Moorea is easily one of the best island destinations in the world. With its beautiful emerald peaks, sparkling blue lagoons, and pristine sandy beaches, it’s the epitome of a tropical paradise. Add its rich reefs, the annual migration of humpback whales, and swoon-worthy overwater bungalows, and you have a post-card-perfect getaway. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And in this article, I’ll outline the 16 best resorts in Moorea, so you can make the most of your stay in the South Pacific.
16 Best Resorts in Moorea
In this article, I’ll list the 16 best resorts in Moorea. I’ll follow up with tips on how to make the most of your stay. From the best time to visit, to where to stay on the island, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in paradise.
My personal favorites are the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort for its overwater restaurant with shark and stingray views, and the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach for its ideal location near Temae Beach.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST RESORTS IN MOOREA
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No worries! To summarize, here are the three best resorts in Moorea.
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
You’ll find the 16 Best Resorts in Moorea below, with a table showing current resort rates. I’ve sorted them by price and listed the rate per night.
| Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|
| Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort | $850 |
| Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach | $680 |
| Manava Beach Resort | $520 |
| Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites | $480 |
| Robinson’s Cove Villas | $455 |
| Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa | $450 |
| Green Lodge Moorea | $250 |
| Linareva Moorea Beach Resort | $240 |
| Hotel Kaveka | $225 |
| Moorea Sunset Beach | $310 |
| Moorea Beach Lodge | $270 |
| Moorea Island Beach Hotel | $265 |
| Hotel Hibiscus | $220 |
| Lagoon Dream | $220 |
| Village Temanoha | $150 |
| Les Tipaniers Hotel | $99 |
16 BEST RESORTS IN MOOREA
Moorea is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and what better way to enjoy your stay than in a beautiful resort? From luxurious overwater villas to humble homestays and everything in between, Moorea offers accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re seeking an upscale French hotelier or a locally-owned boutique property, here are the 16 best resorts in Moorea.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort tops most lists as the best resort in Moorea. You’ll find the hotel on the north side of the island, near the mouth of the beautiful Opunohu Bay. The resort offers 104 rooms and bungalows, including garden rooms, overwater villas, and beachfront bungalows. Whichever room type you choose, you’ll experience the personalized service and upscale amenities the Hilton is known for.
The resort encompasses beautiful grounds, with a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, pool, and more. There’s also its overwater restaurant, the first of its kind on the island. Guests can make the most of the facilities, or snorkel in the lagoon, hike nearby trails, or book a number of tours through the concierge. Whether it’s swimming with whales or jeep tours in the jungle, there’s an endless supply of adventures to be had. Given its incredible setting, well-appointed rooms, and upscale amenities, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort is an easy contender for one of the best resorts on the island.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hilton Moorea Lagoon
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach is another gorgeous overwater resort in Moorea. Located next to the largest stretch of sand on the island, it’s an ideal spot for beach lovers. The property boasts 113 rooms and suites, from garden villas tucked in lush landscaping to overwater bungalows with views of Tahiti. Regardless of room type, guests can enjoy access to the marine-protected lagoon, and world-class amenities at the resort.
The Sofitel offers signature wellness treatments at its Jardin Spa, French fine dining at its restaurants and bars, and a beachfront infinity pool with panoramic views. Live Polynesian dance performances and traditional cuisine are often served with dinner, and guests can always choose to dine under the stars. The front desk is also on hand to help organize marine tours, diving, and sightseeing around the island. With all that, plus its convenient location near the ferry port and airport, the Sofitel Kia Ora is an excellent choice for a Moorea resort.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sofitel Kia Ora
Manava Beach Resort
Manava Beach Resort is another exclusive overwater resort in Moorea. Set along the northeast shores of Moorea, it’s just around the corner from the iconic Cook’s Bay. The resort features 94 rooms and bungalows, including garden view rooms, garden pool bungalows, and beach and overwater suites. Each room combines modern comforts with Polynesian charm, creating a memorable stay on the island of Moorea.
