We check-in to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.

The waters around Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, a half hour ferry ride from the mainland of Tahiti, were a deep aquamarine as we pulled up on our jetskis.

Room 9/10

As it was the first time many of us at the Tahiti Travel Mart had been staying in an over-water bungalow there were many an open mouth upon stepping into the room. Coupled with the fact we were greeted with a small array of macarons was a definite bonus.

The bedroom and living area were combined, with a large decadent bed and lush pillows. The bed was so soft in fact one of the Travel Mart attendees – who usually sleeps on a rather firm mattress – felt like she was being swallowed by the linen.

However, for myself who loves a good squishy sleeping area, the bed was perfect.

The bathroom was open plan, a large cool tiled floor with a mammoth shower head. There were a heap of towels about the place, so always had something dry.

The room came complete with a TV, couch, bed, beside tables and a small glass lounge table covering the small floor window where guests could watch the tropical fish continuously darting around. And a kettle, offerings of tea and coffee and various shower amenities.

Outside were two deck chairs to stretch out on and either watch the sunrise or sunset depending on your viewpoint. I was lucky enough to have the sunset so lounged about staring at the view across the water, wondering how this is actually work.

As it was an over-water bungalow, there was also a ladder leading from a lower deck into the water and a shower to rinse the salt off.

Facilities 8/10

While it’s debatable why someone would swim in the pool when the gorgeous azure ocean is just opposite, the resort had a lovely pool. Two outdoor showers with the same mammoth showerheads as the rooms were available, as was renting of various water bits and bobs. I had swum over from my bungalow to the resort, as it was only around 50 metres, and rented a snorkel set to have a squiz around the small reef.

The resort also offers a spa and gym, which we didn’t see. There also didn’t appear to be a kids club for the children. However, there were babysitting services offered, as well as various cultural activities for the kids or family.

Service 9/10

The night we went was a buffet service, so food service was left solely up to us, rather dangerous as eyes are always too big for the stomach. However, there was plenty of options for all dietary needs.

The Hilton has enormous wine glasses, nearly as big as your head, which remained relatively topped up throughout the meal.

During dinner, there was a traditional Polynesian dance complete with an amazing fire show – outside on the beach of course, not in the wooded restaurant and bar. And afterwards they encouraged guests to get up and have a shimmy. I tried it, and the hip movement is actually a lot harder than it looks.

In terms of service to the room, I stupidly didn’t have my name on my suitcase, so it hadn’t been dropped in my room beforehand. However, all I had to do was pop to reception, say that black one in the corner was mine, and it was immediately driven in a golf buggy to my bungalow.

We were only there one night so didn’t have them change the sheets or anything.

Value for money 9/10

You really can’t go wrong with the Hilton Moorea. It’s lovely looking, petite and easy to get around.

While the island of Moorea is not as well-known as Bora Bora, it is nearly just as stunning, and definitely worth a look.