Chosen as one of the Top 5 Hotels for Romance in the World as well as one of the Top 20 Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the South Pacific in the 2012 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards, The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa has long been a favorite of discerning world travelers.  The 10-year-old Hilton Moorea teems with Polynesian “mana,” or spirit, and unfolds between a 10-acre aquamarine lagoon and velvet green mountains on the majestic heart-shaped island.

Imagine relaxing in the privacy of your luxurious over-water bungalow listening to the soft music of the waves and gazing through the glass “window” in the floor to contemplate the colorful ballet of tropical fish or step right off your balcony to snorkel among the bright purple coral and crystal clear waters.  

Each of the resort’s bungalows have received a fresh new interior, reflecting a modern island motif.  The soothing new color palette uses tropical earth tones that accent a blending of wood, glass, marble, silk and woven materials. Bathrooms feature sleek Italian granite countertops, two separate bowl sinks, marble tubs and a rain cascade style shower.  All new furnishing enhance the look including 37” flat screen T.V.’s with DVD players and iPod dock music systems and state-of-the art mini bars. 

FROM THE SEA TO THE SPA

The sea beckons from all points of the Hilton Moorea. In fact, the coral reef surrounding Moorea goes so far out that the crystal clear water is only chest deep in many areas, making it ideal for snorkelers to see a wide variety of marine life. Guests can use diving equipment, an outrigger canoe, a pedal-boat or a kayak for a peaceful ride on the blue waters of the lagoon.

Enjoy a variety of water activities including Aqua Walking, Night Diving, a ride on the Aquascope; an ecologically sound small submarine that will take you to visit dolphins, rays and even watch a shark feeding.  There are also daily boat tours of the island, including stops to watch spinner dolphins at play and even get out onto the beach of one of the many motus (tiny islands) and have a majestic manta ray swim into your lap! 

The beachfront spa is an oasis of relaxation at the resort.  Tropical flowers and fruits are the foundation of the treatments and massages, offered under the sun on a terrace, under the Tahitian moonlight or even in the privacy of your own bungalow.

Hotel guests also have free access to tennis courts and the fitness room adjacent to the resort’s entrance.   

DISCOVERING THE ISLAND OF MOOREA

By Land:  The concierge will be happy to arrange diverse ways for you to discover the enchanting island of Moorea.  Guests can visit the Opunohu Valley by 4x4, rent cars or scooters or enjoy a circle island tour by bus.  Horseback riding with breathtaking views or mountain bike rentals to tour the island at your own pace are also available. 

By Sea: Hire a speedboat and its captain to sail around the island with a stop on a motu for a picnic or book a sailboat or canoe for a sunset cruise.  Line fishing off a reef or offshore fishing excursions “Tea Nui” are also available. For a slightly faster pace, try water-skiing (beginners and skilled skiers), a ride on a Jet Ski or paragliding!

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll savor the unique serenity and mystery of Moorea, the ultimate island refuge—and you’ll never forget your stay at the Magical Island.

www.hilton.com/frenchpolynesia

Tahiti travel specialists www.gototahiti.com