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In November 2022, during my honeymoon trip to French Polynesia, we had booked at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea where I would finally realize my dream of an overwater villa!
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 would go down a few steps, and there we were among the corals and an array of multicolored fish!
What makes the Sofitel in Moorea so magical and romantic is above all its dream location between a lagoon with crystal-clear waters, white sand beach, and lush green mountains.
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.
Starting July 22, 2026, Platinum Card® American Express holders can transfer their Membership Rewards points to ALL Accor Live Limitless, at a ratio of 2 Membership Rewards points for 1 Reward point (minimum transfer of 1,000 points). Points accumulated over the years on an Amex card can now be used to finance part of a stay like this one in French Polynesia. Amex has also announced that Platinum Card holders, including business versions, will automatically receive ALL Gold status later in 2026, with free Wi-Fi, welcome amenities, and upgrades subject to availability. Points also accumulate by staying at hotels, booking car rentals, and taking flights with partner airlines. Check out the complete program guide here and our article on the new transfer partnership.
To get to the island of Moorea from the port of Tahiti, we went to the ferry terminal that we had booked online, the Aremiti. The crossing to Moorea took about 55 minutes. Once at the port of Moorea, we easily found a taxi to take us to our hotel located less than ten minutes away by road.
Moorea is also only a 10-minute flight from Tahiti and the hotel is only 5 minutes from the airport.
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:
I particularly enjoyed the superb central bar which offers delicious cocktails, espressos, and tapas, all with a breathtaking view of the beach and lagoon. The Pure restaurant also offers a stunning view, in addition to offering a sumptuous seafood menu and local specialties.
The resort also has a private beach (which some consider one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!), an outdoor pool, and a lovely zen spa, the Jardin Spa & Beauty.
Many activities are available on-site and others a short drive away, such as the Green Pearl golf course.
Right on the hotel beach, you can enjoy non-motorized water activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving.
The Jardin Spa & Beauty offers a soothing atmosphere with its tropical garden decor featuring a pond and waterfall. It offers a range of treatments based on pure essential oils and natural exotic ingredients such as raw coconut oil, tangy 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 taxi trips are possible. For example, during our stay on the island, we went to a charming open-air restaurant to soak up the island atmosphere. We also toured the island by Jeep, with several stops, including at the magnificent public beach, the Moorea lookout for a panoramic view, and in a pineapple field.
Moorea is also the must-visit place for a snorkeling excursion in the lagoon, by catamaran or aboard a Polynesian outrigger canoe. You could also plan a quad excursion or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional raw fish.
For accommodations, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort has 113 luxury bungalows built over the water, on the beach, or in the heart of landscaped gardens.
We had booked a Deluxe Overwater Bungalow. With a thatched roof, its decor was both chic and traditional. We enjoyed a lovely indoor/outdoor shower and a Nespresso machine as well as direct access to swim in the lagoon.
All accommodations are equipped with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Some higher-category ones feature a hot tub 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
Snorkeling right from our two-level terrace was a huge highlight for us! We actually preferred the snorkeling experience at this hotel over the Intercontinental 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!
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, in addition to being located on the edge of a magnificent lagoon with views of 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 on my trip to French Polynesia:
To maximize your stays and point accumulation, consult our complete guide to the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) program.
Savings this way:
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