Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea

First of all a disclaimer: the rate of the review (2/5) is related to the comparison between the overall experience and the price, that is obviously high. CHECK IN: - the check in time is strictly 14.00. It means that even if your room is ready before (as happened to us), they literally refuse you to enter in the room before, without offering any facilities except the general toilets to change yourself. The results are tens of upset incoming guests wandering around the hotel, piles of luggage left down the lobby and obviously at 14.00 starts the mess because all the guests need to join the rooms at the same time. We decided to grab the keys from the reception, pick up our luggage and go by ourselves to the room, otherwise probably we would have been still there waiting in line for the room. - We were assigned an employee for the hotel tour during the infinite waiting that didn’t understand English: that seems a joke. - They request the credit card for guarantee even before saying goodbye. But the surprise is when, just for chance, you realize that it is not a guarantee but they sharply grab more than 500 euros from your account and this is unacceptable and unlawful. Only after the immediate complain and a discussion they cancelled the illegal withdrawal. In this occasion even the attitude of a desk employee (French, “L.”) was rude and rejecting like it was our fault and not theirs. FOOD: - eating inside is very expensive. We suggest to go out to some local restaurants within 5 minutes walk (Manuia Grill and Ke’iki). We paid 80 euros per person for the “grill night” with dance show. It was a buffet, good indeed (above all the cakes) but absolutely overpriced. - Breakfast is good but the last day happened something unbelievable. I took a yoghurt and when at the table I realized that IT WAS EXPIRED SINCE 3 DAYS (it was the 23 of August and the label was marked “eat before the 20 of August”). I brought it immediately to the employee in charge and she took the yoghurt without even the blink of an eye! When I was in another Resort some days later, I took the same identical product (brand and flavor) and the expiring date was 25 days ahead. So it means that this product has also a long validity period and it makes the accident even less acceptable. In Europe and US it would have lead to serious consequences. HOUSEKEEPING / ROOM: - in 3 full days there they never cleaned the hashtray. - One day we went back to the room at 13.00 and it wasn’t still done (nevertheless we went out at 7.30 leaving the “do the room” sign outside). We waited patiently and when it was finished, we realized that it was left without a single towel. It needed two phone call, two up and downs and one hour waiting to have the bathroom towels back in the room. - We had a bungalow with private garden and pool. The room was wide and nice, even if quite dated and not with a luxury appearance. The pool was small but nice, the garden quite scruffy. OVERALL: - I would like to speak with the architect that did the project of the property. The beach it’s not existent (neither 15 meters long and 3 meters deep, just a small tongue of sand), and without umbrellas, but if it can be accepted “for natural reasons”, the foolish thing is that it is completely obstructed on the front by the water villas and connected deck. So if you decide to stay on the “beach”, the only view that you have is a wood wall in front of you. - The swimming pool is wide and nice, but who comes to Polinesia to stay in a pool without a view (also the pool is for 3/4 obstructed by the water villas at the front)? - There are few umbrellas so the chance to have some shadow during the day are very low. - Just under the water villas there is an artificial barrier where there are the pillars of the villas, that is quite good for snorkeling swimming along the side. In general, the price absolutely doesn’t respect the offer of the accommodation. I don’t recommend Manava if you want to stay in Moorea.

Came here for our 20th anniversary and it was amazing!! Beautiful scenery and we stayed in the cabin by the gardens (not the overwater bungalow) and it was just fine! We had a little backyard private pool to ourselves and the room itself was comfortable and cozy. The staff was so friendly and they made our stay incredibly comfortable. We got there early with hours to spare before check in, so we changed into our swimsuits and hung out by the pool and did a little snorkeling and kayaking before having lunch and checking in. I also had an AMAZING spa massage at the Manea Spa - HIGHLY recommend. The traditional Polynesian massage was so relaxing and therapeutic. The location of our resort was great - we walked around a bit and also rented scooters to tour the island.

The hotel was very helpful in ensuring we received a balcony with our room. The Service Reservation team, Melissa Hemond, was truly amazing. Their Spa at Manava Beach, Manea, was outstanding. We had the couples Polynesian spa for 80 minutes and it was so worth it. The ladies who provided the massage and at reception were all so helpful and friendly I will say that the service is definitely provided at a island level. You won't receive anyone checking back or offering you another drink. You can flag someone down, but think their service could be easily improved with some training. The one amazing exception was by Marion. She waited on us twice by the Pool Bar. She absolutely knows how to provide premium customer service. The diving through Moorea Blue Divers was very good. The administrative part was helpful and friendly. Their dive masters were amazing. Thomas and Lenny did an outstanding job. They ensured safety with a friendly and proactive demeaner. I would definitely use their dive shop in the future.

The over water cabins are stunning! We had an issue with our garden view cabin (ac broke) but the staff was quickly able to accommodate us in another even better cabin. The concierges was so helpful in our activity planning. We booked coral grafting right at the hotel and loved being a part of something that was helping the reef. I also recommend perusing the spa offerings, if you book with someone you share a room with then you get a really decent price (Bella and her sister gave my daughter and I wonderful massages ❤️). The sunsets are spectacular and last forever; the dancing show was also wonderful.

Booked a fare with a small pool and it was lovely. Room was spacious and having the pool there was great. Food was good but on the pricy side. Breakfast buffet was $140 for a couple, the most I have ever paid for breakfast. Staff were brilliant and very helpful. Booze is also very expensive, not only at the resort but everywhere. Tip is to bring your own when you come.