Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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With shimmering blue-green waters, the island of Moorea in French Polynesia is known as the ‘Magical Island.’ Only 18 km from Tahiti, Moorea Island has a very laid-back and friendly atmosphere. It’s the second most popular honeymoon destination in French Polynesia and an ideal place to relax after spending a few days sightseeing or surfing in Tahiti.
Moorea is one of many French Polynesia islands known for its lush natural scenery, gorgeous beaches, unique culture, and outdoor adventure activities. When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Moorea, you’ll have your choice of beautiful resorts, island hotels, as well as some surprisingly budget-friendly options.
How to Get to Moorea from Tahiti
Book your international flight to Papeete (PPT), French Polynesia.
By Plane
Air Tahiti flights to Moorea depart from Faa’a Airport several times a day, and the flight is only 15 minutes long. Talk to your hotel or resort about transport to and from the airport – Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel
By Ferry
Two ferry companies (Aremiti and Terevau) sail between Papeete Town in Tahiti and Moorea. The ferry runs about eight times a day and takes 30 minutes to travel between the two islands – Book your shared transport from the pier to your hotel
Best Moorea Accommodation
Best Moorea Resorts
Here’s the list of the best Moorea resorts for a unique holiday in Moorea, French Polynesia.
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is easily one of the best resorts in Moorea. Just five minutes’ drive from the airport, it’s situated on a beautiful white sand beach and looks out across the lagoon towards Tahiti Island.
This Moorea resort boasts lovely bungalows made from natural materials and offers garden or beach views; There are two restaurants on-site where you can enjoy the celebrity treatment while dining on world-class cuisine that combines local flavors with traditional French cuisine.
The outdoor pool and private beach add to the luxury of this resort, making it the best place to stay in Moorea.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
This Moorea beach resort offers the perfect luxury experience, complete with panoramic views over the ocean. Located between two bays on Moorea Island, the Hilon Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is just 20 minutes drive from the airport and 25 minutes from the ferry terminal.
The bungalows at this hotel are suspended over the turquoise water or nestled among exotic flowers and make this one of the best hotels in Moorea, French Polynesia. Some of them even boast a private plunge pool or a glass-bottom table that allows you to peek into the waters below.
The hotel also has a tennis court, three bars, and three restaurants on-site for delicious local and international dishes.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea
If you’re looking for Moorea resorts with lots of amenities and stunning views, then the Manava Beach Resort & Spa is for you. It’s just ten minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the ferry and offers the perfect beachfront experience.
This traditional Polynesian-style resort has garden bungalows with a sundeck and a private plunge pool. And if you need to relax a little more, you can get a massage or beauty treatment at the spa or sit in the bar with a fruity drink in hand.
Don’t miss out on the festive-themed events the hotel holds every Friday and Saturday night. They’re famous around the island and really make this hotel one of the best places to stay in Moorea.
Poerani Moorea
When you’re trying to decide where is the best place to stay in Moorea, you can’t ignore this resort. The Poerani Moorea is just four km from Temae airport and has a private beach, as well as a tour desk.
This is one of the best Moorea resorts for activities, with facilities for kayaking, golfing, diving, and snorkeling close by. The rooms are spacious and have their own seating area, and some of them have sea or garden views.
So, if you’re looking for the best resorts in Moorea with easy access to the outdoors, this is a good choice.
Best Moorea Hotels
Here’s the list of the best Moorea hotels for a great stay in Moorea Island.
Hotel FenuaMata’I’oa
Just 25 minutes from the airport and 30 from the terminal, this hotel’s location is what makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Moorea Tahiti. It’s also on the waterfront and surrounded by a tropical garden.
A favorite spot for weddings, Hotel FenuaMata’I’oa offers everything, from a bar and restaurant to an outdoor hot tub. If you’d prefer a more active holiday, then there are also plenty of opportunities to go fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, or diving.
With luxurious suites with private patios and access to a shared sun terrace and library, this is one of the best hotels in Moorea.
Moorea Island Beach Hotel
Located just 14 km from the airport, Moorea Island Beach Hotel is a 3-star hotel and a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Moorea on a budget. It has its own private beach area, a garden, and free bike hire, as well as comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and seating areas.
This Moorea hotel has a spacious main area with a terrace and outdoor lounge facing the beach, as well as two solariums where you can watch the sun go down. There’s also a kitchen on-site that serves an à la carte or vegetarian breakfast.
Moorea Sunset Beach
Just 15 km from the airport, Moorea Sunset Beach is a good choice if you’re looking for hotels in Moorea Tahiti on a budget. It offers units built in traditional Polynesian style with a tropical garden setting or bordering one of the most beautiful lagoons in Moorea.
The units are completely private, with fully equipped kitchens, seating areas, private bathrooms with laundry facilities, and dining areas.
Haere Mai I Te Fare
This Moorea accommodation is just 1.3 km from the beach and offers budget-friendly but beautiful surroundings. The Haere Mai I Te Fare property is located in a lush tropical garden and offers a shared lounge, as well as a restaurant, so you can meet fellow travelers and have a meal after a long day.
With private parking, free bikes, barbecue facilities, and a terrace where you can enjoy the surroundings, this Moorea hotel has a relaxed and relaxing vibe that can’t be beaten.
Hotel Hibiscus
The final place on our list of where to stay in Moorea is a budget choice with a lot to offer. Thirty minutes from the airport and 35 minutes from the ferry terminal, it’s just steps from some of the most beautiful beaches in Moorea and surrounded by lush gardens.
With bungalows and studios available, each with its own private terrace and kitchenette, the Hotel Hibiscus is perfect for couples and groups. Make sure that you have a meal at the hotel restaurant for a mix of Italian, French, and Polynesian dishes to suit every taste.