IHG Hotels & Resorts will bring its Regent luxury brand to French Polynesia for the first time with the opening of Regent Bora Bora, an 84-villa resort scheduled to debut in late 2027.
The new property will be created through an extensive transformation of the former InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, which closed on June 1, 2026 for renovations.
IHG is developing the project with long-standing partner Pacific Beachcomber, with the conversion marking a major repositioning of one of Bora Bora’s established luxury resorts.
Located on a private motu on the eastern side of Bora Bora’s lagoon, Regent Bora Bora will feature exclusively overwater accommodation, with all 84 villas offering direct access to the lagoon.
84 overwater villas overlooking Mount Otemanu
Regent Bora Bora will occupy a private island setting with views towards Mount Otemanu and the Pacific Ocean.
Unlike resorts offering a combination of beachfront and overwater accommodation, the property will consist entirely of overwater villas.
The renovation will introduce new interiors, dining concepts and guest facilities while retaining the property’s connection to its Polynesian surroundings.
Regent’s service concepts will also be introduced, including Personal Havens, private areas designed for relaxation, and Regent Experience Agents, who will act as a single point of contact for guests from before arrival through departure.
“Bora Bora is one of the world’s most extraordinary luxury destinations, making it a natural home for Regent,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
He said the project would aim to preserve the property’s natural setting and Polynesian character while repositioning it within IHG’s upper-luxury portfolio.
InterContinental Bora Bora undergoing major transformation
The property previously operated as InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and is currently closed while the redevelopment takes place.
Its conversion represents the latest chapter in a partnership between IHG and Pacific Beachcomber that has lasted for more than two decades.
“Our partnership with IHG spans more than two decades, and we are delighted to embark on this next chapter together with Regent,” said Richard Bailey, Founder and Chairman of Pacific Beachcomber.
“Bora Bora demands a very particular kind of luxury, one that respects the extraordinary natural environment and remains deeply connected to Polynesian culture.”
The transformed resort is expected to reopen under the Regent name in late 2027.
Seawater cooling system to remain in operation
One of the existing resort’s most unusual infrastructure features will be retained following the renovation.
The property uses a seawater air-conditioning system that draws naturally cold water from deep in the Pacific Ocean to provide cooling.
According to IHG, the system reduces electricity requirements for air conditioning and refrigeration by approximately 90% compared with conventional systems.
The technology will remain operational when the resort reopens as Regent Bora Bora.
The property was the first hotel in the world to introduce the seawater cooling system.
Regent continues global expansion
The Bora Bora opening will extend Regent Hotels & Resorts into another major international luxury leisure destination.
Regent currently has properties in destinations including Hong Kong, Cannes, Phu Quoc, Shanghai, Bali and Santa Monica.
IHG has been expanding the brand selectively as part of its luxury and lifestyle portfolio, with the Bora Bora conversion giving Regent its first presence in French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific resort market.
When it opens in late 2027, Regent Bora Bora will combine an established private-motu location with an entirely overwater inventory of 84 villas, making it one of the most distinctive new additions to Bora Bora’s luxury hotel market.
