Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort — Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Why book? One of the first resorts to open on Moorea—the second-largest of French Polynesia ’s Windward Islands—this luxe yet laidback hideaway combines an idyllic location with a long list of amenities, plus authentic experiences imbued with the singular exoticism that famously lured luminaries like Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin to the far-flung region’s storied shores. Set the scene Nestled within a pristine, marine-protected area on the white-powder sands of Temae, Moorea’s longest private beach, the village-like property affords guests unrivaled views of Tahiti—its neighbor to the east, and a 30-minute ferry ride away—as well as an indelible immersion in French Polynesia’s myriad charms. Attracting an array of guests, spanning elegant French grande dames swathed in pastel sarongs to young families and honeymooners, it’s a peerless base for exploring the jagged majesty of Moorea, whose lush emerald hills, studded with waterfalls and boundless blankets of flora, are almost Jurassic in their otherworldly grandeur. The backstory Originally built as a 15-bungalow bolthole by an American expat in 1970, the resort added 35 more rooms in 1977 and was christened the hotel Kia Ora (a Maori greeting meaning “be healthy”). French hospitality giant Accor purchased the hotel in 1987, when it joined the Sofitel stable; following a full renovation in 2006 that included the addition of a second branch of overwater bungalows, the 114-room getaway reopened as Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort in 2007. A soft refurbishment of all bungalows and common areas wraps up in early 2023. The rooms The 110 bungalows, which are all outfitted with a king-size bed and an additional single bed, are a simple island-chic; dark wood furnishings and ceiling fans, luxe bathrooms with rain showers and double sinks, and colorful accents in a tropical palette influenced by painter Paul Gauguin—arguably French Polynesia’s most high-profile patron. The 38 overwater bungalows provide direct lagoon access for a dip or snorkel in the cerulean sea, and feature a glass floor panel framing a the seabed below. If privacy takes top priority, spring for one of the five luxury horizon overwater bungalows, which offer unobstructed views of both the lagoon and Tahiti in the distance. For a family or small-group getaway, the airy luxury villa boasts two king-size bedrooms, a sofa bed in the living room, and an outdoor deck with a jacuzzi overlooking the lagoon. Food and drink All-day restaurant Pure serves up a sprawling breakfast buffet complete with omelette and pancake stations, heaving tropical fruit platters, and baked goods galore, including Polynesian treats like coconut bread. The poisson cru à la Tahitienne—a local take on ceviche made with tuna, lime, and coconut milk—wins raves at lunch time, as does the burger. Come happy hour, beeline to Vue Bar, the resort’s soignée social hub overlooking the lagoon, for a potent piña colada crafted with local rum and light bites like sweet-potato hummus with toasted pita and pastry-wrapped prawns with chili sauce. Then head to K, the resort’s beachfront fine-dining option, where chef Frédéric Gigou wows gourmands with a five- or seven-course tasting menu featuring delectable foie gras dusted with ginger bread with fruit tartare and toasted brioche, and a coconut-and-lime-zest-crusted mahi mahi with pumpkin puree. Available with wine pairings and served by candlelight under a Kahaia-wood cathedral ceiling—your toes in the sand as the ocean breeze rustles the palms—it’s an achingly atmospheric culinary journey. The spa Le Jardin, the resort’s transportive jewel box of a spa tucked away in a verdant garden, warrants a visit. Opt for the signature Polynesian massage, which mimics soothing wave-like movements from head to toe. All treatment products—like Monoï oil, coconut oil infused with fresh Tahitian tiaré flowers, and Tamanu oil, renowned for its healing properties and sourced from the ancient Tamanu trees that line Temae beach—are 100% natural. The area Thanks in part to an environmental protection plan first launched in the 1990s, jet skis and other motorized vehicles are not allowed in the Sofitel lagoon. The restriction has helped cultivate a blissfully tranquil ambience for both guests and the resort’s underwater species. The service Service is unfailingly warm, genuine, and solicitous—if occasionally slow. Thoughtful touches, like gifting departing guests with delicate shell necklaces, make a lasting impression. For families Family-friendly activities include flower crown workshops and personalized coral planting experiences in the lagoon with resident marine biologist and coral gardener Mathieu Kerneur, whose passion for preserving Moorea’s singular marine environment is contagious. Eco effort Besides its notable lagoon preservation efforts, the resort is plastic-free in all services—excluding water bottles, which it’s presently working to eliminate. Room amenities are sustainable and locally made, with Polynesian Monoi presented in recycled, refillable flasks. LED lights throughout the property conserve energy, and all showers and taps are equipped with economizers to reduce water consumption. Accessibility There are three ADA-accessible bungalows—two at ground level, and one overwater option.  Anything left to mention? For a dazzling day at sea, have the concierge book you an all-day lagoon tour with resort partner Temoana Tours, where you’ll explore Moorea’s impossibly crystalline waters by boat and snorkel with sea turtles and a kaleidoscopic cast of marine life. Your captain will then spirit you to a  motu  (a small island with private beach) for a scrumptious lunch of grilled fish, fries, and freshly made piña coladas served at picnic tables perched in the shallows, where friendly stingrays circle curiously, hoping for a morsel of the feast." - Alexandra Kirkman