FRENCH POLYNESIA SEPT 2014: Moorea

MOOREA:
IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

Hilton Moorea

I've returned to my favorite Hilton Moorea for 4 nights.  Before I give you the updates, this is just a recap of the island of Moorea.

Moorea

To me, Moorea is my favorite island in French Polynesia for things to do, see and restaurants to enjoy.  Moorea is a 30 minture ferry ride or a 7 minute flight from Papeete.  It is a true island (opposed to a Motu or an Atoll) that is only 34 km around so it's really easy to navigate.

You want to go the market ... no problem there are choices from the small mom and pop places to larger Marches (french for markets) such as France's larger market, Champion Market.

How about trying water sports?  There are so many choices from canoes to paddle boarding, jet skiing and much more.

Diving and snorkeling ... got you covered!

A picture from my Daughter & Son-in-Law's
experience with Dr. Poole while on their honeymoon

Do you want to see dolphins and whales - ask for Dr. Poole's tours.

Spas here on Moorea are not the uber modern type found on Bora Bora but they are relaxing and have complete services.  Try a massage in your room at sunset - it's magical!  Both the Hilton Moorea and the Intercontinental Moorea have lovely spas offering full services.

Tahitian Black Pearls or Perles which is the french way of spelling.  There are so many pearl shops to choose from.  Iv'e been to them all on Moorea as i w was shopping for my set of pearls.  Each shop that I visited except for one offered me a referral commission when I told them that I was a Tahiti travel specialist.  The one shop that DID

Eva Pearles

NOT offer commission is where I purchased my own pearls.  Why?  Because the owner was honest and had wonderful quality pearls.  Simple.  That store was Eva Pearles and Eva, the owner is totally reputable and honest.  Eva also speaks perfect English because she studied in Wisconsin.  Eva took the time to explain the differences in pearls regarding their quality and their colors.  Take your time ... you will not feel rushed.  I promise, I won't get a referral fee and you will have a wonderful experience and hopefully ... bring home a memory of Moorea that will last you a lifetime.

Snack Mahana

Finally, (everyone's favorite topic) restaurants.There are quite a few to try.  Most are a mix of Polynesian cuisine mixed with French cuisine.  I have my favorites so ask for my preferred list but to give you an idea, here are two quite different recommendations:

Mahogany Restaurant

Best place for lunch with local flavor - Snack Mahana.  You MUST bring cash because they do not take credit cards.  We have their famous breaded mahi mahi in coconut milk and it was wonderful!
Best place for profiteroles - you know, the little puff pastries  with ice cream in the middle and yummy chocolate sauce over it - Mahogany Restaurant is the winner!

Now for the Hilton Moorea

The Hilton Moorea JUST GETS IT RIGHT AND KEEPS GETTING BETTER & BETTER!

Hilton Moorea

Here are some of the changes that I've seen and enjoyed:

Poisson Cru at the Roti Restaurant

Do you know the hotel now has an herb garden?!  I met the Head Chef, a lovely shy man from the Southwestern part of France - Chef Laurent.  The cuisine has improved 100%!!  
In addition to a wonderful breakfast and one of the best lunch venues (you must try their Poisson Cru which is the BEST that I have ever enjoyed on all of the islands), the hotel now offers a fun venue for Happy Hour with 2 for 1 drinks and special prices for their bar food.  There's a new Tapas Bar (love this spot - it's fun and the food is great) and a Crepes Bar.  Their dinner venue at Arii Vahine now is part of my recommended restaurant list.  Make sure to try the "Black Pearl" dessert to end your perfect meal at the Hilton Moorea.

Arii Vahine Restaurant

The Hilton Moorea's GM, Karine and I met for dinner last night.  What a dynamic insightful person.  The standards at the Hilton Moorea do not feel like a typical Hilton.  In fact, my husband mentioned to me that this is well beyond what people would except from any Hilton hotel or resort.

We discussed her wonderful staff.  Many of the staff members at the Hilton Moorea have been here for years and years.  The Polynesian people can be shy and keep in mind that English is not their first language.  You almost have to get past this to understand their genuine kindness and humor.  I really adore some oft eh staff and love to hear "welcome home" when I arrive. Say HI to Dinah, Norma, Crystal, Gaelle, Rose, Barbara and Francie for me.

Hilton Moorea

All of the rooms are carefully maintained and that is hard to accomplish in the islands because of the sun and the challenges with supply issues are quite daunting.  I love the changes with the bedding.  The sheets are comfortable and the bedspreads are (thankfully) a thing of the past.  The bath amenities from Peter Thomas Roth are an improvement.  My only suggestion is that the outdoor chaise lounges in the over the water bungalows need cushions.

Hilton Moorea

My final thoughts ... you will be in good hands when you choose Hilton Moorea.  It is a perfect introduction to what makes French Polynesia so unique.  You can spend 4-5 nights here and then try one of the other islands such as Taha'a and Bora Bora.

Stay tuned!

The World is Our Playground!

Mari