Let us introduce you to our team. In these bios and interviews, you'll be able to put faces to names and to learn a little bit about the people whose talents make InterContinental French Polynesia such a memorable place to stay.
We invite you to check back from time to time as new team members are added (or as new information on "old hands" is posted!)
InterContinental Tahiti Resort
Jean-Marc Mocellin, General Manager
Jean-Marc Mocellin left his native New Caledonia to attend the hotel college in Nice and then began training with Sheraton in London. His hotel career started at the Sheraton Park Tower in Knightsbridge, where he was trained in view of opening hotels in Africa, which he did in Benin Republic, Nigeria and Gabon. After six years in Africa he returned to the South Pacific in his first role at a resort property, as second in charge at Shangri La's Fijian Resort. He obtained his first general manager position two years later at Shangri La's sister hotel in Nadi.
Mocellin was hired in August 1992 by Philippe Brovelli to run the Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal (re-branded InterContinental Tahiti Resort in 2001). During this period fifteen new overwater bungalows were added and Le Lotus gourmet restaurant opened, as well as a new sand-bottom swimming pool. Sixty additional rooms were built in 1999, and massive renovations have since transformed this property. The largest hotel in French Polynesia, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort has long been rated the top establishment on the island of Tahiti by the travel trade, guests and the local community.
Since 1999, Jean-Marc has also been co-President of French Polynesia Hotels Association (C.P.H.) and is an active member of several local institutions and commissions. A keen sportsman, he practices outrigger canoeing, swimming and fitness.
www.tahiti.intercontinental.com
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
Guillaume Epinette, General Manager
October 2009 - InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa has appointed Guillaume Epinette as General Manager. Epinette joins the hotel from InterContinental Tahiti Resort, where he was previously Executive Assistant Manager.
In his new role, Epinette will oversee the daily operations of the awarded resort. With an extensive hospitality and culinary background, Epinette has trained in some of the world's most elite hotels, including the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris.
"I am incredibly excited to begin my new post at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. I have been a proud member of the InterContinental team for nearly 10 years and look forward to beginning a new chapter at another amazing InterContinental property," said Epinette.
A native of France, Epinette holds degrees from the College Jacques Coeur Bourges as well as a Master's Degree from the University Robert Shuman Strasbourg.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located along a virgin beach on Motu Piti Aau (meaning 'two hearts' in Tahitian). The resort features a number of unique attributes including: 80 overwater villas; the acclaimed Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm - the first in the world to use mineral-rich deep seawater extracted from 3,000 feet below sea level in its signature treatments; and the first overwater wedding chapel in French Polynesia. The resort also features an innovative, eco-friendly air-conditioning system. Deploying a 7,874-foot pipe (the deepest ocean pipe in the world) to a depth of 3,000 feet off the reef of Bora Bora, the pipe pumps ice cold, deep-sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, transferring the cold into the fresh water circuit that then powers the air conditioning throughout the hotel. The system saves 90% of the hotel's electricity consumption for air conditioning, which represents 2.5 million liters of fuel oil per year.
www.boraboraspa.intercontinental.com
INTERCONTINENTAL TAHITI RESORT
Teiva Milz, Head Concierge
I moved to Tahiti in April 2002 from the United States looking for a new adventure. Not long after arriving in Tahiti I began looking for a source of income and I found the InterContinental Tahiti and its has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
When I began at the InterContinental Tahiti my first job was as a bellboy. I only spoke English so it was a challenge every day to communicate with my colleagues. Little by little I began to improve my French and before I knew it I was actually competing in the Mister Tahiti Contest, that was a crazy experience. I tried my luck on the contest but did not get the big prize, however, I did make a lot of new friends and it was another adventure under my belt.
After my experience as a bellboy and improving my French & local knowledge, the position of Concierge & Guest Relations began to interest me. I inquired about transferring departments and not long after I began at the concierge desk. Since that day I have gradually worked my way up, first position was Assistant Guest Relations Manager and now I hold the position of Concierge/Guest Relations Manager. The InterContinental Tahiti has given me so many opportunities and again it’s the most rewarding experience of my life.
Informing, sharing local knowledge and trying to make the most memorable experience for our guests at the InterContinental Tahiti has now become my passion. Whenever a guest asks me what they should do I always try to recommend something wild. If the waves are breaking at the famous surf spot “Teahupoo” I try to get the guests on a boat where they can see some of the largest waves in world only a few feet away. If they are lucky enough to see the Tahitian Water Patrol, who are on Jet skis rescuing the surfers, maybe they can go on a ride of pure adrenaline on the back of a 165 horsepower Jet Ski as they try to outrun the waves. I have actually done this before and it was more exciting than any rollercoaster.
Another activity that I love to recommend is the 4x4 tour. While on the tour you can go to a secret swim spot with a waterfall and huge boulders to jump off. You can actually climb up the waterfall with a rope and then jump into the refreshing water below. These are the special areas that are not available on the outer islands. This hidden area is definitely something that can’t be missed and everyone will love.
Some guests want to have something romantic with a flare to surprise their spouse. For these occasions I suggest a sunset cruise with a bottle of champagne and a romantic decoration of flowers in the room. While the couple is on the sunset cruise a local “Mama” and my self will go to their room and decorate with thousands of tropical flowers on the floor and on the bed even fill the bathtub with water and flowers. I have done many of these decorations and the beauty and fragrance of the flowers will get you every time!!....
…. I will be more than happy to serve your clients…Here after my contacts:
Teiva MILZ
HEAD CONCIERGE
E-mail concierge.tahiti@interconti.pf
Phone 689.86.51.68
INTERCONTINENTAL MOOREA RESORT AND SPA
Yumi Refalo, Head Concierge
Yumi Refalo, Head Concierge at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa, has been awarded membership in the prestigious Clèfs d'Or, the association that recognizes only the best concierges across the world.
To be a member of the association is the ambition of every concierge, with membership granted only to the very best. Each successful candidate needs sponsorship of two existing Clèfs d'Or members and written recommendations from their peers, as well as having to pass a challenging audition.
After 2 years in Tokyo as a PR agent, I wanted a new challenge abroad. I embarked for one year on Club Med 2 in 1996 as an activity agent. We went cruising to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and French Polynesia where the ship remained 8 months. I really fell in love with the Tahitian culture and the islands’ beauty. At the end of my contract with Club Med 2, I looked for a work place in Tahiti. I was lucky to find a position quickly at one of the tour operators in Papeete. This new position gave me the opportunity to visit hotels on other islands and little by little, the idea of working at a hotel started to interest me. Moorea to me was my favorite island. In 2000 I jumped on the offer when I saw that InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa (formerly Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal) was after a Japanese guest relations person.
I have learned a lot of local knowledge through the past years at this activities desk. The InterContinental came up with a project of improving the concierge team’s skills world wide; we were requested to work as a concierge team, rather than as an activities/Pr staff, which was new for me at that time. Experienced concierges joined our team for 3 years - I learned a lot with them. I have been given the opportunity to lead this team since 2006 and I like it. The concierge desk is where you have a lot of contact with guests who are after local knowledge, tips, ideas…who want their time to be filled with activities they like, surprising ideas… it is the best hotel position to share your experience with them. This is exactly what I wished to do.
The beauty of Moorea is as well in her multi-colored blue lagoon as in her lush mountains with breathtaking panoramic views. Your clients can enjoy an ATV tour or a 4x4 Jeep safari tour, have a bath in a cascade or cross a river. Moorea’s forests hide great spots in the heart of the island. I like to spend my days off on Motus, having a picnic lunch with my family. Motus are the perfect place to just relax but your clients may want to be more active and enjoy a circle island boat tour encountering wild dolphins or whales (from June to October). For aficionados of French cuisine, Tahitian specialties or fusion cuisine, Moorea offers a nice choice of restaurants with free pick up. The concierge knows them all and will be happy to help your clients in their choice according to your inspiration of the day!
It is our pleasure to arrange your valued clients’ activities and dining options. Please contact us.
At your entire disposal,
Yumi REFALO
HEAD CONCIERGE
Email: concierge.moorea@interconti.pf
Phone: 689.55.19.03
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
Laure Salabert, Head Concierge and Wedding Planner
Laure Salabert was promoted to Head Concierge at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa in July 2009.
She brings with her 10 years of experience in the hotel industry, primarily in the food & beverage area. After her graduation from the Hotel School in Montpellier, South of France, she began her hospitality career in London and Geneva Michelin’s Stars restaurants.
