The islands of the South Pacific are perhaps as close as you can get to paradise as anywhere else on Earth.
Here is our handy snapshot guide …
The Cook Islands
‘The Cooks’ lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii in the centre of the Pacific Ocean. A mix of volcanic islands and coral atolls, these 15 islands are a castaway’s paradise with deserted powder-white beaches fringed with swaying palms and warm, translucent lagoons teeming with marine life.
Rarotonga is the beating heart and hub of the archipelago, and while it may be the island most up to speed with the modern world, it still retains a traditional Polynesian charm. Just over 20 miles in circumference it’s stunningly picturesque with no traffic lights and no building taller than a coconut tree.
For an insight to island life, hire a scooter, car or bicycle and explore, or hop on the island bus – whichever way you go there are villages, beaches and fields of fruit-laden trees. If you crave soft adventure, join a cross-country trek to traverse the island’s inland mountains which lead to the iconic rocky outcrop known as ‘The Needle’.
Aitutaki is the Cooks’ second most-visited island and is a place to look forward to languid leisurely days amid jaw-dropping surroundings. The island curls gently around a vast turquoise lagoon which is enclosed by a ring of coral and scattered with uninhabited motus (islets). Have fun on the lagoon by kayaking to a deserted white sand beach, heading out on a glass bottom boat, hiring a boat and setting a course for Maina, Honeymoon Island, where you can get your passport stamped at the world’s smallest post office or simply don a snorkel and marvel at the colourful fish, turtles and coral clusters.
Fiji
Claiming to be a leader in eco-tourism, Fiji boasts world-class diving, hidden bays and secluded beaches. The two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and there are outstanding places to stay on both, whilst Taveuni – the third-largest island – has lush jungle, secluded waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
However, most visitors want to get away to the smaller islands and from Viti Levu you can see the Marmanucas, a string of pearl-like islands which offer white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms. They are are great spot for water sports.
Beyond the Mamanucas are the exquisite Ysawas. You can take in both these island groups as part of a cruise with local operator Blue Lagoon Cruises. The Yasawas played a major role in the film Blue Lagoon. It’s also the historic spot from which two canoes of cannibals chased the unfortunate Captain Bligh just a week after the mutiny on the Bounty (he got away).
Off the East Coast of Viti Levu is the Lomaiviti Group. home to the historical port Levuka, Fiji’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonga
Captain Cook didn’t call Tonga the ‘Friendly Isles’ without good reason. Less visited than many of its Polynesian neighbours, the locals reach out to welcome you here and it’s the last monarchy in the South pacific, stretching back 1000 years.
A good place to meet islanders is at an umu (and most resorts offer this too). Basically, it’s a feast cooked in an underground oven – usually followed by dancing. Not the frenzied hip shaking you’ll find elsewhere in the Pacific but the lakalaka, a graceful dance with sung poetry; so special it has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
Tonga prides itself on being a very family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for children including guided fishing expeditions, visiting local markets to see traditional weaving and wood carving and swimming with whales.
Samoa
Samoa combines one of the most traditional of Polynesian cultures with stunning natural features – from white coral beaches to blow-holes, unspolit rainforests to a solidified lava flow that stretches down to the Sav’i coast.
Vailima is the beautiful colonial house built by Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s now a must-see museum and also the name of the local beer.
There are two main islands – Savai’i and Upolu – but you can also take a ferry to road-free Manono Island and reach even tinier, uninhabited islands for a small fee to a local fisherman.
To really get to know the place, opt for a village stay. You’ll be in a fale – an open-sided house on the beach – just a raised platform with a thatched roof, a mattress and a mosquito net and you’ll share meals with the family.
French Polynesia
Often referred to as ‘Tahiti and her islands’, French Polynesia has several island groups. Most visited are the Society Islands of which Tahiti and Bora Bora are best known.
The Society Islands have the most sophisticated resorts in the whole of the South Pacific and offer a classy French approach to Polynesian food and style.
The Tuamotus are a series of picture-perfect atolls floating on turquoise lagoons, of which the most popular is Rangiroa.
The Marquesas are more remote: you can fly in but the best way to explore is by boat (the Aranui 3 has a 16-day cruise to the Marquesas and Tuamotus from Papeete).
Even further afield, Mangareva in the Gambier Islands is some 100 miles from Tahiti – a four hour flight away.
Book a trip …
Likuliku Lagoon Resort, 10 nights
Island Getaway
£6,299 per person from London Heathrow on 1 May 2023
£6,609 per person from Manchester on 1 May 2023
A haven of subtle luxury only for adults, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the first and only resort in Fiji with authentic over water-bures set in a natural ocean lagoon and surrounded by a protected marine sanctuary.
• Return flights to New Zealand from the UK
• 10 nights accommodation in a Beach Front Bure with a plunge pool
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Meet & greet at Nadi Airport
• Return private transfers between the airport and Denarau marina
• Return boat transfers between Denarau Marina and Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Discover Sydney & Fiji, 12 days
Independent Tour
£4,199 per person from London Heathrow on 1 May 2023
£4,369 per person from Manchester on 1 May 2023
Explore Sydney with its Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Rocks area then relax in a sun-kissed South Sea Island paradise.
• Return flights from the UK
• 4 nights at the ParkRoyal Hotel Darling harbour
• 7 nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• 11 Breakfasts
• Private airport transfers in Sydney
• Half-day Sydney sightseeing tour
• Private airport transfers in Fiji