3 Best Hotels in Moorea, French Polynesia

You'll feel marooned in paradise when you take up residence at this very stylish villa and look across gorgeous Opunohu Bay from your gently swaying hammock. It's on a white sandy beach—Robinson's Cove—which reputedly was named after a sailor (not Robinson Crusoe) who was aboard one of James Cook's ships when it moored in the bay. The experience will be totally Crusoe as you paddle your canoe to the front door and shower in the outdoor stonewalled bathroom with views across the lagoon. There are three villas: Bougainville (sleeping 2 people), Wallis (2 to 6 people) and Cook (2 to 8 people), and each has a wonderful deck offering fabulous views of the bay, one to two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and an array of funky furnishings and amenities: dishwasher, microwave, solar hot-water system, and Wi-Fi. A guide will explain the villa and the island's attractions, while a caretaker lives nearby. There's a five-night minimum stay, and villa pricing depends on the number of of people staying and the season. The Bouganville, however, has the same price year round which is US$1,890 (158,115 CFP) for two people for five nights.

This hotel is on the best beach on the island. Existing bungalows were recently refurbished, and 52 new garden, 15 new beachside, and 19 new overwater bungalows were added. Any room termed "deluxe" is brand-new. The lobby has a minimalist look with an array of furniture from funky chaise longues to '60s-style cane chairs. All bungalows are spacious and uncluttered with king beds draped with romantic nets, positioned to get the best view first thing in the morning. Bed heads are covered with fabric depicting scenes from two of Paul Gaugin's paintings, while bed lamps have golden shades to bathe the rooms in a warm glow. The resort has a lovely "infinity pool" and a gourmet restaurant, K, which seats just 28 diners in eclectic chairs, none of which are the same.

This villa should satisfy those who want to "get away from it all." It's on Motu Fareone, a little island minutes off the northwest coast. If you require a bit of action (supermarket, bars, restaurants), take the daily shuttle back to the main island. Four or five people could easily inhabit the spacious 3,000 square feet that include lounge, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and a separate master bedroom suite (750 square feet) serviced daily by housekeeping staff. The villa's decor is unmistakably "South Seas," with bamboo and rattan walls and furniture and tropical print fabrics. Varnished bamboo poles support the kitchen and bathroom. A one-bedroom cottage is located a few hundred feet away in the garden, and this can be rented if the villa is not occupied. Minimum stay is four nights, and three nights at the cottage. Pricing depends on the number of people staying, starting at US$390 (32,672 CFP) per night for the one-bedroom main villa for two people.