A Guide to Moorea: The Best Places to Stay
Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island, is a breathtaking wonderland of jagged volcanic peaks, lush valleys, and a brilliant blue lagoon. Unlike the exclusive focus of Bora Bora, Moorea offers a fantastic range of accommodations, from world-class luxury resorts to charming, family-run guesthouses.
Choosing where to stay depends on your budget and preferred travel style. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Moorea.
Understanding the Main Areas
Your experience can be shaped by which part of the island you choose as your home base:
Temae & Maharepa (East/Northeast): This is the most convenient area. It’s close to the ferry terminal and airport. Temae has the island’s best public white-sand beach. Maharepa is a lively village with the highest concentration of shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.
The Two Bays (Cook’s & Opunohu – North): This is the iconic, dramatic heart of Moorea. The Hilton is nestled between these two stunning bays. Cook’s Bay is more developed with restaurants and the Cook’s Bay Hotel. Opunohu Bay is more pristine, wild, and a popular spot for sailboats.
Haapiti & Tiahura (Northwest): This area offers a tranquil, laid-back vibe with calm, shallow lagoon waters perfect for snorkeling. It’s near “Le Petit Village,” a small shopping center, and is home to many boutique hotels and pensions.
The Best Places to Stay by Category
1. The Luxury Icons (The “Overwater Bungalow” Experience)
These are the three major resorts on the island, famous for their overwater bungalows and full-service amenities.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa:
Vibe: Often considered the most luxurious and modern resort on the island. Its location between the two iconic bays is arguably the most stunning.
Best For: Honeymooners, luxury seekers, and snorkelers. It has fantastic coral reefs right off the bungalows and the island’s only overwater restaurant.
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort:
Vibe: Blends French elegance with Polynesian style. It’s built on the edge of Temae Beach, the longest and most beautiful white-sand beach on the island, with crystal-clear water.
Best For: Beach lovers and convenience. It’s very close to the ferry terminal and airport, making it an easy-to-access paradise.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea:
Vibe: A more intimate, boutique-style resort with a strong Polynesian feel. It’s located in the convenient village of Maharepa.
Best For: A high-end experience with a more local feel. It’s an easy walk to nearby shops and restaurants, and it features an excellent on-site coral nursery project.
2. The Mid-Range & Boutique Charms
These properties offer fantastic comfort and prime locations without the five-star resort price tag. They are perfect for travelers who want a beautiful place to sleep but plan to be out exploring.
Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites:
Vibe: A new, modern hotel offering spacious suites with kitchenettes. The view from the hotel, looking out into the dramatic Cook’s Bay, is spectacular.
Best For: Families and travelers who want more space and the option to cook. It’s a fantastic mid-range value.
Moorea Beach Lodge:
Vibe: A chic and intimate boutique hotel in the Haapiti area. It consists of several bungalows set in a garden, opening onto a beautiful private beach.
Best For: A quiet, romantic getaway. It has a wonderful communal lounge and kitchen, giving it a friendly, upscale-guesthouse feel.
Les Tipaniers:
Vibe: A classic, long-running Moorea hotel with simple, clean bungalows on a beautiful stretch of beach in the northwest.
Best For: A laid-back, “Old Tahiti” vibe. It’s unpretentious, has a great restaurant on-site, and is a short walk to other local eateries.
3. Budget-Friendly & Authentic (The “Pension” Experience)
To experience the real, local side of Moorea, stay at a “pension” (pronounced pon-see-own). These family-run guesthouses and rentals offer incredible value, warmth, and authenticity.
Linareva Moorea Beach Resort:
Vibe: A long-time favorite, this spot in Haapiti offers charming, self-catering bungalows (some over the water) that feel like a small village. The owners are known for their hospitality.
Best For: A “home away from home” feel, self-catering, and excellent snorkeling right off the dock.
Haere Mai I Te Fare:
Vibe: A highly-rated, friendly guesthouse in Temae that offers simple, clean bungalows around a garden and pool.
Best For: Travelers on a budget who want a clean, safe, and friendly base near the ferry and Temae Beach.
Airbnb / VRBO Rentals:
Vibe: Varies, but you can find incredible gems, from mountain-view studios to beachfront cabins with kitchenettes (like the popular “The cabin – facing the Pacific Ocean”).
Best For: Total independence and saving money by cooking your own meals. This is an excellent way to have a moderate-budget trip.
