Map of Moorea showing many of the places mentioned.

http://www.thetahititraveler.com/isl...ooreaintro.asp

The La Baie de Nuarei is just north of the Sofitel. The Island of Tahiti lies to the east.

Personally, I've not been any further west than the Moorea Beachcomber Intercontinental. Note that the 2 deep inlets on the north shore of the island have deeper, darker water than the coastal areas that have a fringing reef.

Look through the rest of the photos in the album link I posted to see some pictures of these bays and also the grounds of the Intercontinental.

Ken

Yes, as you can see, they are all on the NW coast, an area called Haaru Point, which has some good beaches and sunsets. Almost all of the above-listed places are within a few km of each other, and in walking distance to a small village, which is curiously called Le Petite Village. There is a bank, a couple of small magasins (stores) and boutiques, and a few restaurants. Location-wise, you cannot go wrong with any of these places, you just have to decide if you want a bigger or smaller or more luxurious place.