Regent Bora Bora opening replaces InterContinental
IHG is rebranding its Bora Bora resort to Regent. Learn about the Regent Bora Bora opening, renovation details, and how to use IHG One Rewards points.
Regent Bora Bora opening replaces InterContinental
IHG will rebrand its InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa to Regent Bora Bora following a major renovation that begins in June 2026.
Timeline and Logistics for the Resort Transition
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa will close on June 1, 2026. The property will undergo extensive renovations before it reopens as a Regent Hotels & Resorts hotel. This project is a collaboration between IHG and Pacific Beachcomber.
This renovation will temporarily reduce the total luxury villa inventory on the island. Travelers should plan for limited availability in French Polynesia during the 2026 transition period. The resort is located near Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
If you have an existing reservation at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa for a date after June 1, 2026, you must take action. Contact IHG directly to discuss your options. You can choose to rebook at a different IHG property or request a full cancellation and refund.
The Regent Brand Experience vs. IHG Luxury Standards
Regent represents the highest tier of luxury within the IHG portfolio. This rebranding shifts the property from the InterContinental “premium luxury” category to the “modern upper luxury” tier.
While brands like Six Senses focus heavily on eco-conscious wellness and slow travel, Regent emphasizes a polished, modern expression of luxury. The new Regent Bora Bora will offer more personalized service than the current InterContinental model. This distinction is vital for travelers who want a high-touch experience. The hotel will focus on modern aesthetics rather than the traditional tropical themes found in older luxury resorts.
Comparing Regent to the Bora Bora Luxury Sector
This move is a strategic attempt to gain market share in the Bora Bora luxury sector. The island is home to established ultra-luxury players like the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St. Regis Bora Bora.
InterContinental is a strong mid-to-upper tier brand. However, Regent occupies a more exclusive space. By introducing Regent, IHG targets travelers who usually bypass InterContinental to book more expensive properties.
Expect room rates at the new Regent property to be higher than current InterContinental prices. This change will increase competition for high-end villas on the island. For travelers who prefer mid-luxury pricing, the new Regent price point may be higher than their previous budget allowed.
Maximizing IHG One Rewards for the Regent Bora Bora Opening
The Regent Bora Bora opening provides a high-value redemption target for IHG One Rewards members. Luxury properties often have high cash rates, but points can lower the cost of a stay in French Polynesia.
IHG One Rewards points have a typical value of 0.5 to 0.6 cents per point. You can earn these points through direct stays or by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Use these points to offset the cost of lagoon villas.
One major advantage of the IHG ecosystem is the unlimited point top-off on Free Night Certificates. If you use a certificate from a Chase co-branded credit card or a milestone reward, you can add unlimited points to cover the difference in cost. This is a significant benefit compared to Marriott Bonvoy, which caps top-offs at 25,000 points.
IHG One Rewards also includes a 4th night free benefit on award stays. This is a better value for short luxury trips than the 5th night free benefit offered by Hilton. If you hold Diamond Elite status, you will receive higher tier benefits at this premium property.
Summary: A Strategic Shift for IHG
This rebranding is a clear move by IHG to compete in the most expensive luxury markets in the South Pacific. The primary benefit is a superior product that can compete with the Four Seasons. The downside is the 2026 closure, which will limit island capacity. If you are a loyal IHG member, the unlimited certificate top-offs make this resort a prime target for points redemption once it reopens. Monitor the IHG newsroom for the official reopening date.
Learn more in our Guide to IHG One Rewards.
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Maximize Your Travel Rewards
- Earn up to 140,000 bonus points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card
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