From the sea Moorea is striking – far more so than her more famous sister Bora Bora.  Great jagged peaks reach up into the sky, their slopes covered with lush foliage.   A well maintained road circles the island making it pretty hard to get lost and offering the chance to dine out at local restaurants… Continue reading Moorea – the heart shaped island

This little island is tucked inside the protective reef of Raiatea.  Not much happens here apart from fishing and farming the large plantations of vanilla.  From the sea it looks like we are stepping into the movie set for Jurassic Park.  Incredibly dense jungle climbing up steep mountain slopes which seem to be slightly steaming… Continue reading Taha’a – French Polynesia’s secret island

The first sighting of Bora Bora is always exciting – the beautiful proudly dominant mountain Otemanu looking down on the multi-coloured seas surrounding the island.  It has become known as a lover’s island and really nowhere could be more romantic.  The smell of frangipani blooms and everywhere flowers;  hibiscus bushes towering over small roadside houses… Continue reading Do you have a Bora Bora on your bucket list?

So this must be what it was like in Hawaii 50 years ago – sleepy little villages, amazing beaches, crystal clear waters all crowned with dense tropical foliage.  Our Paul Gauguin cruise itinerary brought us to the shores of this island to spend a magical day.  We decided against any of the organised excursions and… Continue reading Laid back Huahine

As I sit on the balcony of my suite on the lovely Paul Gauguin the magical island of Huahine sits bathed in early morning sunshine.  Last night’s crossing from Papeete was a little tippy but then we are on a rather small ship and one designed specifically for the shallow waters of the lagoons surrounding… Continue reading Crepes and eels in French Polynesia