With just two nights in Tahiti before Sefora had to return to Los Angeles, I wanted to make every moment count. I knew that I wanted to plan an outing on Moorea, the closest island to Tahiti. But, I didn’t know exactly what we were going to do there.
Originally, I was inspired to book Moorea Stand Up Paddle. However, something kept distracting me when I’d set the intention to book it. I took it as an intuitive sign to wait for something to present itself.
And wow – it sure did.
The morning of our full day in Tahiti, one of the flight attendants happened to message Sefora that a few of the crew usually book a Day Pass to Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort. After a quick search and look over, I knew this was what I was waiting for.
What followed was a perfectly curated day in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever experienced.
Upon arriving at the ferry terminal in Moorea, we made our way to the taxi line. Since I was planning to pay by card, I was prepared to ask around, as many drivers will only accept cash. After speaking with a few, I was able to find one who accepted Visa / Mastercard.
The moment we pulled into the Sofitel property, I was taken aback by how stunning it was. The grounds were lush and vibrant and it just felt – right to be there.
It’s absolutely essential to call the hotel in advance to confirm that passes are available. Our taxi driver warned us that she had previously brought guests to the resort, only for them to be turned away because the day passes had sold out.
That was not the case for us. We were good to go.
Before arriving, I had read that the cost of a day pass would be about $100 USD. But we ended up paying closer to $95 thanks to the exchange rate.
I spent a good amount of time simply walking the property, soaking in the scenery and capturing photos. The atmosphere was luxurious without being overwhelming.
The Day Pass included full access to the beach, use of the lounge chairs, and a variety of water activities. We lounged on beach chairs and enjoyed the sun.
I tested my skills out with a mini photo shoot of Sefora in the brilliantly blue ocean of the South Pacific.
Lunch was served at Restaurant Pure, one of the on-site dining options. The meal was an absolute highlight.
Even when a short tropical rainstorm passed through, the experience remained serene and memorable. Sitting under cover with great food – watching the rain come down over the lagoon – added a distinct layer of profound beauty to the afternoon.
After lunch, I convinced Sefora to go kayaking with me. As – unknown to me until that moment – she was afraid of kayaking, I took incredible joy that she trusted me and the experience enough to go into the water.
Leading her in the steps of kayaking was a thrill I didn’t expect. I felt extremely proud when she said she was actually having a great time kayaking.
For me, it felt incredible to glide over the incredibly clear, turquoise waters. I honestly could have stayed out on the water for hours.
Later, after a bit of confusion regarding the ferry schedule back to Papeete in Tahiti, the Sofitel concierge stepped in and handled everything. They arranged a taxi for us, provided updated ferry times, and made sure we returned to Tahiti without any stress. That kind of thoughtful service elevated an already luxurious experience – and left a lasting impression on me.
Spending the day at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort was one of the best choices I made on this trip. The beauty of the location, combined with the ease of access and quality of service, made it a flawless escape.
From start to finish, it was a reminder that luxury isn’t always about price – it’s about how deeply you’re able to relax and enjoy the world around you.
And, the service you receive when you need it the most.
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
BP 28Te’avaro , 98728 Moorea
