The Kia Ora Village is the primary resort on the island. We were greeted at the airport and our luggage tagged with our room number and taken from us to be delivered to our room. We traveled with the other guests on a comfortable air-conditioned bus to the Kia Ora, where we were greeted with a glass of cold juice and a cold washcloth. After we filled out the pertinent paperwork we were driven (!) to our garden bungalow.
Our bungalow was quite nice, though not as luxurious as those at the Sofitel Motu (of course, they cost about half as much as well). The A/C was adequate. Toiletries provided included soap, lotion, shampoo and conditioner. Fresh tropical flowers were replaced daily in the vases in the bathroom. A large selection of tea and instant coffee as well as an electric carafe was provided.
The Kia Ora just completed a very nice infinity edge pool near the bar and restaurant.
The over-water bar was great. Drinks, of course, were expensive (about $11 per drink) but very refreshing. Plates of fresh coconut, peanuts, and marinated olives were provided as appetizers.
The restaurant was okay but not great. Skip the dessert bar – it was overpriced for the selection. We did routinely have lunch here just because it was easiest in between dives.
www.hotelkiaora.com