bora Bora and everyone's in such a happy mood.

Cool Shower

As I stood in the invigorating shower I'd never felt so refreshed in my life!

Deep sea cold plunge

I stepped into the cold (read icy) plunge pool and gasped. Getting into the warm Bora Bora lagoon with sharks is stimulating. But we couldn't last half of the suggested 2 minutes in this exhilarating seawater, although we had fun trying.

Rest in Fare Ocean

This is a prescribed activity. It's true. We had to do it! Before doing the sequence the second time.

There's other facilities too:

Swim spa

This challenging pool had us attempting to swim against a strong current.

This is a prescribed activity. It's true. We had to do it! Before doing the sequence the second time.

Jacuzzi

There is something surreal and decadent about soaking in a warm bubbling pool at the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, with Mount Otemanu jutting out majestically from behind the palms. Awareness that we were soaking in minerals, not chlorine, made the experience even more special.

Tea lounge

I've never had the choice of such a selection of teas to sip. Hot teas. Cold teas. Teas for this and teas for that.

Gym

We were enjoying the water therapy and relaxation so much that we never made it to the gym at the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa. Does anyone go there?

Back in the change rooms there's gorgeous little cubicles with everything you might need for freshening up before you leave.

After whiling away a few hours at the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa it was goodbye tensions. We left to enjoy a lingering dinner on the beach at Le Sands, overlooking the lagoon.

Find out more about what makes the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort a great choice for a romantic tropical island vacation.