Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
French luxury meets Polynesian slow living. Romantic, beach-forward, deliberately unhurried. The property tilts heavily toward couples and honeymooners, though family villas exist. It's a place to do almost nothing, very beautifully.
Book the canoe breakfast add-on when reserving an overwater villa — it's a genuinely memorable experience, not just a gimmick
Why It Matters
One of the few resorts on Moorea with genuine overwater bungalows, positioned on the island's best and longest beach within an active marine reserve. The PADI 5-star dive center, the canoe breakfast experience, and a gastronomic restaurant by a named chef set it apart from the broader Pacific resort crowd. The location — 5 minutes from both the ferry dock and the small Temae airport — makes it the most accessible of Moorea's luxury options.
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort stretches along Temae Beach — Moorea's longest white-sand stretch — on a lagoon that's been a protected marine reserve for over 20 years. The water here is genuinely exceptional for snorkeling: calm, shallow, and loaded with reef life right off the beach. The 109 villas sit in three settings: tropical gardens, directly on the sand, and out over the water. French elegance and Polynesian tradition are woven throughout, from Gauguin-inspired overwater interiors to the thatched K Restaurant, where Chef Frédéric Gigou cooks with your feet essentially in the sand. The resort completed a full renovation of its common areas — reception, spa, pool, restaurants, and bars — and reopened in April 2026.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
2-Bedrooms Family Villa with Ocean View
The family flagship. Walls are hung with original paintings by local Polynesian artist François Ravello, who was himself a regular guest of the resort. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, and an outdoor deck with a Jacuzzi. Sits on the edge of the lagoon with views over the water and toward Tahiti. The only category designed for families with children of any age.
Two separate bedrooms
Luxury Beach Villa
Built directly on the white sand beach — which means waking up, stepping outside, and your toes are in sand. Panoramic views across to the island of Tahiti and the protected lagoon. The bathroom is notably generous, with French-style fittings. One of the more sought-after categories for the full beach-living experience.
Luxury Garden Beach View Villa
Positioned between the standard garden villas and the beachfront category, these offer a view of the beach while remaining set back in the gardens. French sophistication and Polynesian design accents throughout. A good option for those wanting beach proximity without the beachfront price.
Luxury Garden Villa
Scattered throughout the tropical gardens, these villas blend French sophistication with contemporary Polynesian design accents. Views look out over the resort's ornamental pond or lush gardens. The entry-level option, but still spacious and well-appointed with natural materials throughout.
Luxury Horizon Overwater Villa
The pinnacle single-bedroom option. Five villas at the very end of the Luxury Overwater deck — completely unobstructed views of the full lagoon and Tahiti. Same direct lagoon access platform as the standard Luxury Overwater, plus end-of-pier quiet and elevated VIP perks.
Luxury Overwater Villa
Described by the resort as the largest overwater villas of their category on the island of Moorea. You can dip directly into the crystal-clear lagoon from your own platform. This is the full overwater experience — more space, more design detail, more amenities than the Superior tier.
Superior Ocean View Villa
Located on the waterfront, these villas create a soothing retreat with direct views over the lagoon. Interiors mix French elegance and Polynesian culture through textures, patterns, and warm tones. A solid step up from the garden category with that essential lagoon outlook.
Superior Overwater Horizon Villa
Five of these sit at the end of the Superior Overwater deck, giving an unobstructed panoramic view of the full lagoon and the silhouette of Tahiti. Each has a king bed plus an additional single bed, making them workable for a third guest. End-of-pier positioning means maximum quiet and maximum view.
Superior Overwater Villa
The classic overwater experience. Interiors are inspired by French painter Paul Gauguin — warm tones, layered textiles, art-informed details. A glass panel in the floor lets you watch the reef fish below without getting wet. The outside deck has direct lagoon access via ladder. Children under 12 are not permitted in this category.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Battery-powered bikes available for exploring the island independently.
The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course is adjacent to the resort property. Not operated by the hotel but easily accessible.
The resort's activities desk organizes a range of Moorea excursions — 4x4 island safari, lagoon cruise with motu picnic, glass-bottom boat tours, whale and dolphin swimming, guided biodiversity tours, and a street food tour. Not all are run directly by the resort but are bookable through the activities desk.
Jet ski rentals available through the activities desk.
Complimentary kayaks available for guest use, perfect for paddling out to the overwater bungalow pontoons or along the beach.
Outrigger canoe use available. The iconic canoe breakfast is delivered by outrigger to overwater villa guests — one of the most photographed experiences at the resort.
The on-site dive center holds PADI 5-star certification. Dive trips cover Moorea's reefs with encounters including reef sharks, sea turtles, and humpback whales (in season, July-October). From introductory dives to advanced certification courses.
The protected lagoon at Temae Beach is ideal for snorkeling — calm, shallow, and full of reef life. The marine reserve status (20+ years) means exceptional biodiversity. Complimentary snorkeling gear is available.
Every Wednesday and Saturday evening at Pure Restaurant, the resort hosts a Polynesian cultural show featuring traditional fire dancing, local dances, and a traditional meal cooked in an underground 'Ahi Ma'a' oven made from coconut leaves and rocks.
The resort is a dedicated wedding venue with capacity for events up to 400 guests around the lagoon. In-house romance packages, private beach dinners, and proposal experiences available.
Organized swims with humpback whales and dolphins — available seasonally (whales typically July-October). Bookable through the activities desk.
Yoga classes led by Le Jardin Spa & Beauty experts every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:15am. Suitable for all levels. Held with views of the lagoon.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The resort fronts Temae Beach, the longest white-sand beach on Moorea, within a marine reserve protected for over 20 years. Beach chairs and umbrellas available. Beach massages offered.
On-beach activities desk where guests book excursions, water sports equipment, and island tours.
In-room dining available.
All villas include a minibar restocked daily with two beers, two soft drinks, and two bottles of water.
The resort participates in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program. Members can earn and redeem points on stays and F&B.
Outdoor infinity pool facing the lagoon and green mountains of Moorea. Sun loungers and pool umbrellas provided. Recently renovated.
Two resort boutiques on property.
Roundtrip transfers to/from Moorea Temae Airport (MOZ) and Vaiare ferry terminal. Arrange in advance by contacting the property.
Private on-site parking available at no charge.
PADI 5-star certified on-site dive center with equipment rental and guided dives.
Modern gym offering cardio and strength training equipment. Recently renovated. Open daily.
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