Unique Sleeps: Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, Moorea

Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti.

Nothing quite prepares you for the sensory delights of the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort. Epic volcanic mountains on one side, unimaginable aqua water on the other; the hotel is nestled underneath countless palm trees and soaked in the smell of Tahitian gardenias. This is the South Pacific you see in movies and on postcards.

This is the South Pacific that you’ll never want to leave.

The Sofitel sits on a private, white sand beach along the east coast of the island of Moorea and looks out directly toward the mainland. This position is key to the resort’s unique appeal because at nighttime, Tahiti twinkles like Christmas in New York and the protected lagoon means no jet skis, no water boats and therefore no noise. All other properties on the island don’t face the mainland or offer the same protection and you can find tour boats running past your door on the hour.

The Sofitel houses 113 bunglows (and one amazing multi-room villa) which are situated over water, along the beach and throughout the gardens. The layout of the resort allows for privacy, making all the rooms special. Be aware that the closer you are to the water, the more breeze you’ll feel – a breeze that can really be needed on Moorea’s hotter days.

My bungalow (216) was over-water (insert happy dance!) and situated right at the end of the jetty which meant the only thing between me and the mainland was acres of aqua ocean. The hotel provides all guests with complimentary snorkel and flippers and it doesn’t get much more fabulous than walking down your private staircase to snorkel straight underneath your room.

It’s true Bucket List stuff.

The Sofitel has undergone significant renovation in the last two years, which has luxed up the amenities. Every bungalow is air-conditioned and wi-fi enabled, with plush king size beds and spacious bath and living rooms. All of them have private rain showers and balconies – both of which you’ll want to spend a lot of time in and on.

The décor is island style – lots of wood mixed with hibiscus orange and pink – the perfect accompaniment for its location and creates a vibe which says “it’s okay to sit on me in wet swimmers”, exactly what I want on a holiday.

There are two lovely dining options in addition to all day room service (essential for honeymooners):
“Pure” is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is the more relaxed option with a menu that leans French. My pick is the Tahitian Poisson Cru – raw white tuna in coconut milk and lemon. If you like ceviche then this dish will change your life – I ate it every day.
The more formal restaurant “K” is set on the sand right by the waves. Candlelight, chandeliers and towers of flowers make this place memorable and the food is complex French Island fusion. You should dress up for dinner here. It was the only time I wore a pair of high heels during my trip.

The resort caters for water sports of every kind including paddle boats, kayaks and scuba, but I highly recommend hiring a stand-up paddle board and hitting the lagoon solo. It costs about $AU20 per hour and you can cruise safely all the way out to the reef with colourful coral and rainbow hued fish underneath your feet. Equally extraordinary is the ray and shark-feeding experience (the hotel can organise this) which allows you to swim and interact with giant stingrays and baby reef sharks in crystal-clear, open ocean. Mind blowing.

Tucked away in the gardens behind giant antique doors is a spacious beauty and relaxation retreat complete with seven indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Le Spa offers everything from facials to massage but you must, must try their signature Four Hands Treatment, which is a massage conducted under a warm Vichy shower by two therapists (thus the four hands).

I floated out of there.

When it comes to great island experiences, the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort really ticks a lot of boxes – romance, service, privacy – and delivers on the Wow Factor we’ve come to expect from this special part of the world.

Treat yourself.

Paula travelled with the assistance of Tahiti Tourism. Check out Tahiti Now for more info.