Manava also offers a wide array of resort amenities. Facilities include a beachfront infinity. pool, fitness center, spa, and international dining. Guests can enjoy watersports in the lagoon, or join the dive center for open water adventures. Given its prime location, warm hospitality, and beautiful rooms, Manava Beach Resort is one of the best resorts in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Manava Beach Resort
Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites
Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites is a well-appointed, modern hotel in the heart of Moorea. Located in Cook’s Bay, it enjoys unparalleled views of Mount Rotui and Moorea’s most iconic view. Given its incredible backdrop, each room was designed with a balcony or patio to make the most of the scenery. The rooms themselves are quite spacious, with an attached living area. The light and airy aesthetic flavored with hints of local decor make for some of the best interior design on the island.
As for amenities, the resort offers a fitness center, a swimming pool with beautiful sun loungers, and a garden. Guests can kayak in the bay, book marine or overland tours, or enjoy hiking right from the resort up to Mount Rotui. With easy access to both mountains and sea, with a concierge happy to help with either, Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites is a great choice for a resort in Moorea!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cook’s Bay Hotel
Robinson’s Cove Villas
Robinson’s Cove Villas is a collection of traditionally built villas right on the beach in Opunohu Bay. Featuring open layouts with sweeping views, each of these villas is uniquely built to complement the untouched beauty of their natural surroundings. The villas accommodate 2 – 8 guests each, each fully furnished with a full kitchen.
A concierge is on hand to organize activities and make the most of your stay. Snorkeling and kayaking are available free of charge, with some of the best snorkeling in the island just in front of the villas. The resort is also a short drive away from the towns of Maharepa, Haapiti, and the hikes in the heart of the island. Above all, guests enjoy the authentic experience of staying in a traditionally designed villa along the shores of Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Robinson’s Cove Villas
Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa
Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa is one of the most charming resorts in Moorea. Set in the northwest, in Tiahura, the hotel is located near a large public beach, as well as the boutique shops and restaurants near Haapiti. Each room is designed with whimsical, eclectic touches. Driftwood-styled four-poster beds, oversized tubs, and gorgeous sea views are all par for the course. Some rooms offer private sundecks over the water, with lush private gardens with bespoke furnishings. Guess can also enjoy the shared outdoor hot tub, expansive sundeck, restaurant, and bar. And considering its Presidential “overwater suites” are a fraction of the cost of the hotels above, Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa is a great choice for a resort in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Fenua Mata’i’oa
Green Lodge Moorea
Green Lodge Moorea is a beautiful boutique resort in Moorea. Located in Temae, it’s extremely convenient to both the airport and ferry port. The resort offers three bungalow types with garden and beachfront views. Each villa is beautifully designed with traditional wood and stonework, making it an enchanting alternative to larger hotels. Large beds with mosquito netting add to its island allure, and each bungalow is just steps from the sand. Guests can lounge by the outdoor pool or on the private beach, both exceptional ways to enjoy the Tahitian sun. All said, with its convenient location and intimate feel, Green Lodge is a great resort in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Green Lodge Moorea
Linareva Moorea Beach Resort
Linareva Moorea Beach Resort is a cozy little resort on Moorea’s western shores. Situated in Nuurua, it’s further from the airport than most of the resorts above. But the drive is well worth the serene surroundings at Linareva. The resort sits between soaring green peaks and a tranquil blue lagoon, with each room offering a private terrace with views of either or both. Room types include beach bungalows, oceanfront studios, and multi-bedroom villas on the beach. Each room is decorated in a relaxed island style, with colorful accents. Guests at the resort can canoe, bicycle, and snorkel for free, or enjoy the private jetty with views of both mountains and sea. All in all, it’s an excellent choice for a relaxing resort in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Linareva Moorea Beach
Hotel Kaveka
