To the point
I stayed at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort for two nights. Here is my opinion on this paradise resort of the Accor group in French Polynesia.
In November 2022, during my honeymoon in French Polynesia, we booked the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea, where I was finally going to realize my dream of a villa on stilts!
We spent two unforgettable days at this hotel, relaxing, tasting local specialties, including the famous raw fish in coconut milk, and snorkeling right from our bungalow. We went down some steps and found ourselves among corals and a panoply of multicoloured fish!
What makes the Sofitel in Moorea so magical and romantic is its dream location between the crystal clear lagoon, white sandy beach and green mountains.
Booking with points
Sofitel hotels are part of the Accor hotel chain, which has some 50 hotel brands around the world. Their loyalty program is called Accor Live Limitless – ALL.
In Canada, no credit card can be used to earn Accor points. You can earn them by staying at hotels, booking car rentals, and flying with partner airlines. Check out the full program guide here.
Transportation to the hotel
To get to the island of Moorea from the port of Tahiti, we went to the terminal of the ferry we had booked online, the Aremiti. The crossing to Moorea took about 55 minutes. Once we arrived at the port of Moorea, we easily found a cab to take us to our hotel located less than ten minutes away.
Moorea is also only a 10-minute flight from Tahiti and the hotel is only 5 minutes from the airport.
The complex
When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with a lovely shell necklace.
We opted for a half-board package which included a generous breakfast buffet and a three course dinner.
The facility has:
- a restaurant with wooden cathedral roof,
- a contemporary restaurant, a central bar overlooking the lagoon,
- and a beach bar.
I particularly enjoyed the beautiful central bar that offers delicious cocktails, espressos and tapas, all with a breathtaking view of the beach and lagoon. The Pure restaurant also offers a breathtaking view, as well as a sumptuous menu of seafood and local specialties.
The resort also has a private beach (considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!), an outdoor pool and a lovely Zen spa, Jardin Spa & Beauty.
Activities
Many activities are available on site and others are just a short drive away, such as the Green Pearl Golf Course.
Right on the hotel’s beach, you can enjoy non-motorized water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
The Spa & Beauty Garden offers a soothing atmosphere with its tropical garden setting complete with a pond and waterfall. It offers a range of treatments based on pure essential oils and natural exotic ingredients such as raw coconut oil, zesty orange, sweet vanilla, fruity mango or avocado.
We also attended a cocktail party during a nice presentation given by a pearl specialist. There is also a pearl store on site.
Otherwise, from the hotel, several excursions or outings by cab are possible. For example, during our stay on the island, we went to a lovely outdoor restaurant to soak up the island atmosphere. We also toured the island by Jeep, with several stops, including the beautiful public beach, the Moorea lookout for a panoramic view and a pineapple field.
Moorea is also the place to go for a snorkelling trip in the lagoon, by catamaran or on a Polynesian pirogue. You could also plan a quad bike excursion or take a cooking class to learn how to make the traditional raw fish.
Overwater Bungalow
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort has 113 luxury bungalows built on the water, on the beach or in landscaped gardens.
We had booked an Deluxe Overwater Bungalow. With a thatched roof, its decor was chic and traditional at the same time. We had a nice indoor/outdoor shower and a Nespresso machine in addition to a direct access to swim in the lagoon.
All accommodations come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some of the higher category rooms have a whirlpool and a Bose sound system.
Room categories include:
Deluxe Bungalow With Garden View
Superior Bungalow Lagoon View
Deluxe Beach Bungalow
Superior Overwater Bungalow
Superior Overwater Bungalow Horizon
Deluxe Overwater Bungalow
Deluxe Overwater Bungalow Horizon
Villa Ravello
Snorkelling from our two-level deck was a huge turn-on for us! We actually preferred the snorkeling experience at this hotel over theIntercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso and Spa where the water was much deeper from the villa.
Plus, I loved my view from the bungalow, both of the lagoon and the mountainous landscape. It was a delight for the eyes, especially during the sunrises and sunsets!
Bottom Line
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is ideal for travelers who want to relax and snorkel. The small resort is overflowing with lush vegetation and is located on the edge of a beautiful lagoon overlooking the island of Tahiti.
We didn’t want to leave this site because it was the perfect little paradise for us!
If you want to see a Polynesian show, make sure to choose a date that falls on a show night, because at the time of our visit, there were only two nights a week. Finally, we definitely recommend this hotel for beach weddings and honeymoons.
To read my other articles about my trip to French Polynesia:
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