Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea

I really love this hotel, and this was our 3rd time here over the last few years. I love how it does not get crowded, and the pool/dock/beach areas are so relaxing and peaceful, - just perfect to hang out and snorkel - pool - chill - repeat. There have been some changes in the last year, and the breakfast buffet is no longer free by default and is $45 per person (what?!). Sorry, but this is just insane for what it is. And the food quality/cost in general is not great. Hence, 4 stars, as I still do love everything else.

The hotel is well located by the sea/lagoon and for divers great because it’s in the pass that goes out into the ocean so lots of pelagics are seen around. Food is very good though I felt the menu has less items and should include more variety. Other than that the rooms are v clean and well serviced with all basic amenities definitely a worth while hotel to stay in Moorea.

We stayed there for 5 nights. Our overall impression was that the resort was just fine.  Many times expectations get set when you pay the bill and we do not feel like the resort really came that close for meeting them.  We've stayed at multiple resorts over the last few years.  Manava Beach Resort would be ranked near the bottom of our list. Here's a few of the areas that came up short.   The facilities were nice and clean.  But the bungalows are a bit weathered.  The Internet over my phone was very spotty and slow on the island.  The resort can't do anything about that but that forces me to depend on their WiFi.  I ran into several dead spots in their WiFi coverage throughout the resort.  I either lost connection completely or it was not stable.  Basic things like the TVs in the bar would freeze multiple times.  Sometimes between 3 to 10 seconds.  Normally that's not a huge deal but we were watching World Cup matches.  This caused me to search for other places on the island to watch the games.  Other small things like the lock on my bungalow door was finicky.  I had to follow a specific sequence to get it open.    Mostly the service was friendly but nowhere close to what we've experienced on Bora Bora or many of the other resorts we've visited.     On a positive note the Wednesday night buffet was good and Polynesian dancers were entertaining.

Not worth it. Dont get me wrong - it's beautiful, but so is every other resort or place on these islands so this shouldn't be the leading factor. We went here for our honeymoon and were SO EXCITED about getting a couples massage + enjoy the delicious food together. Unfortunetely the massage was the worst one we've had in all our travels across the world, while being one of the most expensive. The lady just sat there with her finger on my wifes head for 10 min of a 50 min massage and just rubbed her back ever so lightly. If I could rebook to find another place to stay - I would. Especially if you can find something that's more all-inclusive (since it gets EXPENSIVE here if you're doing a-la-carte with everything. But especially don't go here if you're excited about the spa.

10 out 10 Beautiful experience. Sunset and sunrise. Service was wonderful. Room was great. Food was delicious. Staff friendly and helpful.