Identifiable by its towering palm trees, vivid turquoise waters, and yacht-filled bay, Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia. With its’ name translating to ‘water basket’, Papeete, was traditionally a meeting spot for Tahitians to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today this tropical city seamlessly merges the tranquillity of the seaside with the hustle and bustle of a port city, boasting fine-dining restaurants, lively markets and charming boutiques. Nature lovers can enjoy leisurely strolls along the lushly landscaped trails and ornamental fish ponds of the Pa’Ofa’i Gardens or admire the glistening sea from the Place Vai’ete Waterfront Park. Notable attractions include the lovely pearl displays at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the 19th-century architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the delicious fresh produce on offer at the Papeete Market.
Dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful island you’ve never heard of’ by Huffington Post, Mo'orea forms part of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia. It is indeed arrestingly scenic - an interior of jagged volcanic peaks blends into sandy beaches surrounded by calm, crystal clear waters protected by a coral reef. In this tranquil lagoon you can dive with manta rays, sharks and vividly coloured fish, go paddleboarding or fishing, or enjoy a scenic sunset cruise. Alternatively, go hiking along rainforest trails leading up the slopes of Mo’orea’s interior mountains, or head to the Belvedere Lookout point to enjoy breathtaking views over the island and Tahiti beyond.
Aptly dubbed ‘The Vanilla Island’, the small, tranquil island of Tahaa is famous for its abundance of sweet-scented Tahitian vanilla orchids and is arguably the quietest and most unspoiled of The Society Islands. Along with Raiatea, Tahaa’s larger and more developed sister island, the island is surrounded by a single continuous coral reef which encloses a magnificent translucent lagoon dotted with some spectacular, secluded little islets blessed with pristine, secluded beaches. The waters surrounding Tahaa are home to a number of caverns, shipwrecks, and shallow coral gardens creating a paradise for avid scuba divers and snorkelers. Visitors can also enjoy jet skiing, fishing, sailing or hiking the island’s fertile valleys and sloping hillsides covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves.
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.
The exquisite tropical haven of Aitutaki is an island forming part of the Southern Cook Islands. A 45-minute flight from the capital island of Rarotonga, Aitutaki provides a convenient, remote getaway for travellers seeking some peace and tranquility away from the stresses of the modern world. This little pocket of paradise in the South Pacific boasts some of the area’s most magnificent powder-white beaches, tropical rainforests and authentic Polynesian culture. The island is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon which is blessed with wonderful shallow, warm waters ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. The lagoon is dotted with a number of little deserted islets and is brimming with an abundance of colourful coral and tropical fish. Tiny Aitutaki is home to only 2,100 or so inhabitants, most of whom live in the capital village of Arutanga. The infrastructure on the island is basic, including all the necessary conveniences without crossing the line into crass commercialism.
Vava’u is a group of more than 50 islands which form part of the Kingdom of Tonga. The bustling harbour opposite the main town of Neiafu is a popular destination with yachties eager to explore hidden coves and atolls and to make the most of Tonga’s steady trade winds. Remote and truly unspoiled, the waters surrounding these pristine islands are crystal-clear and teeming with colourful sea life with over 100 species of colourful fish, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and, from July to October, impressive numbers of humpback whales. Offering pristine beaches, untouched islands and year round activities like diving, sailing, kayaking, surfing, fishing and whale swimming, Vava’u makes an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic island getaway.
Situated on Fiji’s northern island of Vanua Levu in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove, the town of Savusavu is considered one of Fiji’s best kept secrets. Affectionately known as ‘the hidden paradise of Fiji’ the town is famous for its spectacular natural scenery, luxurious eco-friendly resorts, and wonderful relaxing hot springs. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including scuba diving in the magnificent Namena Marine Reserve, floating downriver on a tube or kayak through mangroves, or taking a dolphin spotting tour around the scenic Natewa Bay. The town itself has plenty to keep you busy as its main street is filled with trendy restaurants, quirky second-hand stores, vibrant bars and a lively local market. Finally, don’t miss the chance to take a road trip up the Hibiscus Highway, which runs for over 100 kilometres up the coast and features a number of secluded white sand beaches.
Cosmopolitan and progressive, Suva is Fiji’s capital and biggest city, set on the southeast coast of the Viti Levu island. This vibrant melting pot of eclectic cultures, traditions, and architecture presents a living legacy of its fascinating past. Here you will find dignified colonial buildings interspersed with contemporary skyscrapers; state-of-the-art sports stadiums as well as almost 80 parks and recreational areas. If you are to choose just one green space to explore, make it Thurston Gardens, which contains an incredible collection of exotic flora from throughout the South Pacific. It is also home to the Fiji Museum, filled with incredible archaeological and historical artifacts. If you love to shop till you drop, you will be in your element in Suva - it is a veritable retail Mecca, with a wide range of venues from sleek mega-malls to rustic country markets.
Beqa Island lies off the southern coast of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. This scintillating tropical retreat offers gorgeous beaches, resort-style accommodation with plenty of amenities and activities and unique cultural experiences. Choose from Lawaki Beach House, Beqa Lagoon Resort, Kulu Bay Resort, Lalati Resort or Royal Davui Resort (on close-lying Steward Island), all of which offer access to pristine beaches, world-class diving and snorkelling spots and relaxing spa treatments. While on Beqa, do not miss the chance to witness the traditional activity of vilavilairevo (fire-walking) – a practice that was once totally unique to this small Fijian island. Finally, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve (on the southern coast of the island) will appeal to adventurous travellers, with thrilling shark cage diving opportunities on offer.
Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of an archipelago that includes 332 islands. Towering volcanic mountains characterize this exquisite island nation; warm, crystal-clear, tropical waters; spectacular coral reefs; tropical rainforests; coconut plantations; breathtaking waterfalls and of course some of the world’s most pristine beaches. With its abundance of fascinating attractions, jaw-dropping scenery, warm and welcoming locals and cultural and sporting activities aplenty, Fiji is a paradise for nature lovers, culture vultures and sport enthusiasts alike. With over three hundred islands to choose from, Fiji is an amazingly versatile destination. Whether you are seeking a secluded romantic honeymoon retreat, a vibrant and boisterous backpacker island or a family-friendly resort, Fiji has something for everyone.
