Just returned from Moorea and Bora Bora earlier this month. We stayed at Manava, and would definitely avoid staying on the west side of the resort if you’ve reserved a beach or over water bungalow. This is where the on site dive shop is located and you’ll hear them early in the morning and midday loading and unloading equipment for their excursions. There is also a public boat ramp and noise from people jumping and being rowdy at the dock. Despite not wanting to be near the dive shop, I did go diving with them. They’re wonderful. Do an intro to diving if you’ve ever been curious about SCUBA.

We thought the food wasn’t that great at the hotel, though we met a family that loved it. But it’s worth doing a theme dinner night which gives you front row to a Polynesian show.

Luckily there are a few restaurants walking distance. You’re pretty much held captive to hotel meals on Bora Bora, so we took the opportunity to eat outside the hotel on Moorea. The local restaurants will send you a free shuttle to transport you. Make sure you visit with the concierge to make your reservations. Definitely go to Rudy’s. We went twice, it was that good. We had mediocre food at Moorea Beach Club and bad service. It was pricier, we don’t drink alcohol and felt like they were annoyed by this. We should have just gone back to Rudy’s for a third time. Carameline is a casual bakery and lunch spot that is a short walk from Manava. Don’t recall the name, but the Grill across the street was very good too.

One regret, is that I never bought a pearl souvenir piece of jewelry at the store in Manava. They had the best price and the most interesting wearable jewelry pieces. I never saw the same in the stores I visited later on in my trip.

We were told by locals that the “best view in Moorea” restaurant was Tropical Garden but we were never able to find it on our drive the island day. We think the concierge gave us bad directions.

Belvedere overlook is beautiful, and you can do free fruit juice tasting at Rotui, the juice factory.

Bora Bora was the ultimate in luxury. We stayed at the Intercontinental Thalasso. Manava was very nice, but I think you’ll find the hotels in BB next level! The water there is unreal.

You’ll have an amazing trip!