Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, a luxury 5-star resort in Moorea Tahiti, one of the islands of French Polynesia, is the ultimate dream destination. Whether you are planning a honeymoon stay or romantic getaway as a couple, you’ll love a Moorea overwater bungalow stay.
Chris and I loved the beautiful lagoon just outside the sliding door of our overwater bungalow in Moorea. We spent hours lounging on our deck, snorkeling in the lagoon, and sunbathing on our private deck.
15 Awesome Perks of Overwater Bungalows in Moorea
This page may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on one of the links and then make a purchase, Just Wander More may earn a small commission. The commission is paid by the company at no extra expense to you. Read the full disclosure here.
If you are planning an international trip and ARE NOT already earning points as a Hilton Honors member, you may wish to sign up now. If you ARE a Hilton Honors member, you can use your points to reserve an amazing stay in the overwater bungalows of Moorea. (Note * You will need a lot of points!)
Many of the overwater bungalow perks listed in this post are yours to enjoy when you stay in the garden bungalows as well. Let’s just say that your trip to Tahiti would not be complete if you didn’t get a chance to experience overwater villas.
Check availability with Booking.com.
1. Moorea Overwater Bungalows at the Hilton Moorea Resort
Conde Nast listed Moorea in the top 4 of the Readers Choice Award 2022 for Best Island in Australia and the South Pacific.
If you have never stayed in an overwater bungalow, you are in for a treat. From the moment you walk in the door on an overwater bungalow in Moorea, you are greeted with an awesome view of crystal clear, turquoise blue water. You’ll want to head out to the deck first to get a closer look.
The room is quite spacious with a couch, desk, king-size bed and a pass-through window to the bathroom area. You’ll definitely enjoy the air-conditioned comfort.
Let me just say that there is not a lot of privacy between the bedroom and bathroom, and even if you do pull down the shade to cover the opening, it does little to block sounds. Just saying.
Bonus: Open up the divider and you can stand in the shower and see the Pacific Ocean at the same time.
There is plenty of storage in each bungalow with shelves and a closet, a safe, a fridge, and a coffee station. The complimentary mini bar is stocked daily with beer, water and soft drinks. Request your favorite, and the staff will make sure it is available for you.
The interior of the garden bungalows are similar from the pictures I saw on the Hilton Moorea website.
Check Availability at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
2. The Beaches
The beaches in Moorea are simply stunning; the view from your overwater bungalow gives you a great vista as well.
Whether you visit the beaches in Moorea at the Hilton property or anywhere on the island, they offer pristine sand and clear water.
Do you need to arrange rental cars, flights or accommodations? Check out my Travel Resources to help you plan your trip.
3. The Walk to Your Bungalow is Stunning
You can’t beat this view right? The boardwalk begins at the beach and continues along a raised walkway to the 50+ bungalows on the property. As you walk along the boardwalk, check out the lush mountain in front of you and the fish swimming in the water below. You might even spy a black-tipped shark or two. (They are typically not dangerous to humans.)
4. Romantic Getaway for Couples
We loved the overwater bungalows in Moorea as a romantic getaway. Would we go back? Emphatically yes. While this is the first resort we have visited with overwater bungalows, it won’t be the last.
Chris and I are usually the kind of travelers who like to be on the go and see as much as possible during our vacations. When he asked me if I would be interested in visiting the beaches of Moorea, I asked, “Will there be enough for us to do? Will we get bored?”
We are now converted to relaxing days on the beach, sunbathing on our dock, and just enjoying doing very little. Will we still plan travel that is go go go? I imagine there will be a balance of the two travel styles. As empty nesters, we love the freedom of snagging a great travel deal and jetting off on a whim!
Book Your Romantic Stay at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
5. Window in the Floor of the Bungalow
Each of the overwater bungalows in Moorea features a viewing window in the floor of the villa. You can sit and watch the fish swim in the air-conditioned comfort of your room, from your dock, or from the viewfinder of your snorkel mask! The brilliant blue fish were my favorite to spy.
6. Lots of Things To Do at the Hilton Moorea Resort
There are many things to do on Moorea island; you can relax or be as active as you choose to be.
At the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, you have the luxury of enjoying a full-service spa, playing tennis at the on-site tennis courts, working out in the fitness center, taking yoga classes, swimming in the lagoon-style pool, paddle boarding, kayaking, or lounging at the pool.
The beachfront has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas if you want to simply enjoy the beach and lagoon access.
In addition, many tours, excursions and adventures will pick you up and drop you off at the lobby of the hotel or in the lagoon. Many restaurants on the island will do the same; so if you don’t have a vehicle, your access to the island is not limited.
7. Dining
Chris and I enjoyed the restaurants at the Hilton, Chris even tried the local dish, Poisson Cru (local raw fish, like a ceviche).
- Arii Vahine – We enjoyed our breakfast buffet here. Dinner was also served in the evenings.
