No expense was spared by the Societe des Hotels Tahitiens S.A., the owners of the elegant, new property. Reflecting the island�s French Polynesian heritage, rooms feature teakwood floors and spacious bathrooms with the finest French fixtures and cast-iron, claw-footed bathtubs where guests can soak while gazing out to the crystal clear lagoon or turquoise sea beyond.  According to folklore, Moorea is known as the �island of love,� and the Sheraton�s over-water bungalows certainly exemplify romance.  In fact, of the 106 rooms at the resort, 57 are surrounded by water and connected by winding, wooden walkways.  These romantic �island on an island� over-water rooms are especially popular with honeymooners, who can watch jewel-colored tropical sea life from their rooms, thanks to a strategically placed glass floor panel.

In addition to the over-water bungalows, there are beach bungalows, garden bungalows and family units in the resort�s lush, aromatic gardens, all with top-of-the-line furnishings and appointments.

�With its spectacular setting, accommodations and amenities, the Sheraton Moorea sets a new benchmark in French Polynesia, and gives us an incomparable hotel in one of the world�s most desirable destinations,� says Ted Darnall, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Sheraton�s parent company.  �With the debut of this magnificent, air-conditioned resort and spa, we are taking island accommodations to a new level while offering our Starwood Preferred Guests the ultimate �rewards� destination.�

Set on a private, 10-acre lagoon surrounded by pristine white beaches and volcanic peaks, the Sheraton Moorea features authentic-looking, thatched roof bungalows that blend island ambiance with creature comforts for an experience unparalleled in the islands.  Guests can enjoy the island�s unspoiled natural beauty without giving up the pampering found in the world�s best hotels.  

Accommodations combine the natural beauty of native materials with the most contemporary of amenities, including remote control color satellite television with CNN and HBO, and direct-dial telephones with computer data ports.

Holistic healing is emphasized at the Sheraton Moorea�s Mandara spa.  Guests can take advantage of a Polynesian massage with oil (at the spa or in their rooms), natural facial treatments, foot reflexology and body scrubs.  Massages with Tahitian oils can be arranged on private bungalow decks, and a honeymooners massage for two can be booked upon request.  Mandara, the world-renowned spa operator, will also be offering spa services at the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti.

The Sheraton Moorea offers a variety of facilities and activities including an outdoor infinity pool that literally drops into the lagoon, a fitness club, tennis, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving and yachting.  Exploring the underwater world at a �motu� or separate island is easy, thanks to the snorkeling equipment available to guests in their rooms, free of charge.

Resort services include a business center, gift boutique with pearl shop, currency exchange, laundry and same-day dry cleaning, as well as babysitting services and facilities for the disabled.  Rental cars are available for guests wanting to create a personalized sightseeing itinerary.

Reflecting the eclectic and sophisticated tastes of globe-trotting travelers, Sheraton Moorea�s two restaurants focus on authentic Polynesian and French cuisine and feature tropical fruits, garden-fresh legumes and freshly caught fish.
The Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is the sister property of the famed Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, located just five minutes from the heart of downtown Papeete.  This newly built property opened in 1999.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.