Whether you are more of a sunset or sunrise person, the Moorea Hilton grants you both beautiful opportunities! Bordering one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of Tahiti’s sister island, the hotel is tucked between the two most famous bays of the Society island archipelago. Every morning, the sun rises in Cook’s Bay before setting every evening in the crystalline blue of the Opunohu Bay. A daily enchanting spectacle where you have front row seats…

The Hilton prestige, the magic of Moorea

With its charming overwater bungalows or beach or garden suites, the Hilton Resort & Spa in Moorea has everything to seduce you … An overwater bar, private swimming pools for all garden bungalows and infinity pool for all its guests.  Its Spa border on the lagoon and the resort’s prime location is less than 10 kilometers from the main points of interest of the island … this five star property is a must-stay in Moorea!

The enchantment of Moorea’s lagoon embraces you and awaits to be discovered.  With breathtaking excursions: awesome snorkeling, an outstanding dolphin care center, sensational scuba diving and breathtaking hikes! You are spoiled for choice, and then again, you can spend your long lazy afternoons lazing on your pareo, nursing your piña colada!

In summary, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa boast the following facilities:

• 104 bungalows decorated in the purest contemporary Polynesian style
• 2 restaurants, Polynesian culinary tradition, or international cuisine
• The Toatea Bar, cocktail bar and pancake on stilts
• 1 infinity pool
• 1 wellness Spa by the water
• 1 fitness center and tennis courts
• And finally a great location to enjoy all that Moorea has to offer!

Want to go to Moorea? Check this special deal  : Click here

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Sanctuary for a multitude of shark species, French Polynesia has emerged in recent years as THE dive spot for thrill seekers. The tiger shark is a specie that inspires awe and most of the time, fear.  During your underwater visits, you would have a good chance of crossing its path.

No less than 20 shark species are listed in French Polynesia! Small wonder, given that all have been protected since 2006 … Feared everywhere else, the shark has become one of the French Polynesia’s main tourist attractions takes the front page of all  brochures of all scuba dive clubs.

Anatomy of a daunting predator

With its sleek, however, massive profile, its bluish-gray form punctuated by dark stripes like those of a tiger, recognizing it is unmistakable:  you have in front of you the famous tiger shark! Its imposing size measures from 10-15 feet! – More accustomed to deeper waters, it rarely ventures near the surface except at night when it is time to feed.

Its reputation precedes it, earning it the moniker of the “garbage disposal” shark, referring to its particular penchant for its indiscriminate diet.   Turtles, dolphins and other whales therein, fall into the same ranking as some ocean trash: cans, pieces of wood … This lack of discernment classifies it in the category of potentially dangerous sharks, although no attack has ever been identified in French Polynesia.

In the aim of keeping shark observation safe, the practice of shark baiting is highly regulated in French Polynesia and is strictly prohibited in lagoons and within two miles of passes. It has credited the notoriety of many famous dive spots for shark observation, like the “Vallée Blanche” (the White Valley, located on the West coast of Tahiti where one finds a multitude of species: black tip, gray reef, lemon sharks … and with luck (and a dose of courage), the famous tiger shark! Certainly a good entry into your dive logbook!

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Arriving at the port town of Vaiare, either by 30 minute catamaran ferry or 7 minutes by plane, one swiftly escapes the hustle and bustle of Tahiti and instantly regains a feeling of relaxation upon reaching Moorea. Is it the lush vegetation along the road around the island, or the tranquility of the small “fare” with your feet in the turquoise water of one of the most beautiful lagoons of the Society Islands or is it the succession of small craft shops that will delight your eyes here and there? … probably all at once. Yet more surprises await you at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

Moorea, Polynesia in a nutshell

An ideal stopover for travelers looking to experience the art of Polynesian living. One might think that Moorea would have sacrificed its identity on the altar of tourism … Far from it! You will soon see, enjoying a good “poisson cru” or raw fish salad with coconut milk in the traditional snack bars that border the lagoon or enjoying the many hiking trails that crisscross the island … In Moorea, culture and nature preserves give your getaway all the ingredients of an authentic immersion in what Polynesia is best for you to discover.