- Rotui Bar and Grill – A restaurant on the beach with amazing views.
- Toatea Bar & Creperie – An overwater restaurant centrally located in the middle of the bungalows. Seriously, you can’t beat sweet or savory crepes for dinner and dessert.
8. Friendly Staff
One of the greetings you will want to learn is hello in Tahitian: Ia Ora Na. Pronounce Yor-a-na. The staff and locals greet you and everyone with a cheery “Ia Ora Na” everytime they see you. It is customary to say it back.
From the moment you arrive at check-in, to being driven to your overwater bungalow via golf cart, to enjoying dinner on the beach, to checking out paddle boards for free, the staff is friendly and willing to help.
Moorea Tahiti does not have a tipping culture. However, you may wish to tip for exceptional customer service (but it is not expected).
As our server explained to Chris and I, when you add a tip onto your bill, 60% of it goes to taxes. My recommendation? If you wish to give a tip for exceptional service, cash is much appreciated.
9. Complimentary Paddle Boards and Kayaks
You can check out complimentary towels, snorkel equipment, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.
You can’t find a better place to try your hand at paddle boarding than in the crystal clear, warm water of the lagoon.
10. Spa
Who doesn’t love a relaxing massage?
The spa is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. Relax and unwind with a variety of spa treatments:
- Massage
- Couples Massage
- Exfoliation
- After Sun Treatment
- Facial
- Body Wrap
- Manicure and Pedicure
Tip * Schedule a spa treatment after you check out and you can use the spa showers before heading to the airport!
11. Amazing Sunsets and Unique Views
The sunset is a nightly treat that lights up the sky with brilliant and dazzling color.
There might have been some great sunrises too, we were just never up that early to see them!
12. The French Toast Served at the Breakfast Buffet
The french toast served during the breakfast buffet is awesome. It is made with french bread and stuffed with some kind of vanilla filling. “Mwah!” Awesome.
The entire breakfast buffet is included with some of the package options at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, so be sure to check. You’ll find fruits and cheeses, yogurt, breads and pastries, baked goods, a made-to-order egg and omelet station and fresh fruit juices.
It is a popular place on a Sunday morning as many locals also come to enjoy the buffet. You may wish to come early or a little later in the morning. The dining area was hopping at 8 am.
Check Availability at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
13. Snorkeling in the Hilton Lagoon
You may wish to spend a couple of hours everyday snorkeling off the dock of your bungalow. The temperature is perfect, the water is clear, and the ocean life is abundant. If you happen to have a water camera or GoPro, this is a great opportunity to use them.
While you are able to check out snorkel gear to use for FREE, we like to bring our own masks.
>> Related: 25 Pros and Cons of a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Tropical Snorkel Spots
14. Swimming Pool
The pool area is perfect for relaxing. A lot of the families liked to spend time in the pool. Whether you want to bask in the sunshine on a lounger or enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings in the shade of an umbrella, there are lots of choices around the pool.
Hotel staff regularly check to make sure you have everything you need and if you wish to order drinks poolside.
15. Complimentary Drink Refills in Your Mini-Bar
Water, soda, and beer are refilled daily in the mini-bar fridge.
A great option for building reward points for all of your general travel expenses is to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card. We like to build our cash back points with our day to day spending.
What Should You Pack for Your Moorea Overwater Bungalow Stay?
There are a few basics that you will want to include on your packing list: sunscreen, swimsuits, sunglasses and snorkels. If you want to check out all of my BEACH faves on my Amazon Storefront, you might find some ideas you hadn’t already thought about.
If you want to access my FREE beach packing list, drop your email in the link below, and the list is yours!
There are definitely some things you want to pack to make the most of your beachside getaway.
- Reef-safe Sunscreen
- After Sun Gel
- Bug Spray
- Beach Clothing & Gear
- Towel Clips
- Snorkel Gear
- Sunglasses
- Underwater Camera
- Beach Tote Bag
Getting to Moorea
WHERE In The World Is Moorea? Check out this Tahiti map.
Moorea, one of the small islands in French Polynesia, is only 45 minutes by ferry from Papeete. Centrally located in the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is approximately five hours by flight from Hawaii or Auckland. Leaving from San Francisco or Los Angeles? The flight is 8 hours.
Transportation to Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
Whether you plan to find things to do in Papeete for a few days before leaving the island or if you only stay in Papeete for one night before going to Moorea, you will need to take the ferry (or schedule a flight).
We booked passage with the Aremiti ferry line on their ferry that transferred us and our rental car from the Papeete port to the Moorea Vaiare marina.
If you are taking a vehicle to Moorea, the driver must stay with the car and drive it onto the ferry. ALL passengers will need to leave the vehicle and check-in at the terminal and walk onto the ferry. Be sure to send the digital tickets to your “passengers” via email, screen shot, or message app.
The ferry ride to Moorea is approximately 45 minutes.
