Moorea, French PolynesiaTeavaro
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Thatched lagoon resort
Teavaro Moorea, French Polynesia
Renovated
2007
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
AccorThatched lagoon resort
Thatched roofs branch over a protected coral lagoon, where a long-standing ban on motorized watercraft keeps the shallows clear.
What it’s good at
Notable
Departing guests receive woven shell necklaces, paired with solicitous open-air lagoon service.
Notable
Overwater thatched bungalows open straight onto snorkeling in the protected coral lagoon.
Notable
Traditional Taurumi massages with local tamanu oil, and weekly Polynesian dance performances.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
This shallow lagoon is the perfect setting for a couple of rows of classic overwater bungalows, while a few more stand on solid ground just beyond the beach.
“Moorea’s natural beauty is emphasized at this understated resort where the traditional thatched-roof bungalows have a Polynesia style with modern decor, like extremely comfortable beds and stone tile rain showers in the bathrooms.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The grounds edge Temae beach, looking east across the open channel to the volcanic peaks of Tahiti.
1 of 6
The rooms
Overwater bungalows have glass floor panels looking onto the reef, and private ladders step straight into the lagoon.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The central infinity pool steps down toward the lagoon, bordered by sun loungers and striped umbrellas on a timber deck.
The spa and gym
Open-air thatched pavilions host garden massages under the palms, beside a 24-hour gym wrapped in glass.
At the table
Lagoon-facing terraces serve morning fruit buffets under high thatched roofs, and evening tables sit directly on the sand.
Nestled within a pristine, marine-protected area on the white-powder sands of Temae, Moorea’s longest private beach, the village-like property affords guests unrivaled views of Tahiti.
How it began

An American expatriate built the original fifteen bungalows in 1970, naming the outpost after the Polynesian greeting for good health.
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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.