Called "The Most Beautiful Island in the World," Bora Bora graciously lives up to its title. Located an hour or so by plane from Tahiti, most visitors first see Bora Bora from the air. The sight is indeed something to behold-a myriad of crystal clear shades of blue water lagoon surrounding the lush towering peaks of Mt. Otemanu and Mt. Pahia rising from the center of a ring of reef islets known as motus. The beautiful hotels that dot the landscape enhance the beauty and mystery of this paradise.

The majesty of Moorea rises above the twin bays of Opunohu and Cooks to the Belvedere lookout and the top of the soaring peaks that dominate the skyline. The island continues to the clear waters of the multi-hued lagoon and beyond to spectacular sunsets on the horizon. Its close proximity to Tahiti makes for an easy 10-minute transfer by plan or half hour by ferry. This accessibility makes Moorea a popular destination for locals and "short stay" visitors, who come from Papeete for a fun-filled day trip.

The people of Tahiti are as beautiful as her landscape, and their warmth, charm and hospitality are reflected in their exuberant friendly greetings of "Ia Orana" (hello) or bonjour. They are a shy and proud people, with a rich Polynesian culture wove with traditional song and beautiful dances. Tahitians are renowned for their inner and outer beauty, and welcome you with open arms and hearts.

Huahine is actually two islands called Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti (Big Huahine and Little Huahine). Connected by a short bridge, both islands can be easily explored in one or two days. It is generally regarded as the cradle of ancient Polynesian civilization. The island has far less tourists than Bora Bora or Moorea; drawing points for those who stay here are solitude and quietness.

All of the islands that make up the Tuamotus are low lying and very different from the mountainous islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. These coral rings surround a lagoon and offer beautiful colors and clear waters. Tikehau is a much smaller atoll with an incredible beach and crystal clear lagoon, and is named the “Isle of Birds” because it is home to many varieties of bird colonies.

All of the islands that make up the Tuamotus are low lying and very different from the mountainous islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. These coral rings surround a lagoon and offer beautiful colors and clear waters. Manihi is a small remote hideaway located 330 miles from Tahiti. It is a refuge for those truly seeking to "get away from it all." The 450 inhabitants live in the village of Turipaoa, so privacy is easily attained.

All of the islands that make up the Tuamotus are low lying and very different from the mountainous islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. These coral rings surround a lagoon and offer beautiful colors and clear waters. Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the South Pacific, is only an hour’s flight from Tahiti. It offers one of the most adventurous dive spots in Tahiti.

Often referred to as "the most remote islands in the world," these mysterious islands have majestic volcanic peaks rising from the depths of the ocean floor. Rocky cliffs encircle most of the islands, so beaches are few and far between. Land is often only accessible by small bays. The islands are steeped in Polynesian history. If you are looking for a vacation experience that is out of the ordinary, remote and beautiful, the Marquesas offer an attractive option.