Only a short 35-minute flight from French Polynesia's capital, Papeete, lies the quiet, secluded island of Huahine, one of the leeward islands of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. This tropical paradise features stunning scenery, magnificent indigo lagoons, empty beaches and isolated coves, as well as great diving and snorkelling. The island is also home to the most extensive complex of pre-European marae in French Polynesia. Known as the ‘Garden of Eden’, Huahine is still one of French Polynesia’s best kept tropical secrets. The main township of Fare consists of a tiny strip of shops and cafes where the locals come to buy groceries or grab lunch. There is little in the way of souvenirs and certainly no touts. It also has a noticeable lack of luxury resorts, which allows the island it retain its authentic, untouched, island atmosphere.
Holiday destinations don’t get much more idyllic than Bora Bora. Known as the ‘Jewel of the South Seas’, it has been consistently voted among the best islands of the world. Its mountainous interior is swathed by verdant jungle and encircled by a vividly turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. Bora Bora’s setting lends itself to a host of aquacentric activities, with snorkelling and scuba diving at the top of the list due to the rich marine life supported by the surrounding barrier reef. Other popular leisure options include jet-skiing, boat cruises, kitesurfing and - for more adventurous travellers - parasailing and sky-diving. The island’s main settlement, Vaitape, is dotted with boutiques and restaurants, where you can indulge in retail therapy or sublime cuisine respectively.
Tahiti is the stuff of legends and Gauguin paintings, and with good reason. the island’s scenery is second to none: spiked volcanic mountains blanketed with lush jungle, deep valleys, and pristine black-sand beaches melting into aquamarine ocean. But R&R is not all Tahiti has to offer - leisure activities on offer include taking a 4x4 safari into the island’s mountainous interior, world-class surfing at Teahupo’o and Tahiti Iti, and exploring the ancient archaeological sites at Huahine. And for those looking for entertainment, the island’s capital, Papa’ete, has a vibrant waterfront area and a lively nightlife. The most festive time of the year is during the Heiva festival in July, whihc is celebrated with drumming, dancing and widespread exuberance.
