Unique Sleeps: Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, Moorea

Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, Tahiti.

Nothing quite prepares you for the sensory delights of the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort. Epic volcanic mountains on one side, unimaginable aqua water on the other; the hotel is nestled underneath countless palm trees and soaked in the smell of Tahitian gardenias. This is the South Pacific you see in movies and on postcards.

This is the South Pacific that you’ll never want to leave.

The Sofitel sits on a private, white sand beach along the east coast of the island of Moorea and looks out directly toward the mainland. This position is key to the resort’s unique appeal because at nighttime, Tahiti twinkles like Christmas in New York and the protected lagoon means no jet skis, no water boats and therefore no noise. All other properties on the island don’t face the mainland or offer the same protection and you can find tour boats running past your door on the hour.

The Sofitel houses 113 bunglows (and one amazing multi-room villa) which are situated over water, along the beach and throughout the gardens. The layout of the resort allows for privacy, making all the rooms special. Be aware that the closer you are to the water, the more breeze you’ll feel – a breeze that can really be needed on Moorea’s hotter days.

My bungalow (216) was over-water (insert happy dance!) and situated right at the end of the jetty which meant the only thing between me and the mainland was acres of aqua ocean. The hotel provides all guests with complimentary snorkel and flippers and it doesn’t get much more fabulous than walking down your private staircase to snorkel straight underneath your room.

It’s true Bucket List stuff.