Honestly, if you’ve spent any time scrolling through old TripAdvisor threads or looking at sun-drenched photos of overwater bungalows, you’ve probably seen it. The InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa was basically the poster child for South Pacific luxury. It had the mountains. It had the turquoise lagoon. It even had a dolphin center right on the property.
But if you try to book a room there today? You can't.
The place is a ghost town. It’s been sitting there, slowly being reclaimed by the salt air and the tropical vines, for years. While other resorts in French Polynesia bounced back after the world reopened, this one stayed quiet. It’s one of the weirdest sights in Moorea—a massive, high-end resort that just... stopped.
What Actually Happened to the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa?
Most people assume it was just a temporary COVID thing. That's only half right. While the resort officially shuttered its doors in March 2020 like everyone else, the real "gut punch" came on May 29, 2020. That’s when Pacific Beachcomber, the company that owns the property, dropped the news that they weren't coming back. Ever.
They called it a "permanent closure."
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It wasn't just about a few months of lost revenue. The owners basically did a cold-blooded math equation. They had other heavy hitters in their portfolio—like the InterContinental Tahiti and the ultra-fancy Thalasso in Bora Bora—and they decided that Moorea was the limb they had to amputate to save the rest of the body. The "unforeseeable market conditions" they cited were basically a polite way of saying the resort was bleeding money and couldn't survive the long-haul flight drought.
The "Ghost Resort" Vibe in 2026
If you take a boat tour around the island today, the captain will almost certainly point it out. It’s eerie. From a distance, the bungalows look fine. The thatched roofs are still there. But as you get closer, you see the plywood over the windows. The pool is a dry concrete pit.
It’s heartbreaking for anyone who spent a honeymoon there.
One of the strangest details is that the property isn't technically "empty." The Moorea Dolphin Center and the Te Mana O Te Moana turtle sanctuary actually stayed functional for a long time after the guests left. You’d have these world-class marine biologists working in the middle of a literal ruin.
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Why Didn't Someone Else Buy It?
You’d think a prime piece of real estate like that would be snapped up in a heartbeat. I mean, it’s Moorea! But French Polynesia land laws are a complete nightmare.
Most of these big resorts are built on leased land. You aren't just buying a building; you’re dealing with dozens of local families who own different "parcels" of the ground underneath. If even one family says "no" to a new lease, the whole project stalls. That’s exactly what has kept other famous spots like the old Hyatt Tahara’a in Tahiti sitting in ruins for decades.
Mooreans are also becoming way more protective of their island. They aren't necessarily rushing to approve another 150-room mega-resort. They’ve seen what happens when the money dries up and the foreigners leave behind a decaying eyesore.
Where Should You Stay Instead?
If you were dead set on that specific side of the island (the northwest coast near Hauru), you’ve still got options. You just have to adjust your expectations.
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- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort: This is currently the "big dog" on the island. Just a heads up—as of early 2026, they’ve been going through some massive renovations. Parts of it might feel brand new, but check their construction schedule before you put down a deposit.
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa: This is the closest vibe to the old InterContinental. It’s got the dramatic mountain backdrop and the overwater bungalows that everyone wants for the 'gram.
- The Airbnb Route: Honestly? This is where the island is moving. In 2025 and 2026, the short-term rental market in Moorea exploded. You can find incredible villas in Haapiti or Tiahura for half the price of a resort, and you actually get to support local hosts.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re planning a trip, stop looking for "deals" on the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa. Some shady third-party booking sites still have the listing up, which is incredibly frustrating. If a site lets you "request a quote" for this property, close the tab. It’s a scam or an outdated database.
What you should do right now:
- Check the status of the Moorea Dolphin Center: If you specifically wanted to see the dolphins, they moved some operations, so verify their current location before heading to the old IC site.
- Look at Cook's Bay Hotel: It recently reopened after being abandoned for 20 years. It’s proof that these places can come back, but it takes decades, not months.
- Book your ferry early: If you're staying at a different resort, remember that the Aremiti and Terevau ferries from Tahiti fill up fast, especially on weekends when locals head to Moorea to escape Papeete.
The InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is a reminder that even "paradise" isn't bulletproof. It’s a beautiful, sad monument to a different era of travel. Enjoy the island for what it is now—rugged, local, and a little bit wilder than it used to be.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
If you're trying to figure out if Moorea is still worth the flight without the IC, I can break down the current best-rated boutique stays on the island or give you a rundown of the secret beaches that the big resorts don't want you to find. Just let me know which vibe you're going for!