Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Overwater bungalow was fabulous. Very pricey so we just stayed two nights there and additional nights in a garden bungalow, reviewed elsewhere. Still cheaper than Bora Bora. This overwater experience was well worth it for once in our lives. The ten units are laid out in a long arc around a big coral garden that is great for snorkeling though not many from the garden bungalows seem to realize it’s there. Literally hundreds if not thousands of fish of all sizes and colors. Watch from the dock, watch via snorkel, take your pick. And then you get to the room with that glass window in the floor to watch the show below your unit! A giant school of foot long fish seemed to hang out all the time under our unit. Except when the black tipped shark came through. Or the gang of small (young?) dolphins came around to pick off the weakest or slowest in the herd. Nature in the raw. Jumping off the deck to swim was fun too, this old bird got to relive his childhood. Didn’t skinny dip but you could do it here. Snorkeling with the sharks, fish watching from your room, it was worth the price. The exquisite room was for me just the icing on the cake, though others might value the room more and fish watching less. Very large room with king bed and single day bed was very modern very elegant. Stylish furnishings everywhere. Real luxury. Big bathroom with bath and walk in shower. All in all a very pampered experience with that unique fish watching as well.

Absolutely stunning views! Crystal clear waters, full of a wide variety of fish, well-appointed rooms, hot tubs on the beach attached to the beach bungalows. Well-stocked with water equipment (snorkels, kayaks, etc.). Our entire family had a blast. Peaceful, serene environment! Staff were very helpful with arranging our tours and recommendations for places in town.