Hotel Kaveka is a resort in Moorea that boasts one of the best views on the island. Set in the gorgeous Cook’s Bay, Kaveka enjoys the most iconic view of the island. A turquoise lagoon, palm-tree-laden beaches, and Mount Rotui rising in the distance. There are beachfront bungalows, with each room featuring multiple beds. It’s a great choice for families and groups of friends, and provides great value for the often pricey island. Guests can choose from snorkeling in the bay, canoeing, or kayaking, with bikes for hire as well. There’s also a cheeky overwater restaurant with jaw-dropping views over the water. Considering it’s top-tier location with great value, it’s one of the best affordable resorts in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Kaveka
Moorea Sunset Beach
Moorea Sunset Beach is a wonderful boutique resort in Moorea, along one of the best beaches on the island. Set in the northwest, it’s close to the shops at Haapiti, next to the sharks and stingrays lagoon, and close to the jumpoff point for whale tours. The resort features two-bedroom garden bungalows and first floor suites with expansive balconies. With modern amenities and spacious living spaces, it’s a great value stay for group and families. And while there aren’t typical resort facilities like a restaurant or spa, having one of the best snorkeling spots in Moorea out front isn’t bad. All things considered, Moorea Sunset Beach is a great choice for an island escape in this little corner of French Polynesia.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Moorea Sunset Beach
Moorea Beach Lodge
Moorea Beach Lodge is another boutique property in beautiful Haapiti. A short walk from the shops and restaurants at Le Petit Village, staying in this corner of the island is a great way to enjoy more of a local vibe. The resort offers bungalows with garden views and sea views, as well as a family bungalow and superior “Honeymoon Bungalows” right at the water’s edge. The cottages are a blend of modern chic aesthetic with Polynesian flair. Each room enjoys outdoor seating under the large thatched roof, with lush gardens for privacy.
As it’s a small boutique property, there isn’t a restaurant or spa on-site, but guests can use the kitchen to prepare their own meals after breakfast service. There’s also complimentary bike and kayak rental, as well as a dive center next door. Be it scuba diving, pelagic safaris, or whale watching, you can organize your ocean adventures right from the resort. All in all, it’s an incredibly charming way to experience the island, and a great Moorea resort for your next stay.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Moorea Beach Lodge
Moorea Island Beach Hotel
Also located in Haapiti, Moorea Island Beach Hotel is a prime example of a resort in Moorea that does it all. It’s only 600m from Tiahura Beach, one of the best public beaches on the island. The shops in Haapiti are a short walk away, and the rooms and staff offer unbeatable value. Room types include double rooms with sea and garden views, and a family bungalow for larger groups. The rooms are designed with a light and modern twist on South Pacific style, with beautiful shared resort spaces along the beachfront.
Guests can canoe, kayak, and snorkel from the private beachfront, or hire bicycles to ride around the island. There’s much to explore in the surrounding area, with the motus just out front. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing holiday or an adventure base, you can’t go wrong with Moorea Island Beach Hotel.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Moorea Island Beach
Hotel Hibiscus
Hotel Hibiscus is yet another boutique property in the pristine northwest of Moorea. One of the few resorts in the area with an outdoor pool and beachfront restaurant, the tropical bungalows at Hotel Hibiscus are only steps from sandy white beaches. The resort offers bungalows with garden views or lagoon views, each with a private terrace and kitchenette. Guests can rent kayaks to explore the lagoon, or snorkel right from the beach. Meanwhile, the beachfront restaurant serves a medley of French, Italian, and Polynesian fare, all with some of the best views on the island. In short, Hotel Hibiscus makes a wonderful choice for a resort in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Hibiscus
Lagoon Dream
Lagoon Dream is an aptly named property alongside a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Located in Papetoai, it’s a stone’s throw from the dolphin center, and in a quiet, residential area. The shops at Haapiti are just a short drive away though, as is Opunohu Bay. With just 4 units, it’s an intimate property with a lovely host. The cottages are available with one and two bedrooms, with spacious living areas, outdoor patios, and a shared beachfront pool. Guests can enjoy snorkeling directly from the private waterfront, standup paddle board, or canoe. It’s a cozy space with everything you need to enjoy a no-fuss resort in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Lagoon Dream
Village Temanoha
