Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea is a four-star resort on a private beachfront on Moorea, rated by ATOUT France and offering 90 rooms in a range of styles. Choices include overwater bungalows, garden pool bungalows, beach bungalows, duplexes and suites, so there is something for couples, families and small groups. The resort has two restaurants, Autera'a and Mahanai, plus the Matiehani Rum Bar, a poolside bar and a snack bar. The full-service Manea Spa has four treatment rooms and offers massages, facials, body treatments and reflexology, along with a sauna and steam room. The outdoor pool has loungers and umbrellas, and activities include snorkeling, with a coral nursery that lets guests see reef restoration up close, as well as kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing and bike rentals. Free Wi-Fi and free self-parking are included. Children are welcome, with up to two children under twelve staying free using existing beds and free cribs on request, and kids' meals are served. It suits travelers who want a full-service resort with a lively but relaxed atmosphere and a good choice of dining.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the beach, about twelve minutes by car from Moorea's airport and around sixteen minutes from the ferry terminal, with Temae Beach roughly ten minutes away. A golf course is about eight minutes by car. Because transfers take a little longer than at resorts beside the airport, arrange pickups in advance and allow time on arrival and departure days.
Renting a car, scooter or e-bike gives freedom to visit the Belvedere lookout, the pineapple fields and local restaurants, and the activity desk can arrange 4WD tours, lagoon excursions and whale watching from roughly July to November.
The rooms and the experience
The overwater bungalows give the classic lagoon stay, with a deck and ladder into the water, while the garden pool bungalows add a private plunge pool and more space, which is popular with couples. Beach bungalows suit families who want to step onto the sand, and duplexes and suites offer room for groups.
The coral nursery is a distinctive extra, and snorkeling there gives an insight into how local teams help the reef recover. Dining covers a mix of styles, the rum bar is a fun evening spot, and the spa offers a calm treatment space between outings.
Good to know
Check-in is from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and guests arriving after 9 p.m. should contact the resort in advance. Check-out is before 11 a.m., and late check-out is available for a fee. Buffet breakfast carries a per-person charge, so compare rates with and without it, and a city tax applies per person per night.
Pets are not allowed, except service animals, and some outdoor areas may not suit very young children. Book overwater and pool bungalows early for popular months, and ask about the location of your room if you want quiet. For a cheaper option, small guesthouses are available on the island, but this resort offers comfort and a wide range of room types.
Why stay here
- ✓Overwater and garden pool bungalows
- ✓Beach bungalows and suites
- ✓Two restaurants and a rum bar
- ✓Manea Spa with sauna and steam room
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Coral nursery snorkeling
- ✓Kayaks and paddle boards
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and parking
Good questions
What room types does Manava Moorea offer?+
The resort has 90 rooms, including overwater bungalows, garden pool bungalows, beach bungalows, duplexes and suites. Pool bungalows and overwater categories are popular, so book early.
How far is it from the airport and ferry?+
It is about a twelve-minute drive from Moorea's airport and around sixteen minutes from the ferry terminal. Arrange pickups in advance for arrival and departure days.
Can children stay free?+
Up to two children under twelve can stay free using existing beds, and free cribs are available on request. Kids' meals are offered, and a city tax applies per person per night.
