French Polynesia Winter 2014: Moorea Revisited

MOOREA REVISITED

December 11-14, 2013

JUST took this pic @ the Hilton Moorea

It's hard to believe that this is my 10th visit to French Polynesia since my love affair began January, 2003!!!  

I just adore Moorea!  It's only a 30 minute ferry ride from Tahiti and if you decide to fly, it's a 7 minute flight.  What is special about Moorea are the people, the scenery and it's authenticity.

Actual picture of Poisson Cru at the Hilton Moorea

We returned to the Hilton Moorea.  We were greeted by my friend Norma saying, "Welcome Home".  Anyone that follows me knows what a total hotel snob I am.  The Hilton Moorea is my exception to my rule.  It's not a stretch though.  The property is 5 star - with nicely appointed over the water bungalows as well as garden bungalows.  I love the beach and have to have their Poisson Cru for lunch every day.  The property has had a management change.  Olivier is very much missed but the new GM, Karine has her vision of how she would like the Hilton Moorea to evolve.  I had a wonderful meeting with the Reservation Department team and they suggested that I take a walk around the property and choose my top 5 locations for my clients.  Pretty wonderful opportunity for my clients! 

Te Hono Iti - Shrimp with Tahitian vanilla sauce (from my daughters trip in June 2012)

Here's the buzz with the restaurants.  
Aito's is closed - it's a shame because it was so close to the Hilton Moorea.  
Le Sud also closed.  
Te Hono Iti is closed for a few weeks.  

Snack Coco D'ile, Tuna with Curry Banana Coconut

My new finds are the Moorea Beach Cafe and a visit to Snack Mahana.  

Snack Mahana was actually recommended by my client Allison - thank you, Allison!  What a fun perfect experience in someone's backyard.  This family run restaurant is only open for lunch from 11:30-3:00.  It is CASH ONLY so please remember to bring your French Polynesia Francs - no credit cards here!  One of their specialties is breaded Maui Maui in a vanilla sauce.  Moist and perfect.  Their poisson cru was perfect as well.  Beware of the slow service so be patient.  The servers were sweet and helpful.

Moorea Beach Cafe

We had dinner last night at the Moorea Beach Cafe.  The Moorea Beach Cafe opened 8 months ago and is owned by Bruno Jamais and his lovely Brazilian wife.  Their location is close to Cook's Bay directly on the water.  The Moorea Beach Café has a welcoming fell to it.  Bruno is a large presence and is quite proud of his "baby".  The food and service were very good.  I especially enjoyed the tuna appetizer, lamb shanks with couscous and dried fruit as well as their PERFECT chocolate crème brulee.  You can relax and enjoy your drinks because The Moorea Beach Cafe will pick you up from your hotel.  ENJOY!

Stay tuned for more of my French Polynesia revisit.  After Moorea, we going on the Paul Gauguin and ending at the St. Regis Bora Bora.


The World is Our Playground!

Mari