Exploring the Paradise of Mo’orea, French Polynesia

How do you formulate words adequate enough to describe the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen? It’s a challenge that frequent travelers know well, particularly after spending countless hours stuck at home. However, I was recently invited to experience the stunning Sofitel Kia Ora resort in Mo’orea, Tahiti, and it quite literally took my breath away.

The island of Mo’orea is located in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, just a 40-minute ferry ride from the main island of Tahiti and its capital city Pape’ete. Here, the streets are lined with speed limit signs reading “60 km/hour,” equaling roughly 37 miles per hour. When I inquired about this to our local ATV tour guide while navigating through Opunohu Bay, he replied, “Of course. Why would you want to go any faster? You’d miss these beautiful views.” His response resonated deeply; it was about savoring the moment amidst the beauty surrounding us.

Upon boarding my Air Tahiti Nui direct flight from LAX to PPT, I came with assumptions about what this destination might be like, despite never having been to French Polynesia before. The vibrant colors on the plane stirred memories of the fictional island of “Te Fiti” from Moana, and the traditional Polynesian music that played upon landing in Pape’ete hinted at an easy, breezy island getaway.

The beaches in Mo’orea are truly stunning, and the scuba diving opportunities are simply unmatched. The majestic mountains remind me of scenes from Jurassic Park, making me question why I would ever want to return to my cramped apartment in New York City. However, the most memorable aspect of my stay was recognizing that this traveler’s paradise is also a home to real people and rich cultural traditions I had yet to discover.

Each day at Sofitel Kia Ora offered new chances to connect and engage with the local population, preserving their rich heritage and traditions for future generations. Their warmth and hospitality made this getaway truly unforgettable. After two years of travel restrictions, the opportunity to engage with the locals was a connection I had longed for the most.

Yvette Leon, the passionate owner of Mo’orea VIP Tours, shared the island’s rich history and culinary delights, including the traditional way to prepare marinated fish—a dish I enjoyed at every meal. Furthermore, her enthusiasm brought the island’s stories to life, as she introduced us to various local flora and traditions.

As we explored the island, Yvette highlighted the cultural significances of the traditional Tahitian flower crowns, sharing that placing a flower on the right ear signifies being single, while the left ear indicates that one is married. Her insights further underscored the importance of understanding the local culture to truly appreciate the essence of Mo’orea.

Johanna Berard, founder of Te Moana Tours, guided us on an exhilarating boat tour from the resort, allowing us to swim with sharks and stingrays while emphasizing responsible interaction with marine life. Her hospitality was felt at her private motu, where we enjoyed a beachside lunch and learned stories about her life in Tahiti.

How to Get to Tahiti

I arrived in Tahiti via a direct 8-hour flight from LAX on Air Tahiti Nui to Pape’ete. From there, the easiest way to reach Mo’orea is by ferry, a picturesque trip taking approximately 45 minutes. Two ferry companies operate daily schedules from Pape’ete to Moorea’s Vaiare marina, with prices starting at 1500XPF ($15 US) per person each way.

If you seek a sun-and-sand escape on a remote island surrounded by rolling green mountains, Mo’orea stands as a desirable alternative to Hawaii. Moreover, with some thoughtful planning, it can also be more accessible and affordable than the Maldives. Although I solely visited Mo’orea, travelers are encouraged to explore various destinations in the Society Islands for a richer experience. Mo’orea’s lush scenery and captivating views make it the largest and most inviting of the islands, particularly with a visit to Magic Mountain, which was an unforgettable experience.

While many visitors choose to relax on the beach or the deck of their bungalow, Mo’orea also offers numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration both within the Sofitel and beyond. ATV tours enable visitors to traverse the lush wilderness, while boat tours provide unique views from the crystal-clear waters. The resort also features various aquatic activities, such as scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling.

I frequently revisit my pictures and videos from the Sofitel Kia Ora whenever I need to escape the bustling pace of Manhattan or remind myself of the serenity found in that piece of paradise. With outstanding hospitality, breathtaking waters, and an island that must be seen to be believed, my time in Mo’orea is never far from my mind.

The Rooms

Two words: overwater bungalow. Experiencing an overwater bungalow for the first time was life-changing—having the ability to dip my feet in the water while sipping fresh Tahitian pineapple juice each morning was exhilarating. Spacious bathrooms, coffee makers, and a daily-refilled free minibar complemented the luxury. A glass panel in the floor provided an exciting view of the lagoon underneath.

Pro tip: Bring your own pool float to lounge in the lagoon and admire the incredible sea life. I witnessed several guests lying on floats during my stay, and it seemed like a brilliant idea.

For those seeking more budget-friendly accommodations, beachfront villas and bungalows are available throughout the property.

The Food

My immediate obsession with the marinated fish is worth mentioning. I managed to resist having it at every single meal (though I indulged at least once a day) and enjoyed a variety of dishes during the daily breakfast buffet and meals at the two on-site restaurants.

Pure is the main restaurant offering a wide selection from burgers to the freshest seafood and vegetarian options. When dining at Pure, don’t miss the traditional Tahitian dance show, performed twice weekly, which provides a captivating insight into Polynesian culture.

Located right on the private beach, the Beach Bar offers refreshing drinks like piña coladas and margaritas. At Vue Bar, adjacent to Pure, guests can enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear waters while having a nightcap.

The Area

Mo’orea stands apart from other islands in French Polynesia thanks to its unique mountain range. The surrounding barrier reef creates one of the most remarkable natural wonders, complete with 11 “gates” for boats and opportunities for excellent surfing.

The Amenities

Le Jardin Spa and Beauty provides a diverse range of relaxing treatments, many using natural ingredients sourced from the property itself, such as tiare (a type of gardenia), vanilla, and aloe vera. If you happen to forget your sunscreen and acquire a sunburn, the spa staff will take good care of you.

The Sofitel Kia Ora features its own private beach, and the on-site aquatic center allows guests to borrow snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and more. The resort’s guides are available to help guests choose the activities that best suit their preferences. If the beach atmosphere isn’t to your liking, the infinity pool offers a tranquil escape.

Additionally, the Sofitel offers curated experiences tailored to enhance your time at the resort, including personal canoe breakfast on the dock, romantic dinners on the deck, and intimate dinners on the beach.

The Price

Lodging in luxury overwater bungalows starts around $800 USD/night, while garden-view villas and bungalows begin at approximately $500 USD/night. These accommodations are relatively affordable in this lavish destination.