As you get close to Moorea, everyone in your party will be directed to return to your vehicle where you will ALL drive off the ferry together. If you are walking off the ferry, you’ll need to make arrangements for someone to pick you up, walk a short distance to the Avis car rental, or take a taxi. There is currently no Uber on Moorea.
If you have a rental car, you will exit the ferry and then turn right onto the perimeter road for the quickest route to Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. You CAN go the other direction, but it will take longer to reach your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an overwater bungalow in Moorea worth the splurge?
Yes! Whether you save up the points to stay as a Hilton Honors reward member or build up your vacation savings account, staying at the overwater bungalows in Moorea is awesome.
Are overwater bungalows safe?
Yes. The Moorea overwater bungalows are built on concrete pillars that are anchored deep in the sand. If you wish to snorkel from the dock of your bungalow, the lagoon is the perfect depth. At 5’2″ there were many places that I could easily stand.
Is staying in an overwater bungalow noisy?
When Chris and I were inside our bungalow with the doors and windows closed, we did not hear other guests. We were more appreciative of having couples as neighbors. When we were on our deck, we often heard children when they were next to us.
Are there any drawbacks to staying in Tahiti overwater bungalows?
Your Moorea overwater bungalow may come with a few drawbacks:
* Distance from the beach and restaurants
* Too much sunshine or not enough on your deck
* The cost
* High demand and low availability
* Limited private space inside the bungalows
* You won’t want to go home!
What is the best time to visit Moorea Tahiti?
Many suggest that September to October are ideal times to visit. Chris and I visited in the “rainy season” of February and encountered only two short rain squalls over our week-long visit.
Love this Post? Pin it!
Pick Your Perks in Moorea With an Overwater Bungalow Stay
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa doesn’t disappoint. Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or if the beaches in Moorea draw you back every year, you will love the amenities of this Tahitian resort.
The overwater bungalows in Moorea Tahiti provide a relaxing stay with views of the sunrise and sunset, crystal-clear turquoise water, an inviting atmosphere, and staff who work hard to make your stay as memorable as possible. Way to go Hilton! Don’t forget to pack more than one swimsuit. Use my free Beach Packing List as a guide.
You may also love…
- 15 Terrific Things to Do On Moorea Island, Tahiti
- 10 Awesome Things to Do In Papeete, Tahiti: It’s More Than a Layover
- 25 Pros and Cons of a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Tropical Snorkel Spots
- 20 Brilliant Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation
- 25 Common Mistakes People Make at an All-Inclusive Resort
- 70 Fun Things to Do at the Beach
- 28 Ultimate Romantic Getaways for Couples
Definitely the kind of trip that’s on my bucket list. Great job on laying out all the info and excellent photography. Sharing with the hubs to get him to start thinking. Hmmm! 🙂
Breathtaking photos. It’s a dream of mine to go here one day.
I’m going to need to sign up and start saving those points because this looks amazing! Must visit one day!
I think I need to start saving up my Hilton points to stay here some day. Looks gorgeous!
NO WAY yo can stay here on points??!!?! That is one of the best perks I have ever seen..these bungalows look so cool… putting it on the bucket list…
Well, you would need A LOT of points.
Staying in an overwater bungalow is on my bucket list AND I’m a diamond Hilton member so this is PERFECT for me. I’m definitely saving this so I can look into it and book something. Thank you!
Rolling out of bed and right into the sea has always been a dream of mine! Could you hear the guests in other villas though?
When you are outside you can.
This post made me super excited. I’m going to Moorea on the 26th for a few days then to bora bora. I’m not staying at the Hilton though. I wondered about noise and privacy in the over water bungalows. Thanks for giving some insight. Also loved the idea of booking spa after checkout. I’m going to do that!
Next time I definitely need to do the overwater bungalow in Morea! Clearest water ever!
I’d love to stay in Moorea in an overwater bungalow where I can play on the beautiful beach or catch an epic sunset! Looks gorgeous!
Great post. The world is sooo beautiful.
I find myself ensconced within the realms of your blog, where intellectual exploration unfolds like an enchanting ballet, with each pirouette of thought and cadaence of expression enthralling the mind and stirring the depths of the intellect.
So happy to read this post as we have an overwater bungalow booked for next September. Can’t wait! We are both active and mobile, but out of curiosity, do they have a way to get guests to the furthest bungalows?
I am a Hilton Honors member and will start saving up points! The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort over-water bungalows in Moorea Tahiti would be the ultimate dream vacation. And love that French toast is one of your reasons! I love French toast.
Love this! We are heading there in September! Did you stay at the resort the whole time or did you take an excursion while there?
This place looks amazing, and I am in love with your sunset picture. And do they have good vegan options?
Total bucket list stay! I’ve been dreaming of staying in an overwater bungalow.
Those bungalows over the water look unreal! I hope we get to see these one day in person.