Name: Guillaume Epinette
Title: General manager
Company, city: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa; Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Number of employees: 160
First job: Head waiter
Little-known fact about you: I enjoy scuba diving in French Polynesia and photography with a drone.
Guillaume Epinette’s Business
Essential business philosophy: Our aim is to create distinctive, lasting memories for each guest. We focus on delivering exceptional products and thoughtful service so visitors leave with stories worth sharing.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: We listen closely to our guests to learn how to enhance their experience, stay informed about the latest resort amenities, and continually explore creative, out-of-the-box ideas that differentiate us from others.
Yardstick of success: Guest feedback, industry awards and sustained sales performance.
Guillaume Epinette as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? My iPad.
How do you spend your time on board? Reading.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? L’Auberge de l’Ill, Illhaeusern, France (Chef Marc Haeberlin).
What is your favorite destination in the world? Japan.
About The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
What gives the resort an edge over the competition? The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa blends harmoniously with Bora Bora’s natural environment and respects local traditions. Set on a pristine beach on Motu Piti Aau with panoramic views of Mount Otemanu, the resort is recognized for attentive service and several distinctive features: 80 luxurious overwater villas with split-level terraces and sundecks for direct access to the turquoise lagoon; a top-tier culinary experience at Reef; and the first overwater wedding chapel in French Polynesia with a glass-bottom floor.
The resort’s Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm harnesses deep-sea water and minerals from the Pacific in signature treatments. The property is also a global pioneer in producing air-conditioning using ocean water: a 7,874-foot pipe reaches 3,000 feet off the Bora Bora reef to pump cold deep-sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, providing efficient cooling across the resort.
Other than its exotic location, what makes this resort and other IHG resorts unique? InterContinental Hotels Group properties combine luxury with prime locations worldwide. Each hotel and resort expresses its own character—heritage elegance, urban chic or tropical retreat—ensuring guests enjoy personalized, memorable stays.
What are the future plans for the resort? Since opening in 2006, the resort has continuously refined its offerings. We emphasize romance, weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals and special celebrations. Recent initiatives include curated wedding and romance experiences that highlight ceremonies, intimate dinners and guest activities to enhance every romantic occasion.