Village Temanoha is a picturesque property located in the heart of Moorea. Just inland from the gorgeous Cook Bay, the village boasts stunning views of the lush mountains that form the interior of the island. The resort features an outdoor pool and spacious bungalows with mountain and garden views. There’s an abundant breakfast available, and activities like guided hikes and horseback riding are easily booked. Popular viewpoints like Belvedere Looking, Three Pines, and Three Coconuts are a short drive away, making it an excellent hiking base in Moorea. For all these reasons and more, Village Temanoha is a great resort in Moorea for those who love the mountains as much as the sea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Village Temanoha
Les Tipaniers Hotel
Les Tipaniers Hotel is a remarkably charming resort in the northwest of the island. Right across from the motus, it enjoys one of the best beach views on the island. Snorkelers often use it as the jump-off point for swimming to the sandbar with the stingrays and sharks. The resort offers standard rooms, vanilla bungalows, and garden or beach bungalows with kitchens. For guests who don’t want to cook, there are two restaurants on-site, as well as the restaurants at Haapiti nearby. By all accounts, they have some of the friendliest staff on the island, and I enjoyed stopping by their beautiful beach a few times during my stay in Moorea. Les Tipaniers is currently undergoing renovation, but once reopened, it’ll be back to being one of the best resorts in Moorea.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Les Tipaniers Hotel
Things to Know Before Traveling to Moorea
Here are a few things to know before traveling to Moorea. From the best time of year to visit, to where to stay on the island, and how exactly you can swim with the whales, stingrays, and sharks.
Best Time to Visit Moorea
The best time to visit Moorea is during the dry season, May to October. The temperatures during this time range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to high-20s Celsius). There’s less rain and more consistent sun, making it great for outdoor activities and beach days. Moreover, August to October is Moorea’s whale season.
During this time, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm and protected waters around Moorea to mate and give birth. Moorea is one of the few places in the world where people can swim with humpback whales, and it’s an unforgettable experience for most. Given the nature of wildlife interactions though, it’s best to stay in Moorea for a longer period and go out several times to give yourself the best chance of having a great encounter.
Moorea’s wet season runs from November to April. It’s hotter, more humid, with a higher chance of rain and storms. While visiting during the rainy season is still possible (and cheaper), you may encounter rainy days in paradise, and should plan accordingly.
Where to Stay in Moorea
Where to stay in Moorea largely depends on personal preference, but here are a few great areas and what they’re known for and close to.
Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay: These two adjacent bays on the north side of Moorea provide some of the most breathtaking views on the island. Mount Rotui rises between both, offering panoramic views to bold hikers. It’s about a 15 to 30-minute drive from the ferry port depending on your location.
Tiahura: The area around Tiahura is a charming place on the northwest coast of Moorea. There’s an abundance of local homestays, Airbnb’s, and boutique resorts in the area, as well as local shops and restaurants. People love the beautiful public beach, and the sharks & stingrays sandbar is in the area. It’s about a 35-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Maharepa: Maharepa is a cute town located on the northeastern coast of Moorea. There are boutique accommodations, shops, and restaurants, as well as 3 banks. Many places on the island are still cash-only, and it’s a good ATM stop on the island. It’s a 13-minute drive from the ferry.
Temae: Temae is home to the largest stretch of beach on the island, and is a must-visit for beach lovers. There’s a protected marine area, little boutique accommodations, shops, and convenient access to the airport and ferry terminal. The public beach is a 7- minute drive from the ferry.
Regardless of where you stay in Moorea, you should look into shared transfers from the airport or ferry to your accommodation. Taxis are expensive and far between, and the public bus runs infrequently. A rental car or scooter is ideal for travelers who want to explore on their own. For everyone else, most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Conclusion
Those are the 16 best resorts in Moorea for your upcoming stay! Hopefully, you found exactly what you’re looking for. And if you’re interested in overwater resorts elsewhere in French Polynesia, try my Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia guide. If you’re interested in shopping overwater resorts in other tropical destinations, try my Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean or Best Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives articles. Either way, I hope you find the ideal escape for your time in paradise. Safe travels!
