Moorea is the island many travelers secretly prefer to Bora Bora. It is greener, wilder and more lived-in, with spiky volcanic ridges, pineapple fields running up the slopes and two deep bays carved into its northern coast. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa sits on that northern shore, between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. It gives you the overwater bungalow fantasy with this dramatic island as your backdrop.
For honeymooners, it is a sweet spot. You get a lagoon-hugging resort with more than a hundred bungalows, many perched over clear, shallow water where reef fish dart between coral heads, plus a spa, a pool and an overwater crêperie where blacktip reef sharks glide beneath the pontoon at dusk. Yet you are also close to some of French Polynesia's best day trips: the Belvedere lookout, whale-watching boats in season and lagoon snorkels with stingrays. And because Moorea is a short hop from Tahiti, it is an easy first or last stop on a two-island honeymoon, often at a gentler price than the big names on Bora Bora.
Highlights at a glance
- Overwater bungalows with snorkeling right off the deck
- North-shore setting between Cook's and Opunohu Bays
- Toatea, an overwater crêperie with blacktip sharks below
- Spa, pool and dive center on site
- Easy access to the Belvedere lookout and lagoon tours
- A short ferry or flight from Tahiti
Between Two Bays
Moorea's north coast is its most photogenic stretch. Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay cut deep into the island, framed by peaks such as Mount Rotui. The Hilton sits on the lagoon between them. Look inland from the resort and you see emerald ridges; look out to sea and the lagoon fades from pale green to deep blue at the reef line.
The resort's gardens are lush and tropical, with paths running down to a white-sand beach and long pontoons stretching out over the water. Because Moorea is a high volcanic island rather than a flat atoll, the landscape feels more varied and dramatic than many Polynesian resorts. It is a place to swim in the morning, explore the mountains in the afternoon and return for sunset over the lagoon.
Bungalows Over the Lagoon
The overwater bungalows are what most honeymooners come for. Each has its own deck with steps down into the lagoon, so you can slip into warm, clear water whenever the mood strikes. The water beneath is relatively shallow and full of life, making it easy to snorkel right from your bungalow. Inside, expect a Polynesian-inspired design with a king bed, a sitting area and wide windows facing the water.
If you can, choose a bungalow toward the end of a pontoon for more privacy and a clearer, uninterrupted lagoon view. Higher categories offer more space and better positions, so it is worth comparing options when you book. Garden bungalows tucked into the tropical grounds are a more budget-friendly way to experience the resort. Some couples split their stay between the two.
Crêpes and Sharks at Sunset
The resort's most memorable dining spot is Toatea Crêperie & Bar, an overwater restaurant at the end of a pontoon. Order a sunset cocktail and a sweet or savory crêpe, then peer over the railings: blacktip reef sharks often cruise the shallows beneath, which makes for quite a show as the sky turns orange. It typically opens in the evening only, so plan a night around it.
The resort's other restaurants and bars serve local and international cuisine, from breakfast with lagoon views to relaxed poolside meals and more polished dinners. Room service is available when you want to stay put on your deck. For something more personal, ask about romantic dinners set up for two. Outside the resort, Moorea has a handful of excellent local restaurants and casual roulottes (food trucks), so consider renting a car or scooter to try a few.
Why guests fall for it
Spa and Slow Days
The resort's spa is a calm retreat set within the gardens, offering massages and treatments that draw on Polynesian traditions and local ingredients such as monoi. A couples' treatment after a day of hiking or snorkeling is a nice way to recover together.
The swimming pool, tennis court and fitness facilities round out the on-site options, but many of the best moments are simply lazy ones: floating off your deck, reading in a hammock, or paddling a kayak across the lagoon. On-site water sports and a dive center make it easy to mix in more active adventures.
Moorea at Your Doorstep
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Hilton is how much of Moorea is close by. Popular outings include:
- Driving up to the Belvedere lookout for a view over Cook's and Opunohu Bays and Mount Rotui
- Joining a lagoon tour to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in shallow, sandy water
- Whale watching, roughly July to October, when humpbacks pass the island
- Visiting pineapple plantations and sampling local juices and fruit liqueurs
- Snorkeling or diving from the resort's dive center
- Hiking trails through the island's lush interior
Rent a car or e-bike to explore at your own pace; the coastal road around Moorea is about 60 kilometers and makes for a beautiful day trip.
What Couples Rave About
Guests frequently highlight the scenery, especially the backdrop of green peaks and the clarity of the lagoon. Overwater bungalows earn steady praise, especially the ability to snorkel right off the deck among colorful fish. Toatea is a perennial favorite, with many reviewers calling sunset crêpes above the sharks a trip highlight.
The staff come up often too, with honeymooners noting a warm, friendly welcome that made celebrations feel special. Couples also appreciate the resort's location for exploring Moorea. Many say the island's more relaxed, authentic vibe made a welcome contrast with Bora Bora.
Good to Know
Getting here is easy. Ferries cross from Papeete to Vai'are on Moorea several times a day in about 30 to 45 minutes, followed by a drive along the coast to the resort. Alternatively, short flights connect Papeete with Moorea's airport. The resort can help arrange transfers.
Rates are usually room-only or with breakfast and dining on property can be pricey, so check packages. Because Moorea is easy to explore, budget for a rental car or excursions. The resort welcomes families, so request an overwater bungalow toward the end of a pontoon for more seclusion. Hilton Honors members may be able to redeem points here, which can make a big difference on a French Polynesia honeymoon. Mosquitoes come out on land around dusk and dengue occurs in French Polynesia, so pack repellent. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for this destination.
Insider tips
- Request an overwater bungalow toward the end of a pontoon for privacy and the clearest water.
- Plan at least one evening at Toatea around sunset to watch the sharks below.
- Rent a car for a day to drive the coastal road and the Belvedere lookout.
- Combine Moorea with Bora Bora; start here to recover from jet lag before the island hop.
