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InterContinental Tahiti – Aerial View ©Johan Drone Adventure
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, known to many as Beachcomber, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Originally opened on June 19, 1974, as “Travelodge Tahiti,” the resort has long stood as a premier destination in French Polynesia where luxury meets the vibrant spirit of Polynesian culture.
As part of this milestone year, InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa announced Laurent Vigneron as the new General Manager. Laurent succeeds Thierry Brovelli, who dedicated nine years to leading the resort and retired after a distinguished 32-year career in the Pacific. Laurent brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in luxury hospitality across Bora Bora, Moorea, Morocco, Algeria, and Switzerland. Known for his commitment to excellence, culture, and sustainability, Laurent is eager to continue the resort’s legacy.
Additionally, to commemorate this significant milestone, the resort opened an exhibition at the Tahiti airport in May 2024, showcasing portraits of the resort’s dedicated employees who have contributed to its storied history. Additional portraits are displayed at the resort until year’s end. Alongside the exhibition, a special short film highlighting the vibrant life and culture of the resort was created. The resort also hosted its annual Mini Heiva in early August, featuring top dance troupes and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Tahiti. This year’s event was particularly special, tracing the resort’s evolution through performances by the award-winning HEITOA dance troupe which the InterContinental Tahiti formed with several members of the staff.
Beginning with 200 rooms and 17 bungalows on a private motu, the resort has undergone several transformations, first rebranding as “Tahiti Beachcomber” in 1979-1980 and later as “Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal” in 1987, before finally becoming the prestigious InterContinental Tahiti Resort in 2001. Throughout its evolution, the resort introduced signature experiences, such as the Friday-night Tahitian dance show in 1982, which evolved into the beloved Te ‘Ui Tapairu, celebrating the rich traditions of Tahitian dance.
Additional noteworthy milestones include the introduction of the lagoonarium, a natural fish and coral reserve; the establishment of partnerships with renowned chefs like Marc Haeberlin and Bruno Oger; and the ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement.
