Monday, February 01, 2016

MOOREA

Moorea is truly a beautiful island. There is plenty to see and do here. From 4X4 tours to dolphin watching, to snorkeling, this island has it all. It is only twelve miles across the “Bay of the Moon” from Papeete by ferry…a 40 minute ride…or seven minutes by plane to get here. The island itself is still beautiful despite tourism development. A circle island drive will take you to secluded beaches, mountain top vistas at Belvedere, many villages, boutiques and restaurants. Just scroll down to see the many resort properties on the incredible picturesque island of Moorea.



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HILTON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT & SPA

I've stayed at this property many times. It is looking great these days and the beach is still gorgeous! The overwater bungalows were renovated in spring of 2009 and the Garden bungalows were completely refurbished in 2010 & sport new private plunge pools!  The main swimming pool & deck were redone in 2012 and many roofs replaced on the bungalows.  The HIlton is looking great these days!  The gardens are all grown up too, quite pretty. This is my personal favorite resort on Moorea and the snorkeling can't be beat here. The grounds are lovely. There is a beach bar/restaurant, a crepe bar that sits on the pontoon overwater, and also a fine dining restaurant on the grounds. There are sunrise and sunset views here. There are no shops or restaurants close by but arrangements can be made for restaurants to pick you up for dinner. There is the Mandara Spa as well.


OVERWATER BUNGALOWS








GREAT SNORKELING!
 
SWIMMING POOL
 OVERWATER RESTAURANT-BAR
 
 DELUXE GARDEN BUNGALOW WITH POOL



 


MOOREA PEARL RESORT


The Pearl Resort is more affordable by Tahiti standards, and nice! This resort is close to shops and restaurants so you really don’t need a meal plan here. It is close to Cooks Bay and has 95 air conditioned bungalows. The garden bungalows with plunge pool are very nice and a more affordable option than overwater. The premium overwater face the lagoon and the regular overwater mostly face the beach shoreline. The some of the beach bungalows here get a lot of foot traffic in front of them. One important note to be aware of: Don’t book the hotel “room” here! It is a building above the grounds with hotel rooms that are really basic…they cater to divers and people with multiple occupants in this category. The beach is fairly small at this property but the horizon pool is very nice.




Beach and Overwater Bungalow
GARDEN BUNGALOWS WITH PRIVATE POOLS

























INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT & SPA MOOREA



The Intercontinental has undergone quite a transformation in the last couple of years. A multi million dollar renovation finds an incredible new Horizon Pool and expanded beachfront. The Garden Bungalows now have very private plunge pools, and all the decks in each bungalow category have been expanded to include a sun and shade area. The grounds are lovely and the staff is quite experienced. Activities abound here: The ever popular Dolphin Experience, water sports of all types, onsite dive operator, transport out to the motu for swimming & snorkeling, and a small turtle nursery keep guests busy. There is a small market just across the street for snacks and drinks as well. A popular resort for travelers from all walks of life, the Intercontinental has excellent food and a refined resort atmosphere.




Overwater Bungalow Exterior



Standard Beach Bungalow Exterior


Horizon Pool



Garden Bungalow w/Pool exterior







Bungalow Interiors



Bathroom Interior




Dolphin Encounter...



Lobby

SOFITEL MOOREA BEACH RESORT





This resort underwent a multi million dollar renovation in 2006 and is considered to be a lovely four star resort on Moorea. It is located on a beautiful white sandy beach with a view of Tahiti in the distance. The decor is modern tahitian and sports garden, beach and overwater bungalows. All have air conditioning with flat screen TV's, rain shower bathrooms and a mini-bar. There is a wonderful spa and two restaurants. The infinity pool is delightful as well. This resort isn't close to other shops or restaurants, but offers an excellent beach and tropical surroundings.








Overwater and Beach Bungalows






























Incredible Sunsets...














LES TIPANIERS

This is a nice budget property on a lovely beach. The restuarant here is fantastic and many of the bungalows have full kitchens. A great value in Moorea to be sure!
















HOTEL HIBISCUS

This is a gem of a property. It’s three star and for the budget minded. It’s in a park like setting but has a great beach and modest accommodations. The beachfront restaurant is known for their pizzas and has excellent food at reasonable prices. Large portions too! All accommodations here have cooking facilities. Be sure to get a bungalow though and not one of the hotel rooms! The hotel “rooms” are dark, clostrophobic, and in a very old building. There is a pool that I wouldn’t write home about, but the sunsets are truly some of the best on Moorea. It is also close to a group of small shops.