The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort: Where Luxury Meets Lagoon

The Sofitel is located on the northeast coast of Mo’orea, minutes away from the ferry terminal on its own private beach (which is adjacent to Temae Beach). The hotel offers around 114 bungalows (38 overwater), with nine different room types, two restaurants, a beach bar, infinity pool, fitness center, and full spa.

The Sofitel's private beach

The infinity pool

The bungalows

When selecting your room type at the Sofitel, there is one thing to consider: proximity to the private beach, activities center, and beach bar. The hotel is separated by the overwater bungalows: One side is considered oceanfront/oceanview (no beach) and the other is beachfront/view. The Luxury Garden View Bungalows sit further back and have no view of the ocean or the beach. The Superior Bungalows have an ocean view with no beach access (you would have to walk across the property). The other Luxury Bungalows are classified as either Beachfront or Beach View, and these are the ones I recommend if you don’t want overwater. They are not only close to the beach bar, but also the water activity center (where you get snorkel gear, paddle boards, etc.), and the restaurants.

The Superior Ocean View Bungalows

Inside the Luxury Beach View Bungalow

Bungalows come with a king-size bed, private deck, large bathroom, and mini-fridge. Along the beach, there are loungers, hammocks, and plenty of opportunity to jump in and snorkel.

The overwater bungalows

The Sofitel is famed for its overwater bungalows, and guests rave about the corals and fish right beneath their deck. With sunrise, sunset, middle, or horizon options, each bungalow bodes glass floor panels and private decks with lounger(s) and views of the lagoon. There are four classifications for the overwater bungalows. The Luxury room has a sunrise view and two loungers on the deck. The Superior room offers views of Temae beach and the property, with one deck chair. The Superior and Luxury Horizon bungalows are located at the tip of each walkway and allow for the best sunrise or sunset view (the sun sets on the other side of the island, so you will see it go down over the horizon).

The inside of the Luxury Overwater Bungalow

Activities

The Sofitel is located on a protected lagoon and is actively committed to enhancing its marine ecosystem. Hello Reef Tahiti hosts tours of the coral garden. During the tour, you learn about coral rehabilitation from a marine biologist, learn grafting techniques, and help participate in coral conservation by adopting your own to plant and follow its evolution.

The crystal-clear lagoon waters at the Sofitel are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Equipment rental is free for guests, so no need to lug that old snorkel from home. If you snorkel next to the overwater bungalows, you can see all of the coral restoration taking place. Keep your eyes open for the resident moray eel and a spotted eagle ray (he likes the evenings). Motorized vehicles, like jet skis, are not allowed in the Sofitel lagoon, which only adds to the tranquil beach setting. The activities center can also help you arrange day trips, like land excursions with an ATV or underwater experiences like diving or a lagoon tour to swim with rays and sharks.

Tucked away in the lush garden, the Le Jardin Spa is a full-service spa and wellness center. Opt for their signature Polynesian massage, the Taurumi, where wavelike movements flow up and down your body to create ultimate relaxation. All treatments use natural products native to the island, like Monoï oil—coconut oil infused with Tahitian tiaré flowers—and Tamanu oil. If you are looking to add in a bit of movement over your holiday, yoga classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

The gardens

Just above the hotel (a 10-minute walk) is an amazing lookout point. Not only can you see Tahiti, but also panoramic views of the property and bungalows. It’s definitely worth the short walk.

Overlooking the Sofitel from the Toatea Lookout

Dining

There are two main restaurants at the Sofitel: Pure and K Restaurant. Pure is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves international and local fare. The Poisson Cru á la Tahitienne (Tahitian ceviche with tuna) is Aamazing. It is located beachfront and right next to the pool. The Vue Bar is a great place to grab a sunset happy hour cocktail before dinner as the restaurant and bar are adjacent. On Saturday evenings, Pure hosts a typical Polynesian buffet and dance show.

The Poisson Cru á la Tahitienne at Pure

The K Restaurant is the Sofitel’s fine dining menu with a sandy-toe experience. This restaurant requires reservations and is also a price-fixed menu. There are two offerings: either five- or seven-course tasting menus, with an optional wine pairing. The menu changes often and blends both French and Polynesian flavors—think foie gras with coconut and mango. It is only open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.

The best (and driest for this tropical environment) time to travel is early June through late October. This is their winter, so the sun sets earlier (around 5:30 pm on the solstice). If you travel during the rainy season, expect cancellations for water activities and restrictions on hiking. Humpback whale season is in September and October and will see and influx of tourism.

Transport to and from the ferry is easy and about a five- to 10-minute drive. By taxi or shared van, it is around $20. Depending on the length of your stay and activity preference, you may or may not need a car rental. I chose to rent my car at Hertz when I got to Mo’orea. Avis is located at the ferry dock, so it’s much easier to access, but Hertz had better ratings. It was about a 10-minute walk (just leave someone in your party at the dock with your luggage). Some tours will offer transport. Keep in mind that the Sofitel is about a 40-minute drive from the other side of the island, and if you are looking for other dining or beach options, a car will be nice. Taxis are expensive and few and far between.

Larger restaurants, food trucks, and shops take credit cards, but taxis, the market, and roadside vendors primarily take cash. A few smaller restaurants on the island are also cash-only (my favorite is the Snack Mahana). American dollars are used throughout French Polynesia, and you don’t necessarily need to do an exchange.

Gratuity is added to each check—about five percent, which is standard across the board. Extra is always welcome but not expected at restaurants. I do always recommend tipping a tour provider, as they have most likely spent a few hours with you, providing information, fun, and keeping you safe.

Check out my comprehensive Mo’orea itinerary for more activities to do, things to see, and places to eat!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our French Polynesia page.