Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

My whole life, I only ever had one destination on my bucket list: Tahiti. When my mother died last year it really hit home that there’s no time like the present. When I started researching hotels, the two top destinations with over water bungalows were both on Mo’orea, and Sofitel was a little higher rated. The room was exactly what I wanted: great view, great location, great bed, great pillows, robes and slippers, and a lovely little deck over the perfect turquoise water. The infinity pool was wonderful, the staff was amazing, and the food was excellent— although wicked pricey. That’s the only thing I was unprepared for. We made it work by picking up some bread and cheese at the market to skip a few meals, but the $400 tasting menu at “K” was well out of our budget. The two activities we sprung for were the sunset lovers cruise which was delightful, and the 2-tank scuba dive on my birthday. The guide was fantastic, and although I’ve seen better reefs, the fish were abundant and I finally saw multiple rays! I got a last minute appointment at the spa to fix two of my nails and Lea was lovely and gave me the best recommendation for a tattoo artist that I was able to book for the following day.

I am so happy I found this place! If you have ever dreamed of staying in an over the water hut in the South Pacific, this is an amazing spot for that. There is just enough amenities and class without being snooty. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. The onsite pearl store had a wide variety of beautiful pieces for every budget, the shop is quite well stocked, the pool area is just the right size, and the food was delicious. The Ia Ora dive shop was perfect for a refresher dive with Aude. We saw the show and had the buffet one night and the breakfast (included in our room choice) was a huge buffet as well. Plus the drinks in our mini bar were included and restocked daily. We couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to come back, and I still have another day here!

The resort is fantastic. Everything is as you would expect it to be at an upscale resort in the South Pacific, yet somehow it is so unpretentious and the staff so kind and friendly. The entire island was in an unexpected power blackout on our arrival yet Kia Ora was one of the few places with a working generator and was 100% functioning. Yep, it’s expensive but such is life when you are a world away from stress and free shipping. Ha ha. I want to comment on the review someone placed a couple days ago rating the resort’s dive shop which I believe is next door and probably independently operated. Our opinion could not be more different. Did the reviewer really complain because salt water stings the eyes and somehow that is the operator’s fault????? We are fortunate to travel frequently and have seldom found places that are as well run, kind, and memorable as this resort and the associated dive shop. Thanks to all of you.

It hurts me so bad to give this resort only 3 stars because honestly it was gorgeous, the best location, great breakfast and everyone was super friendly. However the fact that some things went missing from not only my suitcase, but 3 of my family members is a big deal. It happened to me at first, a sundress and pair of shorts went missing and the reason I noticed it was because the sundress is my absolute favorite. When it happened I didn’t want to blame anyone until I was sure…Well 3 days into the trip my daughter who was sharing a room with me was missing shorts from her suitcase and then my mom and son who were in a completely different bungalow from us were missing clothes. I went back to photos I had to make sure we were wearing those clothes on Moorea and to double check they didn’t go missing on the ferry trip over and long behold we had photos of our 2nd day on Moorea with those outfits on. It bothers me that someone was in my room and felt it was okay to help themselves to our things. It was very sneaky too because they had to dig down in our suitcases to get them. My best advice if you do choose to stay there definitely lock your stuff up.

Booked a dive to the rays. Filled out the sheet asking how long it has been since I dove. Over a year, yes. Requirements are to take a refresher dive first before going out to the site. Told I need to take my mask off and put it back on and clear it. I’m a fresh water diver. Salt water burns the eyes ( discover this while snorting just the day before) asked if o could clear in the pool”no” in case it happens out there. So if I had lyes and said yes I dove 9 months ago( even in fresh water) I would not have to prove it but because I was honest I have to do this, no. Lesson learned as I’m sure many before know not to be truthful it does not help .