Monday, September 9, 2024 InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa celebrates 50 years of luxury, blending Polynesian charm with world-class hospitality in a breathtaking tropical paradise. The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Beachcomber, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Initially opened on June 19, 1974, under the name “Travelodge Tahiti,” this iconic resort has consistently been a top destination in French Polynesia, where luxury is seamlessly infused with the vibrant Polynesian spirit.
As part of this celebratory year, the resort welcomed Laurent Vigneron as its new General Manager. Laurent takes over from Thierry Brovelli, who retired after a distinguished 32-year career in the Pacific, nine of which were spent leading the resort. Laurent brings a wealth of knowledge from his luxury hospitality experience across destinations like Bora Bora, Moorea, Morocco, Algeria, and Switzerland.
His dedication to excellence, cultural immersion, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the resort’s vision. To further commemorate this special occasion, the resort launched a captivating exhibition at Tahiti airport in May 2024. The exhibit showcases portraits of the resort’s dedicated employees who have played key roles in shaping its rich history.
More portraits are on display at the resort itself through the end of the year. Accompanying the exhibition is a short film that beautifully highlights the resort’s vibrant cultural life. In early August, the annual Mini Heiva celebration was held, featuring top dance troupes and honoring Tahiti’s cultural heritage.
This year’s event was especially memorable, with the award-winning HEITOA dance troupe, formed by resort staff, performing a tribute to the resort’s history. The resort originally debuted with 200 rooms and 17 bungalows on a private motu and has since undergone multiple transformations. It was first rebranded as “Tahiti Beachcomber” in 1979-1980, later becoming “Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal” in 1987, and finally taking on the prestigious InterContinental Tahiti Resort name in 2001.
Throughout its evolution, the resort has introduced signature experiences, including the popular Friday-night Tahitian dance show, first launched in 1982, which has since evolved into the beloved Te ‘Ui Tapairu celebration, honoring Tahitian dance traditions. Other notable milestones include the creation of the lagoonarium, a natural coral and fish reserve; collaborations with renowned chefs like Marc Haeberlin and Bruno Oger; and a continued commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement..
