Tahiti’s only new luxury resort, Legends Resort Moorea, opened in March 2009 and introduced the concept of luxurious private, hilltop villa accommodations to the South Pacific destination. As an alternative to the overwater bungalow style of resorts commonly found in Tahiti, Legends Resort Moorea offers a refreshing and extremely private setting on 17 lush acres that enjoy 360-degree views across the lagoon to neighboring motus and Moorea’s verdant mountain range.
Each of the 46 private villas that comprise Legends Resort Moorea is a fully-equipped resort home, with services customized to each guest’s preferences. Villas range from 1,290 to 1,920 square feet, and feature two or three bedrooms, full kitchens, and large private terraces with plunge pools and dramatic views. Interior design is contemporary Polynesian, and incorporates stone and exotic wood elements to complement the natural surroundings.
ACCOMODATIONS
Accommodations reflect the relaxed sensibility of Moorea, with amenities such as furnished private outdoor decks, kitchens with full-size appliances and fine china, and of the moment technology like Nespresso coffee makers, Wi-Fi access and satellite TV and DVD players. Luxurious and useful touches in the air-conditioned villas include washers and dryers, spacious bathrooms, fine linens, and access to a movie library. Full maid service, butler service, baby-sitting, private chefs and in-room spa treatments are available in all villas.
DINING
The signature La Villa Des Sens is set dramatically along the sea. The gourmet restaurant features fusion cuisine created by Chef Tarek Chaker, a native of Egypt who hails from Michelin-starred restaurants led by Joel Robuchon and Jacques Chibois. His menu includes signature entrees such as: fricassee of large langoustine with julienne of braised leeks in butter; roasted duck breast Sichuanaise style with sweet-and-sour corn crepe; and Tahaa vanilla crème brulee with Tiare ice cream.Guests may dine at a chef’s table, which resides in a private lounge with windows looking into the kitchen for a close look at his preparations.
Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list showcasing selections from around the world. The wine collection is displayed at the center of the restaurant in a dramatic, glass-enclosed wine cellar. The restaurant’s Lounge Bar is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or digestifs.
Adjacent to the pool, Legends Gourmet offers indoor/outdoor café dining, poolside food and beverage service, an international deli, wine shop, bakery and catering. an open-air setting where guests can sip cool drinks and sample tantalizing appetizers.
For private dining, Legends Resort will stock villa kitchens to order; arrange for private chefs to prepare and service meals in the villas; cater private or corporate events; arrange for private barbecues on the beach; and prepare gourmet picnic baskets for guests to take on their island excursions.
ACTIVITIES
Guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling right off of the resort’s private beach, scuba diving, access to a state of the art fitness center, tennis, and in-villa spa treatments at Legends Resort Moorea. For those inclined to venture beyond the resort, a concierge can arrange for a myriad of tours, hiking, golf, marine life encounters and boat charters. Guests can also experience the local Polynesian culture more closely through traditional song and dance performances at the resort, and visits to artisans in local villages.
www.legendsresortvillas.com