Destination:
Tahiti and French Polynesia

French Polynesia's main island of Tahiti (meaning 'the gathering place') stands sentinel over her surrounding sisters like a proud queen, her soaring interior mountains sheltering deep valleys, plummeting waterfalls and crystal streams flowing down to the rugged coastline of black and white sand beaches and blue lagoons. Tahiti is made up of two islands, Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, joined by a narrow isthmus.

Most holidaymakers will begin their island idyll at the international Faa'a Airport at Papeete, Tahiti's capital and the commercial hub of French Polynesia. The small, busy city has a French flavour and laid-back atmosphere, worth exploring for its vibrant Central Market, pearl shops, attractive waterfront with its unique mobile diners, and a selection of excellent restaurants. Another must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic scenery.

The island's best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned Pointe Venus. Besides enjoying the seaside, Tahiti also offers some interesting sightseeing, including magnificent Botanical gardens, museums, archaeological sites, the tomb of the royal family Pomare, a lake containing unique eared eels, lava tubes, and a host of other unusual experiences.

Satellite pictures of the tiny island of Bora Bora from hundreds of miles above the earth show it to be almost glowing, its dark green centre surrounded by a coral necklace and an iridescent aquamarine lagoon. Little wonder that this is the dream destination for celebrities, honeymooners and lovers who live in splendour in the island's luxurious spas and resorts, yet enjoy privacy and anonymity on its magical secluded beaches.

Visitors to Bora Bora touch down on an airstrip (built by U.S. troops during World War II) sited on a motu(islet) in the middle of the beautiful crystal-clear lagoon, and are ferried to the main island. The lagoon forms the centre of activities for holidaymakers, being the stage for numerous adventures, from shark-feeding excursions and swimming with giant turtles, to scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, glass-bottom boat cruises, descending into the 'lagoonarium', kite-sailing, picnicking on a motuand more.

Bora Bora also offers plenty of cultural and historical attractions, like taking a day trip to a Marae(ancient temple), exploring the World War II-era cannon and relics, browsing the art and craft galleries, watching a Tahitian dance ceremony, and perhaps even braving a tattoo (the skin art apparently originated here).

The most dramatic of the French Polynesian islands, Moorea lies only a few miles northwest of Tahiti (10 minutes by air, or under an hour by ferry from Papeete). The little tropical island gem is characterised by spectacular bays, white sandy beaches and towering craggy volcanic peaks that form a jagged central spine, reflected in the surrounding crystal-surfaced lagoons.

About 8,000 people live happily on Moorea, but there are no towns, or even villages, as such. Settlements offering clusters of shops and stalls line the 40-mile long (64km) paved road that encircles the island, giving access to the few sightseeing opportunities and lovely beaches. The best beaches are between the Moorea Village Hotel and the Hotel Beachcomber, and near the Sofitel Ia Ora near the airport.

All sorts of water activities and excursions are offered on the island, as well as several land-based activities like hikes and mountain safaris. A fun way to explore the island is to rent a scooter or bicycle, or join the locals on the 'trucks' that form the island's public transport system. Must-see sights include the panoramic view of Cook and Opunohu bays from the Roto Nui (Belvedere) viewpoint, the Paopao open-air market, and a distillery where exotic liqueurs are produced from the local pineapple, vanilla, mango and coconut crops.

Part of the Tuamotus archipelago, Rangiroa is the world's second largest atoll, actually just a ring of low land encircling a vast, crystal-clear deep turquoise lagoon. The island, about an hour's flight from Tahiti, offers, among other things, world-class scuba diving. The water is so clear that visibility is estimated at least 150ft (46m), and the temperature remains a constant 80°F (27°C). The stretch where the lagoon opens to the ocean, known as Tiputa Pass, is particularly rich in marine life and is recognised as one of the world's greatest shark dive locations. Even snorkellers can appreciate close-up views of the various species of sharks and schools of dolphins that gather in the pass.

Accommodation options on the atoll are limited but include a lovely low-key five-star hotel/resort near the main village, and an adventurer's South Sea paradise on a remote lagoon islet, consisting of five primitive beach bungalows hidden under the palms.