The new luxury hotel is still planning to open on May 1. They have built 2.4 km (about 1.5 miles) of pipe from the reef of the island to reach a depth of 915 meters (half mile).

The hotel indicates that it is the deepest ocean pipe in the world. The very cold deep-sea water is pumped through a titanium heat exchanger, which transfers the cold into the fresh water circuit that conveys into air conditioning for the hotel. This procedure will enable the hotel to save 90% of its electricity consumption. At the same time, the system helps to protect the eco-system and reinforces seawater recycling. Since the deep-sea water is known for its purity, it will also used for the hotel's Deep Ocean Spa, which will open on September 1, 2006 (in the meantime, the resort will offer spa services).

The resort is ready to welcome its first guests on May 1, and when all of the main services will be fully operational: the overwater villas, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and boutique. Some minor work on the premises will continue during the opening stage and we can't wait to see the opening of the wedding chapel, and the Deep Ocean Spa in September.
Other news about the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora is scheduled to re-open on June 1, 2006. All of the beach bungalows, the overwater bungalows on the latest extension (located on the right of the hotel map), the swimming pool, the restaurant and the bar will be completed and ready by June 1st. The 20 overwater bungalows, which are located closest to the beach (left on the map), will also be completed. However the overwater bungalows located on the most remote part of the lagoon will still be under construction.

The hotel has taken precautions to assure the safety and peaceful atmosphere for their guest despite this inconvenience. Please check with your Preferred Tour Operator for further details or directly with the InterContinental Resorts and Hotels.

Ellen Keralla, Centennial, Denver, CO 80112

Ellen@specialoccasiontravel.com  www.specialoccasiontravel.com