It is an island where one comes to decompress - to be surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty both above water and below. And part of the attraction of Mo'orea are the locals - friendly and proud to show visitors their small piece of French Polynesia.
Getting Here
Similar to how Iceland was not on the radar of most travelers several years ago due to the expense of getting there, Tahiti has recently opened up to travel - especially from the west coast of the USA with reasonably priced flights that began in 2018 courtesy of nonstop routes from San Francisco by the French based airline, French Bee and United Airlines. The flight from San Francisco to Papeete on French Bee arrives early morning allowing passengers plenty of time to get to Mo'orea that same day. The flight on United Airlines arrives in the evening after the ferry service has ceased for the day (requiring visitors to stay overnight in Papeete before continuing on to Mo'orea).
Once in Papeete, a transfer to Mo'orea from Tahiti is easy. Two ferry companies (Terevau and Aremiti) offer 30 minute ferry rides from the ferry terminal in Papeete to the ferry terminal in Mo'orea; this a fast and inexpensive way to reach the island. The Tahiti ferry terminal is within easy walking or driving distance of central Papeete. The ferries run from early morning until late afternoon/evening. Alternatively expensive flights (based on the short travel distance) on Air Tahiti leave from Papeete to the small airport on Mo'orea (flight time about 15 minutes).
Regardless of how you arrive on Mo'orea, the Hilton Mo'orea Lagoon Resort & Spa can arrange transportation ahead of time. Taxis waiting for departing passengers are also an option for transportation (allow about 25-30 minutes for the ride from the ferry port to the Hilton). And an Avis Rental office is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport, offering a variety of rental options.
Hilton Mo'orea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Guests have access to a picturesque pool, beach chairs and umbrellas, complimentary use of snorkel equipment, stand up paddle boards and use of the fitness center. And for those looking for an extra boost of bliss - the spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments including two unique offerings, a Moorea Volcanic massage and a Moorea Lagoon massage.
Breakfast is buffet style in the morning; if your stay coincides with Sunday, we recommend their Sunday brunch featuring additional local dishes as well as the sounds of live music. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible - highlights include fresh fish and a variety of tropical fruits. And every Wednesday or Saturday a Polynesian dance show accompanies dinner in the Arii Vahine Restaurant (reservations required).
More then 50 over water bungalows are available as are 50+ shore bungalows. An added perk of staying on shore is nearly every bungalow comes with a private pool. And for discerning visitors who want an onshore bungalow with a coveted view of the beach and water, book either bungalow numbers 46 through 48 or 53 through 55.
The over water bungalows are perched mere feet above the aquamarine water with steps leading down from each deck. And a neat feature within the rooms is a glass viewing panel built into the floor - ideal for watching fish swim underneath or merely for gauging the choppiness of the water. Regardless of which bungalow one stays in, the views are stunning. And be sure to visit the Toatea Bar in the evening for a drink and an excellent selection of creperies. One often sees black tipped sharks at night swimming in the waters below.
Mo'orea is a popular honeymoon destination and the Hilton Mo'orea Lagoon Resort & Spa offers a number of romance themed experiences including breakfast delivered to one of the over-water bungalows by a canoe, a romantic dinner on the beach, a Polynesian traditional wedding on the beach, a vows renewal ceremony or a memorable sensory and aromatic floral turn-down service (all from local flowers).
Experiences
More adventurous travelers can rent a motor scooter (Albert Transport and Activities is conveniently located within a short drive of the Hilton) and explore the 42 miles of coastline on your own - allow at least 90 minutes to drive the entire circumference of the island without stopping - but better yet, take a day to explore the island at your own leisure.
Or if you prefer a slower way to see the island rent a bicycle. Opunohu Valley is a short ride from the Hilton Mo'orea Lagoon Resort & Spa and features a surreal landscape with stunning rainforest covered jagged mountains complemented by bucolic valleys. Highly recommended is a drive on Opunohu Valley road - along the way stop at the small shop at Lycée Agricole to enjoy tropical fruit flavored ice cream and juices.
Continue on to Belevedere, the highest lookout on the island featuring expansive views of the two most picturesque bays on Mo'orea - Opunohu Bay and Cooks's Bay along with the prominent Mt. Rotui. Several hiking paths are accessible via the rear of the parking lot; one is a short walk through the rainforest to a small stream with refreshingly cold water.
Or if you are up for another very scenic ride through the island, take the partial dirt Paopao Valley road connecting over to Cook's Bay and then circle back to the resort on the main road.
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Leaving Mo'orea can be sad. When the jagged covered slopes are covered in clouds, it felt like we were slipping out of paradise - as the ferry pulled away we looked at Mo'orea's shoreline longingly and made a silent promise that this would not be our last visit to the island.
To book your visit to this special slice of French Polynesia click here: www.hilton.com/Hotel/Moorea