The best resorts in Moorea

Although we had already left French Polynesia when I wrote this, your many comments and emails made us realize that a few articles were still missing. Even though you can already find more than fifty articles about French Polynesia on our blog, we still wanted to go into more detail on some of the questions that come up again and again. This article is part of that process: our complete guide to the best hotels on the island of Moorea for your vacation.

After living there for over 6 years, we know the island very well. This article is therefore based on our own experiences on the island, as well as feedback from friends, colleagues, and readers about the different hotels in Moorea mentioned below. Our goal is to help you choose where to stay if you are looking for a hotel in Moorea for your trip to French Polynesia. We have already mentioned a few hotels in our complete guide to accommodation in French Polynesia. If you are also looking for places to stay on other islands, you can keep reading to see what we recommend.

There are many places to stay in Moorea, but only a few really qualify as hotels, at least in the way I see them. In this article, I will focus on the three largest hotels on the island that offer overwater bungalows with private terraces, which I briefly mentioned in my overview of overwater bungalows in French Polynesia. I will also introduce you to a few mid-range hotels in Moorea that are worth considering, especially if you are traveling on a tighter budget.

Like Bora Bora, Moorea is a popular honeymoon destination in French Polynesia. We decided to put together this in-depth guide because we realized that many travelers are looking for advice when choosing where to stay in Moorea during their vacation. As you plan your stay on the tropical island of Moorea, we hope you find it useful.

Thanks to our dedicated French Polynesia Facebook group and our 6 years of living there, we have noticed that very few travelers skip the island of Moorea. We are not going to try to convince you to go to Moorea or tell you what to do there (we already have an article for that), but we still wanted to say a few words about it. Moorea gives you the feeling of being at the end of the world while still being very close to Tahiti. There are many reasons to love this island: its turquoise waters, lush vegetation, lagoon trips by catamaran, snorkeling and scuba diving for marine-life lovers, its typical “roulottes” in some places, and more generally, its peaceful atmosphere, which contrasts nicely with Tahiti.

We are now moving into the top category: the best luxury resorts in Moorea. The three hotels below offer 4-star service (5-star for the Hilton), and if you are looking for a high-end stay with luxury accommodation, especially overwater bungalows on a pontoon, and a full range of services, these are the places to consider. I should also point out that these are the only three hotels in Moorea with overwater bungalows.

Here are the three hotels in Moorea that offer high-end accommodation. You can go directly to each hotel description by clicking on the links below.

• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
• Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
• Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

We’ve also put together a complete guide to the best overwater bungalows on the island of Moorea if you want to learn more about these 3 hotels.

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is Moorea’s most luxurious five-star hotel, tucked between the famous Opunohu and Cook Bays in the north of the island. With a crystal-clear lagoon right in front of you, the setting is simply beautiful and peaceful! If you are looking for peace and quiet in a dreamlike environment, you have come to the right place. I know this area very well, and the turquoise color of the lagoon here is genuinely beautiful.

It goes without saying that the hotel has all the comforts you need for a very relaxing stay. It has 106 rooms, including more than fifty overwater bungalows where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset. The current overwater categories include King Overwater Bungalow, King Beach Overwater Bungalow, King Panoramic Overwater Bungalow, and King Premium Panoramic Overwater Bungalow. All rooms are nicely decorated in a modern Polynesian style. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s excellent facilities, including a beautiful central pool, fitness center, high-quality spa (perfect for a relaxing break), and the well-known Arii Vahine Restaurant. There are also three other restaurants/bars where you can eat or have a drink. The hotel can also help arrange activities to explore Moorea, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, guided boat tours, and helicopter tours.

All in all, you will definitely appreciate the Hilton property, the beautiful views from the bungalows, the quality of the services, the attentive staff, and the excellent food served at the hotel in general. Breakfast served by “pirogue” is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, and I would recommend it as a little extra! In short, if you are looking for quality service and a relaxing atmosphere, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is an excellent choice and, in my opinion, one of the best resorts in Moorea!

Book your stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Although slightly less expensive than the Hilton, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is a beautiful luxury hotel. Set on one of the most beautiful lagoons on the island, the hotel is located on the east coast of Moorea, facing the sunrise. The seabed in front of the hotel is also very beautiful. Another big plus, in my opinion, is its location, close to both the airfield and the ferry dock!

The hotel is known for its high-quality services and facilities. Recently renovated in its common areas, the Sofitel now has 109 villas, including 38 overwater villas facing the island of Tahiti. The morning view is beautiful. The villas are nicely decorated in a Polynesian style and have all the amenities you need. You can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool, its locally renowned spa, and the excellent meals served at the “K” Restaurant. Scuba diving (to admire the coral reefs), island tours, lagoon cruises, jet skiing, and snorkeling are among the many activities available around the hotel.

