Moorea, French PolynesiaPapetoai
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Overwater bungalow resort
Papetoai Moorea, French Polynesia
Renovated
2010
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Design LocalOutside the door
The house
HiltonOverwater bungalow resort
Life is lived directly over the reef, where boardwalks connect thatched bungalows and blacktip sharks gather below at dusk.
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It is ideal for guests seeking a unique resort with privacy and exceptional service in a relaxing environment in harmony with the Polynesian culture.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay flank the north shore, and Moorea's steep volcanic peaks rise just behind the property.
1 of 5
The rooms
Overwater bungalows have glass floor panels looking into the coral below, and private sundecks lead straight down into the water.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The free-form freshwater infinity pool curves along the beachfront, facing the lagoon beneath steep volcanic ridges.
The spa
Couples suites have sunken flower tubs, and treatments draw on volcanic stones alongside a sauna and hammam.
At the table
Toatea serves sweet and savory crêpes over the reef, and sunset cocktails pour on the terrace at Eimeo Bar.
The hotel sits right on the lagoon and offers garden rooms and bungalows, many with their own private plunge pools, as well as fabulous overwater bungalows with glass floor panels in the living rooms.
How it began

Local pearl farmer Louis Wane built the resort in 2000, replacing the site's original Hotel Moorea Lagoon.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.