Our selection: Manava Beach Resort & Spa ****

At the heart of the village of Maharepa, located not far from the famous Cook’s Bay, the Manava Resort & Spa is nestled in a lush garden which gives the hotel a tranquil  and green atmosphere. The property is also the only one in Moorea to propose garden bungalows with a private pool. Rather have your feet in the water? The overwater bungalows with an authentic Polynesian touch overlook a large coral nursery that promise superb snorkeling right there, literally under your floor! Look no further for your hotel in Moorea, the Manava Beach Resort & Spa awaits ..

In brief, the Manava Resort & Spa is composed of…
28 garden bungalows with each a private pool
28 overwater bungalows
8 beach bungalows
26 duplex bedrooms with a garden view
A restaurant “the Mahanai”
A Bar “Autera’a”
A gift shop
The “Manea Spa” to explore the benefits of traditional Polynesian massage that use herbal extracts and Monoi (traditional prepared oil) with a hot bath massage (Rumiavai) and even a Polynesian tattoo artist.
The coral nursery “To’aNui” at the foot of the overwater bungalows.

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Islands

Southern
Latitude

Western
Longitude

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Moorea can be easily visited from Tahiti, either by boat (35 mn) or plane (10 mn).  Depending on the ferry company you will select, you will disembark either at Vaiare village that stands at the foot of the mount Mouaputa (830 m) – also called the « Pierced or Sacred mountain » due to its hole situated at its peak, or at the bottom of Cook’s Bay. Strangely enough, Captain Cook did not actually anchored his ship in the bay carrying his name today but in Opunohu’s bay where he remained from September 30^th to October 11^th, 1777.

Moorea, sometimes described as a huge garden with tropical scents, is covered by trees, carefully maintained gardens, beautiful fare with pandanus roofs, cool rivers and waterfalls. Many beautiful white sand beaches can be found around Temae (near the airport) and Haapiti – the northern coast between Papetoai and Haapiti gathers the most tourists with many hotels and two gorgeous motu (islets) facing Hauru’s point.

Moorea is surrounded by a reef barrier offering 12 different passes among which the pass of Vaiare used by the ferries. Many dolphins can be seen near the Moorea passes and every year, the whales attracted by their natural curiosity come to swim with their babies near the reef (they can be observed from July to October). Moorea lagoon is perfect to practise all kind of nautical activities (snorkelling, diving, jet-ski…). And for those looking for pedestrian or 4×4 excursions, Moorea offers several beautiful and deep valleys.

To discover the inner-island, tourists will be able to choose between an island circle tour or a ride over mount Rotui (899 meters). Don’t forget to have a look at the waterfalls of Afareaitu. A visit to Opunohu and Cook Bay is obviously recommended – both bays can be admired from the Belvedere viewpoint.

The many marae spread on Moorea testify the presence of many people in the ancient times. The first European to explore it was James Cook. Wallis had already baptized it “Duke of York island” but he did not take the time to visit it during his 1767 trip. In his 1769 voyage, Cook entered the lagoon through Opunohu’s bay but didn’t visit the island thoroughly.

In 1790, Chief Pomare I (the First) conquered the island of Moorea and left the control of Tahiti to his son Pomare II. However, Pomare II was too young and dictatorial to maintain order and he had to run away from Tahiti and to look for protection in Moorea after the general riots of 1807.

Protestant missioners (from the LMS – London Missionnary Society) settled at Papetoai in 1808 ; a starting point for the evangelisation of the other islands. The octagonal church of Papetoai was built on ancient maraeTaputaputuatea in 1827 – the oldest European building of the South Pacific. It was renovated at the end of the 19^th century.

Pomare II, converted to Protestantism, regained his power in 1815 thanks to the missioners. French protectorate was established in 1843.

Meanwhile, the missioners tried to develop textile and cane sugar industries but their efforts remained unsuccessful. In the 20^th century, Chinese were hired to take care of the coprah and later in the 70’s, some pineapple plantations were cultivated in Opunohu’s valley. Moorea is today well-known for being the pineapple-growing center of French Polynesia. Don’t forget to taste them at one of the stands along the road or at Vaiare ferry docks prior to departure (around 1,000 xpf for 3-4 pineapples).

After Tahiti and Bora Bora, Moorea receives the greatest number of visitors, not only tourists but also inhabitants of Tahiti who enjoy spending their weekends and vacations on its white sand beaches.

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