Finally, you will definitely enjoy the beautiful private beach (Temae Beach), the great massages offered by the spa (perfect for a quiet, relaxing moment), the excellent food at the various bars and gourmet restaurants, and especially the breakfast! The services are very good, and the price still seems interesting to me if you are looking for a luxury setting in Moorea without necessarily choosing the Hilton.

Book your stay at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

We had the chance to stay at Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea for three full days, and we loved the experience. You can click on this link to our dedicated article if you would like to read our full review of the Manava. The hotel is on the north side of Moorea, which is very convenient for exploring the rest of the island. I would say this is the least postcard-perfect of the three hotels mentioned, although it is still in the high-end category. Don’t get me wrong: this is a 4-star hotel, and although the lagoon is a little less striking here (meaning deeper), it is still beautiful.

The hotel has 90 bungalows and suites, set either on the garden side, beach side, or over the water (28). We stayed in a beautiful Polynesian-style garden bungalow. We also had the chance to stay in an overwater bungalow, which is always a dream for us! The views from the bungalow on the left are simply magical, overlooking Cook’s Bay and the surrounding mountains. The hotel facilities are very good, including the restaurants and the beautiful infinity pool in the middle of the property. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the hotel’s tropical gardens, which are very pleasant. The hotel offers a variety of activities and water sports for guests, including jet skiing, a coral grafting workshop (which we tried on Sunday and found very interesting), 4×4 or horseback riding tours around the island, golf, and scuba diving to discover the coral reefs and marine life.

In conclusion, if you are looking for comfort, beautiful surroundings, and good service at a much more affordable price than the other two, this is an excellent choice. This is an important point to mention, as I believe the value for money is still very good. It is definitely one of the best hotels in Moorea.

Book your stay at Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

Here you will find descriptions of the mid-range hotels located on the island of Moorea. I have selected five, but there are others. Prices range from around €150 to €400, which is much lower than the three Moorea hotels mentioned above. However, they are all very pleasant places to stay, well known locally, and worth considering. They vary in style and location, but I don’t think you will be disappointed if you choose any of them. Of course, everyone has different tastes and ways of traveling…

Click the links below to go directly to each hotel description.

• Fenua Mata’i’oa Hotel
• Moorea Island Beach Hotel
• Hibiscus Hotel
• Tipaniers Hotel
• Kaveka Hotel

I really wanted to place this very special hotel near the top of the list. Let’s be clear: this is not a classic hotel at all, so if you like this kind of place, be ready for something different! The hotel is located not far from the beautiful Tipaniers Beach (one of Moorea’s beaches), right on the edge of a lovely lagoon. But you come here above all for a unique experience and for a rare Polynesian welcome that you will not find everywhere.

The hotel has only a few suites, all decorated in an old Polynesian style. It is very different from what you are likely to find elsewhere on vacation. Many of the suites have beautiful views and direct access to the turquoise lagoon. Some also have lovely terraces. Each suite has been carefully decorated in a very original, almost Polynesian fairytale style. For me, this place is made for dreamers who want to discover Polynesian culture and who love art and beauty in general! The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, but it does have a beautiful tropical garden where guests can wander. Everyone is welcomed with a beautiful lei!

Finally, I will leave it up to you to decide whether this accommodation is for you, but people who have stayed there often seem to agree: you are in a place with soul, in a lagoon setting, with real human interaction (it is one of the best hotels in Moorea). So, are you tempted?

Book your stay at Fenua Mata’i’oa Hotel

The Moorea Island Beach Hotel is located in the northwest of the Polynesian island of Moorea, on the edge of a beautiful lagoon and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Moorea. It is a small property, much more personal than many others, with good facilities.

The hotel has only 12 wooden bungalows. They are divided into 3 categories depending on the view you want, and there is also a family bungalow. The bungalows are tastefully decorated. The wooden common areas give the place a unique atmosphere. There is a kitchen available if you want to cook on site, but note that the hotel does not offer catering services. However, an excellent continental breakfast is served at the hotel every day. As for activities, the hotel provides kayaks and bicycles free of charge, which is a definite plus! The hotel also offers scooter and car rentals, which is handy for getting around. As always, other outdoor activities are available if you want to ask about them.

All in all, this small hotel is a great place to stay in Moorea, away from the larger resorts and more famous luxury hotels in the area. You find yourself in a much quieter, more authentic, and more intimate setting, and you can really feel it. People love the welcome, the location, and the breakfast! You shouldn’t be disappointed!

