French Polynesia

Tahiti is the biggest and best known of French Polynesian atolls. The skyline of the island is dominated by high volcanic peaks, accentuated by white sandy beaches, deep green of tropical forests and turquoise blue of the sea.

Prepare to be spellbound by the beauty of sparkling waterfalls, exotic tropical plants and hundreds of bright hibiscus blooms. Tahiti is often called the Island of Love, and once you are here, you’ll see why.

As far as cultural pursuits are concerned, Tahiti is home to the Black Pearl Museum, the Gauguin Museum, the Seashell Museum, Poafai Park, Notre Dame Cathedral, Matavai Harbour and many more places that merit a visit.

Thrilling and mysterious, Hauhine is made up of two mountainous islands connected by a narrow isthmus. The coastline is varied and scenic; you’ll see craggy cliffs alternating with white sand beaches as you cruise along the shore on the yacht.

Hauhine is delightfully untouched by the modern age; here you feel lilke you’ve travelled back in time to see what life was like decades ago. There are only eight small villages on the island. The locals are happy to greet guests, and there is no better way to experience Polynesian hospitality than lovely, off-the-beaten-track Hauhine.

There are fantastic horseback trail rides on offer if you want to explore the forested mountains. Local restaraunts are known for their authentic cuisine, live music and captivating shows.

Tahaa, the Vanilla island, shares the lagoon with Raiatea, the Sacred island, but these islands, despite being so close geographically, are very different in nature and character.

Tahaa is more relaxed and laid back, local residents are busy fishing and growing vanilla on many plantations – hence the island’s nickname. Good quality vanilla pods are a common souvenir taken from the islands for friends and family back home. And then there are coral gardens and pearl farms. Joe Dassin Beach, once owned by the famous French singer, now a pristine, secluded territory, is definitely worth a visit.