French Polynesia

Crystal-clear turquoise waters, verdant hills rising steeply to the sky, calm coral-fringed lagoons, cascading waterfalls and white- and black-sand beaches; French Polynesia is a slow-paced, magical destination. With more than 100 islands, this French overseas territory is unlikely to feel crowded any time soon.

Dreamy island Bora Bora is a honeymoon hotspot, with quiet, star-filled nights, hotels which go from mid-range to utterly luxurious, and palm-fringed, romantic beaches. For a livelier atmosphere, head to Tahiti, home to buzzing capital Pape’ete, the joyous musical celebrations of Heiva Festival, vibrant traditional Polynesian culture, and archaeological sites such as Marae Nuutere, set in Tahiti Iti’s sloping valleys. Tahiti Iti is also known for superb surfing. Less than 20 kilometres away, the smaller island of Mo’orea has stunning views out over Cook’s Bay, the equally beautiful Opunohu Bay (where Captain Cook actually weighed anchor), white-sand Ta’ahiamanu Beach, and energetic hikes up 830-metre-tall Mount Mouaputa. For dives over stunning coral gardens, head to laid-back Huahine, or to Tiputa Pass, where grey reef sharks swarm around the pass entrance. See moss-covered, imposing tiki statues at the archaeological site of Iipona, on Puamau.