Spend a few nights at Moorea Island Beach Hotel

The Hibiscus Moorea Hotel is something of a local institution. Well known among locals, who often enjoy going there, as well as tourists, this hotel is located at the far northwest tip of Moorea, along a beautiful white-sand beach and lagoon. If you are looking for an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, it is a great place to relax. Set between the two local motus off Tipaniers Beach, the hotel is also well placed for swimming with rays and sharks.

The Hibiscus Hotel offers around 40 accommodations, including Standard and Superior Bungalows overlooking the lagoon or garden, spacious Family Bungalows, and air-conditioned rooms or studios. For more independence, all accommodations are equipped with a kitchenette. The property is on a human scale, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. The hotel also has a nice swimming pool, and the tropical garden is well maintained. You can eat at the Sunset restaurant, which has a very good reputation and a varied menu. The hotel also offers a wide range of land and water activities, which are generally very popular.

The friendliness of the owners, the hospitality of the staff, the quality of the accommodation, and the hotel’s location on a beautiful beach (I can confirm this 100%) all make for a great stay. Ultimately, it offers excellent value for money for the price and level of service in such a lovely setting! It is located in one of the best areas to stay on Moorea.

Book a few nights at Hibiscus Moorea

Often regarded as one of the best-value hotels on the island, this is another property with a strong local reputation. Hotel Les Tipaniers is located in the northwest of the island, right by the beautiful beach of the same name. About a 10-minute swim from the hotel, this area is known for its famous stingrays and sharks. The resort is set in a beautiful coconut grove, overlooking the clear waters of the lagoon.

Accommodation includes standard air-conditioned bungalows with garden or beach views, sleeping 1 to 4 people depending on the category. The bungalows are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel announced renovation work in 2025. You can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while tasting local dishes at the hotel’s garden restaurant or beach restaurant. Breakfast and lunch are served by the lagoon! Free “pirogues” are available. There is also a volleyball court, table tennis, and bicycles. The hotel offers outdoor activities too, such as lagoon and inland excursions.

In short, this is a good place if you are looking for somewhere simple and peaceful to relax in a beautiful setting at a reasonable price! If you want a quiet place to enjoy beautiful sunsets, this could be the one. In addition, most guests agree that the food is delicious and that breakfast by the lagoon is a real treat! You’ll feel right at home here, as the staff are said to be welcoming and friendly.

Stay at Hotel Les Tipaniers

I am going to end this article on the best hotels in Moorea with Hotel Kaveka. Well known locally, this hotel is set in a beautiful location at the entrance to Cook Bay, overlooking the surrounding mountains. The hotel has been operating for many years, and people come here for its family-style, Polynesian atmosphere. It is close to the beautiful public beaches of Opunohu Bay and has a small private white-sand beach.

As far as services are concerned, you can choose between different types of bungalows (garden, lagoon, or beach), and some are family-oriented. All bungalows are equipped with a safe, a mini-fridge, and views that remind you of the charm of French Polynesia. The hotel offers a range of complimentary services, including snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and shuttle service to various locations in the area. External services such as scuba diving, car rental, and bike rental are also available. Welcome cocktails are always appreciated. There is also a restaurant with a good reputation and a bar with a varied selection.

All in all, Hotel Kaveka offers good service in a beautiful location. The mountain and bay views are beautiful! Prices remain reasonable and lower than at many other hotels. The services are not as high-end as in the other hotels, but you come here for the family-style, local atmosphere.

Stay a few nights at Hotel Kaveka

That’s it, I’ve now covered the best hotels in Moorea that I consider worthwhile and generally interesting (in other words, some of the best places to stay in Moorea). I’ve tried to include hotels for different budgets, from more affordable hotels to luxury hotels in Moorea. Of course, there are other hotels I could include or describe in more detail if you wish. There are also many guesthouses on the island. That will be the subject of another article, as many of you have asked me which guesthouse to choose in Moorea. I’ll be back soon with a detailed article!

If you would like to continue planning your trip, feel free to take a look at our guide to accommodation in Tahiti. If you’re interested, we’ve also written an article about where to stay on the Tahiti peninsula. We have also written a guide that brings together our best accommodations in Moorea.

In the meantime, if you know any of the hotels mentioned in this article, or any others you would like to try, feel free to leave a comment and share them with everyone!

See you soon,

Sylvain

Written by Sylvain PONS

From 2015 to 2021, French Polynesia was our home, with Mélanie and our children. I'm happy to share my experience and advice to help you organize an unforgettable stay in French Polynesia, based on my in-depth knowledge of the territory.

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