If you’re in search for the finest offerings in French Polynesia, consider the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort. The hotel’s thoughtful amenities and artful design ensures you’ll fully experience relaxation at the mesmerizing, turquoise-colored lagoon that brings so many visitors to see the opulent beauty of this region of the world each year.
When I planned my first trip to French Polynesia, I knew I wanted to see Moorea but fell even more in love with it on my second visit. I highly recommend adding Moorea onto a visit with Bora Bora or one of the many other islands.
There is a lot of things to do in Moorea outside the resort or you can stay on property – the choice is yours.
Hilton Moorea
Accommodations
French Polynesia has the most striking, elusive overwater bungalow structures, scattered along the pristine blue waters – many travel days seeking relief in such luxury. The Hilton Moorea’s offerings will not disappoint you, especially the King Overwater Bungalow.
This stately accommodation features a private sun deck, perfect for capturing unforgettable sunrises each morning when you wake up, to epic sunsets in the evening with a cocktail with your own lounge chairs, dining table, and direct lagoon access from the deck. The glass floor panel is a true treat, where you can watch the scenes of the ocean from underneath the comfort of your own bungalow.
If you want to save some money, consider the King Garden Suite with Private Pool, which features a private terrace with a plunge pool, perfect for a relaxing and private moment of your trip. The marble features in the bathroom include a rain shower and separate tub.
The neutral colors, dark wood beams and flooring, comfortable furniture, and high-end finishes evoke true refinement and attention to detail. The room features privacy, comfort, and a welcomed retreat worth traveling for, especially with its Nespresso coffee maker and wine cellar in-room!
I stayed in both rooms during my visit to get a lay of the land and see the major differences. I do love overwater villas but land villas are just as nice and closer to everything. It can be more budget friendly to stay in some of the land villa categories and they are much bigger with less than a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Dining
Arii Vahine provides a lavish buffet of breakfast offerings each day, and transitions to a fine dining experience in the evenings. Seafood is king at Arii Vahine, where starts include Mahi Mahi, house-made Smoked Salmon, and more. Entrees like Seared Scallops with leeks and Shrimp in a Malibu and coconut milk sauce showcase the delicacies of the water, but you’ll also find an excellent Grilled Ribeye Steak and Roasted Rack of Lamb.
The French-inspired menu continues with decadent desserts and authentic pastry, including a classic Apple Tarte Tatin and a show-stopping Sweet Potato Chocolate Fondant. Occasionally, the resort offers a Polynesian buffet dinner in the evenings, complete with a sensational dance show.
Eimeo Bar provides stunning lagoon views to enjoy with your perfect handcrafted cocktail. Choose from your favorite classic beverage or an imbibe in a unique Island-inspired creation, such as a Spicy Moorea featuring rum, spicy syrup, Moorea pineapple juice, fresh ginger, and basil. In addition to cocktails, Eimeo Bar offers a tapas menu of dishes for snacking, sharing, or a light meal, such as Mini Burgers, Spring Rolls, Calamari, and Coconut Shrimp. Even better? Dance the night away at Eimeo Bar, offering live music three nights each week.
Lunchtime meals are offered beachside at the eclectic Rotui Grill & Bar, where you’ll find a mix of local ingredients and international flavors. Enjoy Tahitian fish dishes, refreshing salads, entrees, sandwiches, panini, burgers, pasta, pizza, and more. Dessert offerings such as vanilla crème brulee provide a sweet treat to finish your afternoon meal.
Sweet and savory crepes are on the menu every evening at Toatea Creperie & Bar. Sample savory classics such as ham, egg, and cheese or take on a new favorite, such as the “Captain Cook” with potato, smoked bacon, onions, cheese, and a white wine cream sauce. Dessert selections feature classic chocolate or nutella, and adventurous options like the “Marquisienne” with honey, lemon, almonds, and mango sorbet.
The Creperie is my favorite place to eat on property and should not be missed! I also found the prices to very reasonable.
Spa
The Moorea Lagoon Spa is located beachfront and promises relaxation, healing, and restoration for your body and soul. One popular treatment, the Moorea Volcanic Stone Massage, utilizes the reviving and energizing quality of hot stones to restore and invigorate your senses.
Unique to French Polynesia, you’ll find treatments utilizing Monoï oil, scented naturally with vanilla and mango, a special massage product once reserved for Polynesian nobility, exclusively yours at the Moorea Lagoon Spa.
Activities
Aside from a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach against a picture-perfect blue lagoon to enjoy your journey, the pool is another spot worth spending an afternoon in Moorea. If you crave more adventure on your vacation, take advantage of bicycle rentals, jet skis, kayaks, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, tennis lessons, yoga classes, and much more.
The resort also offers authentic Polynesian activities and shows, all truly unique to your experience at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort.