Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Moorea, French Polynesia

Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Moorea is a Polynesian island in the Society and Iles du Vent (Leeward Islands) archipelago. With its volcanic peaks that reflect in the calm water of the lagoon, Moorea is the sister island of Tahiti, separated from it by a 17-kilometer channel. Surrounded by a coral reef, the island is accessible through 12 distinct channels. It possesses a turquoise lagoon and two magnificent bays, the Bay of Cook and Opunohu. A legend recounts that a giant yellow (rea) lizard (moo) opened the bays with two blows of its tail. The Bay of Cook, surrounded by steep mountains, was named after Captain Cook, the first European to have discovered and explored the island. It is also called the bay of Paopao, after the valley of lush vegetation that prolongs it. Moorea, a huge tropical garden, is the main center of pineapple plantations in Polynesia. Visitors come here to explore its deep valleys, to swim in its wild cascades, to enter the ancient volcano’s crater or to dive with the sharks and sting rays that frequent the Tiahura channel…or simply to relax on the island’s beautiful white sand beaches.

Heavenly fares

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort’s 106 bungalows are located along a large white sand beach between the Bay of Cook and the Bay of Opunohu. Either on stilts or in a luxuriant tropical garden, they were all built in pure Polynesian style. Covered with pandanus tree leaves, like all traditional Polynesian houses, known as “fares”, they blend perfectly into the landscape and yet possess all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel such as ceiling fans, flat screen television sets and internet access. Equipped with a private terrace and individual swimming pool, the garden bungalows each have spectacular views of the beach or the exotic vegetation. The bungalows on stilts, suspended above the crystalline water of the lagoon, also have terraces and, for the height of luxury, a glass low bottom table for observing underwater marine life.

Nestled in the center of the garden, the Mandara Spa offers exotic treatments using local products including coconut milk, ginger, the aromatic tiaré flower and equally aromatic vanilla pods.

Dedicated to total relaxation, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort is a haven of peace for wealthy visitors in search of a heaven on earth. Guests can dive with a snorkel furnished by the hotel and swim alongside a wide variety of multi-colored fish, lie on the terrace and enjoy the extraordinary view, or simply let oneself be soothed by the sound of the gently breaking waves.

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort has two restaurants, both alongside the water. In each one, Polynesian flavors are cleverly combined with an international cuisine creating dishes like fresh fish marinated in coconut milk, grilled barramundi, and lobster. And for an unforgettable evening, the Toatea Bar is a must visit. Located above a natural aquarium, it possesses a panoramic view of the lagoon’s turquoise water and the majestic Moorea Mountains.

The most recent film version of “Mutiny on the Bounty” was filmed in the Bay of Opunohu. French Polynesia in fact has been used as the décor for a number of Hollywood super productions.