The Best Hotel in Moorea, French Polynesia

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Moorea is said to have one-third of French Polynesia's total hotel capacity with more than 900 hotel rooms, bungalows, family-run lodges, and pensions. However, it still manages to be laid-back and peaceful. There are just three international resorts—Sofitel, InterContinental, and Sheraton—and French Polynesia's own Pearl resort, which are the only accommodations with overwater bungalows. The rest run the gamut from mid-range hotels (some with pools) with between 15 and 37 rooms and bungalows, and family-run pensions, lodges, and self-catering bungalows. Most are located on the lagoon, with one or two in the interior. The new Legends Resort Moorea, which opened in July 2008, is on the hillside overlooking Hauru Point and is a 10-minute drive from the beach. There are a handful of villas and houses available for weekly and longer rentals, plus a couple of camping grounds.

InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

$$$ | Moorea, 98729, French Polynesia

The largest resort on the island appears to have it all—choice of garden, beach, or overwater bungalows, spa, Polynesian dancing during the week, a turtle protection center operated in partnership with the government environmental department, a special coral snorkeling park, and three resident dolphins that can be "booked" for personal encounters. A nine-month renovation program added private pools to the 17 garden bungalows and extended the terraces and added a gazebo to all-suites bungalows, in the garden, on the beach and overwater. Also new is a stunning two-level infinity pool. The resort's location is ideal on the northwest corner of the island near Le Petit Village shopping complex and several Hauru Point restaurants. The overwater bungalows, however, are not completely overwater (the balconies are but the rest is over land). Meals can vary in quality, so don't lock yourself into a meal plan but take advantage of the free pickup services from the many nearby restaurants.

Pros

  • Dolphins, turtles, and an ideal location

Cons

  • No children's program
  • Inconsistent meal quality
Moorea, 98729, French Polynesia
55–19–00
www.ichotelsgroup.com
Hotel Details
Credit cards accepted
144 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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