Part of the French-owned Sofitel chain, the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is professionally run, and is especially popular with French guests. The location overlooking Tahiti on the island of Moorea means that it's very private but also close enough to other shops and restaurants that guests won't feel isolated.
This is one of the better value overwater bungalow resorts in the South Pacific, with prices and special offers that make it affordable to a wide audience. They also have beach and garden bungalows so it's easy to divide your trip between the luxury of an overwater bungalow with a more affordable room if budget is of concern.
The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Moorea, overlooking Tahiti in the South Pacific.
Area: 330 sq ft (31 m²) plus 108 sq ft (10 m²) private terrace
Area: 554 sq ft (52 m²) plus 301 sq ft (28 m²) private terrace w/ sunloungers
Overwater bungalows: 39
Beds: One kingsize plus one sofabed
Wi-Fi: Available
Entertainment system: Plasma satellite TV with movie channel
Room service: 06:30-22:00
LeSpa is located on-site and features 7 tranquil treatment rooms and two Jacuzzis with views of the lagoon.
To reach the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort you must first fly to Tahiti and then transfer to another plane for a very short flight to Moorea, or take the one-hour ferry ride if you are already in the Tahitian city of Pape’ete. Once in Moorea you’ll be met by hotel staff and driven to the resort in private transport.
The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort gets mostly positive reviews from previous guests, with most believing that the rooms, beach and location are fantastic. However, there are a few that say the room service cold be upgraded a bit, though this doesn’t seem to be a big enough concern for most of the reviewers. The rest of the staff has been given very high marks.
The food at the two restaurants is well regarded, though some think the buffet restaurant doesn’t offer good value. Some reviewers also point out that you can call many nearby restaurants and arrange a free ride, so the dining options are greater than one might otherwise think.
