My husband will be retiring at the end of the year and for his retirement trip, we are planning a trip to Moorea. We want to stay at a nice place (I want to stay in a over the water bungelow) but not the most expensive. I've researched some books and info. from travel agencies.....I'm interested in the Sofitel La Ora, the Sheratin Moorea, and a place called the Bai Hai (Bali Hali-not sure of the spelling). Would love your input if you stayed at any of the these places. Also where would you go for a really good dinner/dance show? Thanks for you help!

We stayed at the Sheraton Moorea in an OWB and loved it!! Fantastic views, bungalows, service, snorkling with lots of coral right off your deck. ohhhhhh!

Didn't do any tahitian dance dinners but we loved the French restaurant called the "little turtle", can't remember the name in Tahitian, Ito something. People will know though. The Sheraton has the best position on the island IMO because it sits right between the two main bays.

Dgentrysim,

Have also stayed at the Sheraton on Moorea in an overwater bungalow. It was actually an Horizon OWB and further out in the lagoon area. Like stormygirl, we were very pleased with the units, location and the beautiful lagoon waters. I believe they are about the best on Moorea. I think the restaurant mentioned is called Te Hono Iti. We had a couple of dinners there that were very enjoyable.

For the most comprehensive site on French Polynesia check out the following website, www.tahiti-explorer.com. All your questions can be answered there.

Stormygirl & DJE.....Thank you both for your suggestions.....appreciate all the advice from people that have already been to Moorea!!!

TO: Stormygirl and DJE:

We have a lot of Starwood points & wanted to stay at the Sheraton Moorea in an OWB, but they won't let us use points or upgrade with points to one of those. Can you let me know how their Beach Suites or bungalows on the beach are? That is the higest category they will let us use points with. Also, how is the pool and beach (since we won't be in an OWB)? Thanks!

Well since I didn't stay in a beach bungalow it's hard to say but we saw a couple that were kindof overwater but still considered beach. That might be cool. Some of the ones right on the beach are a little non private as everyone is walking past them to go to the pool and the beach! The beach and pool area are both nice. Lawn chairs, hammocks, water toy rentals, etc. Honestly we didn't use either though since we had our private deck on the OW.


For anyone staying at the Sheraton I will say, it's a very nice place but don't eat in the restaurant! Too expensive, amazingly slow service and just ok food. There are MUCH better places!

I second stormygirls suggestion to eat elsewhere especially for dinners. The restaurants outside of the resort definitely offer better cuisine and service overall. I also believe you get better value for the $$ even if you factor in a taxi ride to get there. The restaurants will usually cover the cost of a one way trip and you pay the other, which is still very reasonable.

Yes the bungalows closest to the beach area didn't seem all that private. Maybe consider one further out along the path which will get less traffic from people walking to and from their OWB's.

Thanks, have either of you been to the new Bora Bora Nui (starwood resort)? I believe the same there. They won't allow points for OWB but I've read that they are on wrong side of island even though the resort is outstanding.

Do you know of the water is nice a clear like the rest of the islands, etc.? Thanks again.

I would also like to know if anyone has been to the new starwood resort on Bora Bora - we are thinking about a trip in 2005 for our 20th wedding anniversary - any suggestions?

Just got back from our honeymoon in Moorea and New Zealand. We stayed at the Sofitel Ia Ora and loved it. We got upgraded to an overwater bungalow (had paid for 5 nts beach hut / 1 nt overwater and got the overwater for 6 nts) so the price was definitely right!
We took a drive around the island and checked out the other resorts (didn't see inside the rooms of course). I would have to say that the Sheraton was best (and of course is most expensive) and the Sofitel was a close 2nd. Some of the beaches at the other resorts were not that great (given that's the whole reason you go to French Polynesia). The Bali Hai would be my last choice. The views are great because it's in the bay but the water and beach didn't appeal to me nearly as much as the others. Hope this helps (even though it's just my opinion).

Good luck, have fun and happy retirement!