The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It first opened on June 19, 1974, as “Travelodge Tahiti,” the resort has become a top luxury destination in French Polynesia since then. As part of this celebration, the resort has announced Laurent Vigneron as the new General Manager. He takes over from the former GM Thierry Brovelli, who led the resort for nine years and retired after a remarkable 32-year career in the Pacific. Laurent brings a wealth of experience from his previous work in luxury hotels in Bora Bora, Moorea, Morocco, Algeria, and Switzerland. He is known for his focus on excellence, culture, and sustainability, and is excited to continue the resort’s proud tradition.
To mark this important milestone, the resort launched a special exhibition at Tahiti airport in May 2024, featuring portraits of the resort’s loyal employees who have played key roles in its history. More portraits are displayed at the resort for the rest of the year. In addition, a short film was made to highlight the resort’s lively culture and heritage. In August, the resort hosted its annual Mini Heiva festival, featuring top dance groups and celebrating Tahiti’s rich cultural heritage. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as the award-winning HEITOA dance troupe, formed by resort staff, performed pieces that showcased the resort’s evolution.
Originally featuring 200 rooms and 17 bungalows on a private island, the resort has gone through several changes over the years. It was renamed “Tahiti Beachcomber” in 1979-1980, then “Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal” in 1987, before becoming the InterContinental Tahiti Resort in 2001. Throughout its history, the resort has introduced unique experiences, such as the Friday-night Tahitian dance show in 1982, which grew into the popular Te ‘Ui Tapairu, honoring Tahitian dance traditions.
Other key moments in the resort’s journey include the creation of the lagoonarium, a natural reserve for fish and coral, collaborations with famous chefs like Marc Haeberlin and Bruno Oger, and its ongoing dedication to preserving culture and engaging with the community.
