Unwind in Moorea - Tahiti Tourisme

Published on 17 August 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

A vacation on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia is an occasion to relax and unwind. Take the time to admire the idyllic scenery of the beach, lagoon and mountains, and enjoy a taurami traditional Tahitian massage in the luxury of a hotel spa.

Just a few miles by ferry from Tahiti, Moorea is a magnificent island with beautiful beaches and imposing mountains. Take the ferry from Papeete and half an hour later you’re in the port of Vaiare, on the west coast of Moorea. it is an island that is a source of inspiration for artists, filled with the Mana of French Polynesia. Take a tour round the island, admire the views and discover the local culture. There is a wide range of accommodation, from family run Tahitian Guesthouses to luxury resort hotels with overwater bungalows. Just like in Bora Bora, you’ll have a view of the glorious sunsets over the lagoon from your bed! There are many soft, white sandy beaches in Moorea and on the surrounding motu, as well as two magnificent bays to explore. The interior of the island has some superb hiking trails leading to incredible scenic viewpoints. Whether you’ve chosen Moorea as your main destination, or you’re just stopping over for a couple of nights, the beauty of this South Sea island will be a souvenir that you’ll always remember.

A spa and a massage in Moorea

For a thoroughgly relaxing experience, there are several spas and well-being centers on the island, where you can have a traditional massage and let yourself be pampered. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in the north of the island is an oasis of tranquility. A little to the east, you can have a traditional massage with a view over the lagoon at Manea Spa in the Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea. Just next to Temae Beach, relax and let the Jardin Spa & Beauty take care of you, or go to the Frangipanier Bali Center on the road to Haapiti. Based in the south of the island, L’Institut Massage ‘N Surf will come to your villa or hotel to give you a massage ‘at home’.

Walking tour — Enjoy a massage © Tahiti Tourisme

Another center for health and beauty care is the Rekilibre-toi institute in the interior of the island. Nearly all of the spas in Moorea propose a traditional Polynesian taurami with monoï oil. Massaging is a part of Polynesian culture, and almost every family in The Islands of Tahiti has its masseur. The soothing gestures are transmitted from generation to generation, and Polynesian mothers give their babies a massage almost every day. In the hotel spas, the massage is combined with other beauty and health care treatments such as exfoliation, and hair and skin care.

Hiking and horseback riding

Another way to unwind and forget the stresses of modern day life during your vacation in Moorea, is to go hiking or horseback riding in the lush green hills and valleys. The hiking trail to the belvedere scenic viewpoint at Opuhonu rewards you with magnificent, breathtaking views over Cook Bay and Opuhonu Bay.

You can go horseback riding in Moorea with the Opunoho Valley ranch. A magnificent two hour trail takes you through the hills and valleys, and you’ll enjoy you incredible views over the coast a get lots of healthy fresh mountain air. Your guide will add to the experience by telling you about Moorea’s natural and cultural riches on the way.

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