My job takes me to Moorea sometimes and I always stay at Mark’s Place, for good reasons. Not only is the site beautifully and imaginatively laid out in a secluded spot and scrupulously maintained, but the accommodation itself - quality bungalows - has been designed and built with a perceptive sympathy and understanding towards the potential needs and wishes of clients. All are built with the best available local materials by Mark himself. Since I was last time I stayed there has been an upgrading programme with renewal of old, and construction of new, bungalows. The ambience now is more family-friendly. Mark’s Place is Wi-Fi wired and every bungalow is equipped with satellite TV in addition to all the facilities that would be expected in better quality accommodation, though at affordable (by the standards of French Polynesia) prices. Mark, I believe, has lived on Moorea for nearly 30 years and so is in a position to give advice about every kind of activity - whether it is on the beach, in the mountains or the lagoon - and this he does freely and helpfully. There is a shop about 5 minutes walk away where all the basics can be purchased so you can cook on site or, if you prefer, there are other places to eat. Moorea is not a huge island and so anything that you want should not be too far away, though the bus service could be a lot better. That said, you can hire bikes on site or Mark can arrange other transport if required. I know Moorea pretty well and the accommodation has a tendency to be either second-rate budget or camping sites, or insanely expensive hotels. Mark’s Place is the only place I know that caters for those on a limited budget but who want better quality accommodation and facilities. Highly recommended.
