Fodor's Expert Review Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Opened in 2000, this resort is right in front of Mt. Rotui between Cook's and Opunohu bays. There's a 10-acre lagoon at the doorstep, and free activities include pedal boats, kayaks, and outrigger canoes. Fifty-four overwater bungalows are placed in various distances from the beach on three pontoons and are priced accordingly. Bungalows have hardwood floors and timber shutters and sliding glass doors leading out to terraces; the overwater bungalows have stunning views of jagged mountain ridges. Bathrooms have deep claw-foot baths and double vanities. Grounds are spacious and the walkway from the lobby to the main restaurant and boutique leads over a lovely pond and waterfall stocked with huge goldfish. There are three restaurants all with water views; in fact the Toata Bar is on a pontoon. It's only opened in the evening and you can dine here on crêpes and keep an eye out for stingrays and reef tip sharks below.