Regent Bora Bora to open in late 2027: 84 overwater villas on a private motu

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa will not reopen under its previous name. IHG Hotels & Resorts and Pacific Beachcomber signed an agreement on 16 September 2026 to transform the resort into the Regent Bora Bora, with a reopening scheduled for late 2027. Closed since 1 June for renovation works, the hotel on Motu Piti Aau will become the first Regent address in French Polynesia featuring 84 villas, all overwater, facing Mount Otemanu.

☰Contents

1. An agreement sealed in Hong Kong
2. 84 overwater villas, a private motu
3. Regent hallmarks: Personal Havens and butlers
4. Lagoon water air conditioning to remain
5. Regent, a brand relaunched by IHG
6. Our perspective

An agreement sealed in Hong Kong

The agreement was marked at Regent Hong Kong by Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for East Asia and the Pacific at IHG, and Richard Bailey, Founder and President of Pacific Beachcomber. The two groups have worked together for over twenty years: Pacific Beachcomber owns and operates the resort, while IHG brings its brands. The complex closed on 1 June 2026 for a renovation lasting over a year and will reopen under the Regent flag in late 2027.

“Bora Bora is one of the most extraordinary luxury destinations in the world, making it a natural home for Regent,” explains Rajit Sukumaran. “The significance of this signing goes beyond the brand change itself, reflecting the enduring trust and partnership between Pacific Beachcomber and IHG.”

84 overwater villas, a private motu

The resort occupies a private motu, a small islet situated on the eastern edge of the lagoon. All 84 villas will be positioned overwater, offering direct access to the sea and views toward Mount Otemanu on one side and the open Pacific Ocean on the other. An entirely overwater layout, which is rare even in Bora Bora, will give the future Regent a distinctive edge over neighbouring resorts where beach and lagoon villas are shared.

Regent hallmarks: Personal Havens and butlers

The transformation aims to bring what IHG describes as Regent’s modern upper-luxury expression to Bora Bora. Three brand markers have been announced: Personal Havens, intimate spaces designed for retreat and pleasure; Regent Experience Agents, dedicated points of contact from pre-arrival to departure; and With Compliments, complimentary inclusions throughout the stay. The property also promises immersive dining, exceptional design, and experiences tied to Polynesian culture and the location.

“Bora Bora demands a very specific kind of luxury, one that respects an extraordinary natural environment and is deeply connected to Polynesian culture,” summarises Richard Bailey. “Regent’s discreet and highly personalised approach aligns perfectly with this vision.”

Lagoon water air conditioning to remain

The resort was the world’s first hotel to air-condition its buildings using cold deep-sea water pumped from the depths of the Pacific. This system reduces electricity consumption for air conditioning and refrigeration by around 90% and will be retained at the Regent Bora Bora. On an isolated island where every kilowatt-hour comes at a high cost, this remains one of the property’s most practical and enduring assets.

Regent, a brand relaunched by IHG

Acquired by IHG in 2018, Regent is growing steadily through carefully selected addresses: Hong Kong, Santa Monica, Phu Quoc, Cannes, Shanghai and Bali. Bora Bora will be the first Regent in French Polynesia and the brand’s showcase in the South Pacific. For Pacific Beachcomber, which also operates The Brando on the Tetiaroa atoll, this represents a second ultra-luxury flag planted in Polynesia.

Our perspective

The transition from InterContinental to Regent is not merely a change of plaque: it represents a repositioning at the pinnacle of IHG’s portfolio, on an asset the group has known for twenty years. The gamble is clear, moving upscale rather than adding keys, with 84 villas all positioned overwater while neighbouring properties like Four Seasons, St. Regis or Conrad combine beach and lagoon options.

For travellers, the wait will be long: eighteen months without one of the island’s best-known addresses. For the destination, the signal is positive. Following The Brando, Bora Bora welcomes a second project where ultra-luxury is also measured by its energy efficiency.

Practical information

• Regent Bora Bora (opening late 2027), Motu Piti Aau, BP 502, 98730 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Reservations coming soon on ihg.com/regent
• During the renovations, InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora and other island resorts remain open

Photo credit Pacific Beachcomber · IHG Hotels & Resorts