Sunrise views over the Pacific and sunsets over the lagoon and Mount Otemanu make this Polynesian village resort “the most beautiful place on earth.” Surrounded by coconut palms, buildings have leaf-thatched roofs and walls made of volcanic stone with mother-of-pearl accents. Perfect-scoring rooms include overwater bungalows that are “beyond words,” allowing guests to view schools of fish below or gaze above into the sky. Enjoy an outing on the resort’s catamaran and a passion fruit mojito at the pool bar. The food is “magnificently prepared” at the four restaurants, including Arii Moana, which serves French and Polynesian cuisine. “Every detail is addressed by the very friendly and efficient staff.”