After 6 years at the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti as Food and Beverage Assistant Manager specialized in event and wedding organisation, Laure started in Bora Bora as Head Concierge after a training period of a few months at Intercontinental hotels in London and Paris.
Today, she uses her “savoir-faire” and her Polynesian knowledge to give the best service to all our guests and provide unique “In the know” experiences.
concierge.boraboraspa@interconti.pf
INTERCONTINENTAL MOOREA RESORT AND SPA
Salvatore Mura, Animal Supervisor
Moorea Dolphin Center
After spending time abroad in Maldives Islands at the Club Med hotel, I came back home, here in Moorea, and found a tourist guide position to start with. In the year 2000 I had the great opportunity to be hired as a dolphin trainer at Dolphin Quest facility, a company created in 1994.
This was the beginning of a never-ending passion. Being able to rub shoulders with these wonderful animals and learn about their behaviors brought me more than expected. I was willing to increase my knowledge about marine mammals to exceed my guests' expectations.
I am now the animal supervisor at the Moorea Dolphin Center facility. I share the responsibility of our four dolphins with the on site animal director. One of the team strengths is the ability to offer educational programs in several languages. I can personally interact with Tahitian, French, English, Italian and Japanese people.
I was given the chance to spend an enriching month in Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, spending time with Ken Ramirez, Vice President of Animal Collections and Training. Ken is a highly respected person in the training field, and this experience strengthened my passion for this fabulous job.
I am very involved with my Island and my culture. I used to be a dancer in a Tahitian group, and I kindly give time for my friends anxious to learn my mother tongue.
It is our pleasure to welcome your valued clients for our dolphin activities. Please contact us.
At your entire disposal,
Salvatore MURA
ANIMAL SUPERVISOR
Email: info@mooreadolphincenter.com
Phone: 689.56.38.76
www.mooreadolphincenter.com
Reservations: reservation@mooreadolphincenter.com
INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT AND THALASSO SPA
Anne de Saint Pierre, Director, Deep Ocean Spa
We would like to introduce you to Anne de Saint Pierre, Director of the Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa.
Some veteran Tahiti agents will recognize Anne from her previous role as the General Manager of InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. She moved to the new resort in 2005 after eleven years at Le Moana, during which she held the positions of Rooms Division Manager, Executive Assistant Manager and then, GM. The first woman to manage a luxury hotel in the Pacific, Anne was honored with the "South Pacific Hotel Manager of the Year" award at the prestigious HM Awards for Hotel Accommodation and Excellence in 2005. That award recognized Anne's "tireless customer focus and flawless management of the outstanding luxury resort."
Anne has brought those skills to bear in a big way since the opening of the Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm in September 2006. "Everything here is made to meet guests' needs," she says. "The Deep Ocean Spa proposes a large range of possibilities, going from 'a la carte' to treatment combinations over one day, which we call 'Discoveries,' to several-day 'Packages.'" Already the spa has won several top awards and enjoys its position on the Conde Nast Traveler "Hot List" of the World's top 75 new spas.
Now, Anne is happy to have presided over the launch of a new range of three luxury beauty products, "Destination Bora Bora." The word 'unique" is sometimes a little over-used, but it is the only accurate word to describe the composition of these products. The Elixir combines deep sea water, Noni extract, Algomonoi and cotton seed oil; the Divine Cream uses those ingredients plus shimmering powder made from crushed Tahitian black pearls. Both items are available at the Deep Ocean Spa and at the gift shops in all of InterContinental French Polynesia's resorts.
The "Bora Bora Deep Blue Massage" ties everything all together in a massage experience that is now branded and used in Algotherm's locations worldwide. It is one of our most popular treatments at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. The three-stage, full-body massage begins with a gentle exfoliation, is followed by a manual massage with the Elixir and finishes up with an application of the Divine Cream, which, in Anne's own words, is "excellent. We invite you to recommend to your clients to experience this new range as well as our signature treatment for a unique deep sea water experience."
For more information on the Deep Ocean Spa Bora Bora by Algotherm and for rates and reservations, please visit www.deepoceanspa.com.
Download destination_bora_bora_product_flyer.pdf
CONTACT:
Anne de Saint Pierre
Director Deep Ocean Spa Bora Bora
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Phone: 689-60-77-03
adspbora@mail.pf
