Many of the beachfront hotels we visited in Moorea had surprisingly lackluster beaches: deserted tracts made of tough, old coral rather than sand, beaches with awkward layouts thanks to unsightly concrete walls, and even a few that were clearly man-made. So if you're dreaming of a French Polynesian vacation -- complete with beach bungalows and calm, clear water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling -- consider these top beach hotels in Moorea.
Hotel Les Tipaniers is located on Moorea’s northwest coast, on the tip of Opunohu Bay. It’s about a half-hour drive from both the ferry terminal and the airport, but it sit directly on one of Moorea’s most beautiful beaches. The two-pearl property is well-kept, and has an authentic Polynesian feel, with small thatched-roof bungalows scattered across the property. There aren’t many on-site amenities, like a pool, spa, or fitness center, but there are two restaurants (one beachfront), free Wi-Fi, and lounge chairs and free kayaks on the beach, plus snorkel equipment available for rent. One major drawback is rooms’ lack of air-conditioning.
The beach is literally a few steps from this guesthouse's pool area and all six of its thatched-roof bungalows. It’s a stunning stretch of sand, with incredible views of Tahiti and great snorkeling. The water directly in front of the hotel is a bit rough for swimming, but it gets calmer further down the beach. Green Lodge is also within walking distance of Temae Beach, a popular public beach with calm clear waters. In addition to the beautiful beachfront, on-site amenities include a bar and pool table in the lobby and exceptional meals prepared by Isabelle.