Papeete

Today the strains of ‘Bali Hai’ may drift into your head. For truly, few places on earth epitomise your idea of a tropical paradise more than glorious Tahitian islands. This is where de Bougainville discovered bougainvillea (one wonders what it was called before he found it) and where Gauguin discovered his final home and ultimate inspiration, Two captains figure prominently in the island’s history, Captain Cook – who has a memorial here – and Captain Bligh – who doesn¹t. Papeete itself has plenty to occupy you, from its colourful market and many museums to a host of excellent shops and restaurants. However, for the complete paradise island experience discover Tahiti’s exquisite interior with its waterfalls, botanical gardens and the superb underwater observatory known as the Lagoonarium.

Suva

There are more than 300 Fijian islands: you’ll see many of them as you approach the capital Suva. Here the people are an attractive mix of Polynesian and Indian. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, the welcome to visitors warm and genuine. The national sport is firewalking, the national drink fiery kava: neither are recommended for westerners. On the other hand, a visit to Orchid Island, where orchids grow and vanilla and coffee flourish, is a great idea.

Yasawa-I-Rara

Yasawa-i-Rara, in the Fijian islands, is one of the places that even the most experienced of travellers is unlikely to have heard of. And that is precisely its charm. You can’t get much further off the beaten track than this. There’s nothing to do but sample a sublime barbecue on the beach, doze in a hammock or paddle in translucent waters.