These stunning overwater bungalows in French Polynesia feature glass floors and direct access to a crystal-clear lagoon.

With its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and verdant peaks, the breathtaking beauty of French Polynesia will astonish even the most experienced travelers. While popular spots like Bora Bora and Tahiti attract many jet-setters, the region boasts 118 islands and atolls, offering countless hidden gems to discover. Among them is Moorea, a vibrant volcanic island just a 30-minute ferry ride from Papeete, Tahiti's largest city. If you’re eager to turn your tropical getaway dreams into reality, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is the perfect choice for booking an overwater bungalow.

Nestled on the edge of a protected marine area near Temae Beach, the longest beach on the island, the resort features a stunning beachfront infinity pool, two outdoor dining options, an on-site Tahitian pearl boutique, and its main highlight—38 overwater bungalows providing easy access to a crystal-clear lagoon. Additionally, the property offers a variety of onshore accommodations, including tranquil garden bungalows, beachfront options, and a luxurious villa suitable for families and large groups.

Experiencing the unparalleled luxury of an overwater bungalow has long been on my travel bucket list. There’s something uniquely enchanting about this type of ultra-private lodging: the soothing sound of waves lulls you to sleep, and you awaken just steps from the water. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the space transforms into a personal solarium, offering postcard-worthy views from your bed. For a closer look, settle into the cozy lounge chair on your outdoor deck. Use the in-room snorkeling gear to explore the lagoon right from your bungalow's private platform, or gaze through the indoor glass floor panel to marvel at the vibrant marine life beneath.

Le Jardin Spa & Beauty is nestled in a discreet area of the resort, accessed through large wooden double doors that lead to a serene tropical garden. Here, guests can enjoy massages, facials, and holistic treatments using natural oils sourced from local artisans.

The resort's on-site dining options, Pure and K, showcase a blend of Polynesian and international flavors. "With a French flair paired with Tahitian warmth, the hotel’s two renowned restaurants offer a romantic ambiance, breathtaking views, and live entertainment," shares Sabine Lamberts, the resort’s general manager. Pure serves three meals daily, including a breakfast buffet and varied lunch and dinner options, culminating in lively weekend evenings featuring traditional Polynesian dance and an impressive Samoan fire knife show on the beach.

At K, a beachside restaurant offering a unique tasting menu on Thursday and Friday nights, the atmosphere is intimate and moody. Guests can dine beneath cathedral ceilings crafted from Kahaia wood, illuminated by torches, while savoring expertly paired wines selected by chef Frédéric Gigou, all while dipping their toes in the sand and celebrating their tropical escape.

Spending an entire day on my private deck with a rum cocktail was enough to quell my wanderlust, but I soon discovered that the resort had even more to offer. Balancing adventure with relaxation, we spent some days exploring the island of Moorea by both land and sea. The main road runs along the 37-mile perimeter of the island, making navigation easy. However, with the guidance of our local tour guide Yvette, owner of Moorea VIP Tours, we ventured off the beaten path to uncover the island’s hidden gems.

Yvette, who grew up on the island of Tahiti, shared a remarkable depth of knowledge about the region's culture and history, from ancient Polynesian myths to crafting traditional Tahitian flower crowns. During our visit to her private garden in the mountains, which coincided with a heavy downpour, we embarked on a guided hike to Moorea’s Āfareaitu Waterfall. What we thought would be a washout turned into one of the most memorable highlights of our trip; our 40-minute muddy trek in ponchos led us to swim at the base of the waterfall as rain cascaded around us. Āfareaitu, meaning "sacred valley of gods and kings," made this experience feel profoundly spiritual.

Our first aquatic escapade was a jet-skiing tour across the island’s two striking bays—Cook’s Bay and 'Ōpūnohu Bay—where we stopped to take in the breathtaking views of Moorea’s highest mountain peaks. The following day, we embarked on a private boat tour, snorkeling with stingrays and nurse sharks, and even spotting a few sea turtles, while our guides educated us about Moorea’s rich biodiversity and how to interact with marine life responsibly.

However, nothing could compare to the thrill of encountering a magnificent pod of dolphins swimming alongside our boat as we headed to lunch on a private motu, which means "small island" in Tahitian. We were welcomed with piña coladas by Johanna Berard, the founder of Temoana Tours, while her husband prepared a delightful and much-needed meal of grilled chicken and fish, French fries, and ahi tuna ceviche. Dining at a picnic table set on a shallow sandbar added to the enchantment, as stingrays and small fish glided around our feet while we savored our meal. For those who prefer dry land yet seek adventure, an ATV tour offers an exhilarating way to explore Moorea. After an hour and a half of navigating dirt paths through the lush French Polynesian jungle, you'll arrive at the base of a steep but brief trail leading to the summit of Magic Mountain—arguably the finest viewpoint on the island.

While French Polynesia is undoubtedly remote, direct flights on Air Tahiti Nui from major cities like Los Angeles and Seattle make it relatively accessible from the U.S. Additionally, with only a two-hour time difference from Pacific Standard Time, travelers from the West Coast can enjoy a smoother arrival without the burden of significant jet lag.

Moorea’s pristine beauty and vibrant culture, coupled with Sofitel’s exceptional service and hospitality, made this resort the perfect place to realize my lifelong dream of staying in an overwater bungalow. Discover more about the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort and its amazing offerings here.