South Pacific - Island Hopping

Island hopping in the idyllic South Pacific is the perfect way to experience the culture, meet the locals and let them guide you off the tourist trail to the hidden treasures of this captivating part of the world.

A glorious cluster of volcanic and limestone islands, deep blue lagoons, immaculate white sand beaches and warm coastal waters sheltering coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, make a stay in romantic Fiji or exuberant Tahiti utterly unmissable. And, as you’re about to discover, blissfully unforgettable...

Bula! Fijian for the warmest welcome in the world

If you want to escape the pace and pressure of everyday life, to enjoy a blissfully relaxing, culturally stimulating, utterly indulgent time in the company of the friendliest people in the world, Fiji is the first place to come. And as you’ll discover, it’s the last place you’ll ever want to leave.

Blessed with crystal clear waters, perfect beaches, a wealth of cultural attractions, and hospitality that’s the warmest you could ever hope to find, this archipelago of 333 islands in the South Pacific offers an idyllic tropical haven for the most dedicated of pleasure seekers.

Whether you’ve set your heart on romance and relaxation, long to immerse yourself in local activities, or yearn to embark on the ultimate eco-tourism adventure, you'll find Fiji offers a breathtaking variety of opportunities; experiences that you’ll be more than welcome to enjoy without so much as a single malaria tablet or vaccination!

Fijians themselves are every bit as special as the environment they’ve grown up in. Friendship, warmth and openness come as naturally as smiles and laughter to everyone you’ll meet here. And meeting you is something they’ll go out of their way to do – hailing you in the bustling street markets and inviting you (in English) to their villages and churches.

With their beautiful lilting voices, music is as much a part of life here as traditional dress, which isn’t just put on for show, but worn with pride almost every day – particularly on Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Offering a captivating choice of intimate, boutique resorts, traditional rituals and spectacular natural landscapes, including the hot springs around Savusavu, these islands are the best places to find the ‘real’ Fiji.

Of course, if you want to throw yourself into the activities on offer as well as the culture, you’ll have plenty to tempt you; from snorkelling over shallow reefs, diving to explore the colourful underwater world, riding a jetboat, trekking in the rainforests and swimming in the crystal clear rushing rivers, to piloting a raft through raging rapids, sailing through the magnificent Yasawa island chain or setting off on safari into the highlands.

On a more romantic note, if you’ve set a date for your wedding, then set your heart on Fiji. There really is no better place to exchange your vows and enjoy an unforgettable honeymoon, especially as the people of Fiji will make your day with their genuine warmth and welcome.

You can ‘go native’ and celebrate Fijian-style where the bride floats in on a flower strewn Billi Billi before being escorted by Fijian warriors across glistening white sand accompanied by the beautiful voices of a local children’s choir. Or you can choose a more intimate, private experience, and make your very special occasion even more exclusive for just the two of you.

With ceremonies in idyllic gardens, pristine beaches or enchanting ‘fairytale’ chapels, everyone’s idea of their dream wedding is right here on the islands of Fiji. And getting married couldn’t be easier as there are no residency requirements, a licence can be granted once a few simple paperwork prerequisites are met, and the ceremony can take place just as soon as you’ve made yourselves at home.

As well as the perfect wedding venue, Fiji is a sensational honeymoon destination too. Whether you want the luxury of an exclusive retreat complete with private plunge pool, or prefer the authentic experience of a stay in an intimate beachfront ‘bure’, finding your own tropical hideaway is the easiest thing in the world; providing the perfect setting for sunset walks along the beach, candle lit dinners barefoot on the sand, picnics on your very own deserted island and the ultimate pampering experiences of an indulgent spa treatment.

Tahiti - a taste of paradise

If your idea of a dream destination is an exotic cocktail of romance, beauty, adventure and sheer escapism… book your trip, pack your bags, and head for the paradise South Sea Islands of Tahiti. As you’ll discover, there’s no closer place to heaven on earth.

Tahiti and the fabulous islands of French Polynesia – all 118 of them – are located approximately 11,000 miles from the United Kingdom, just about half way between California and Australia. Scattered like brilliant jewels across five far-flung archipelagoes, they cover an incredible 1.5 million square miles of ocean, an area equivalent to the size of Europe.

Each with their own charm, character, customs and traditions, the islands are described either as High or Society Islands, Low or Tuamoto Islands, as Rocky or Marquesa Islands, as Australs or as Gambier Islands. The HighIslands, which include the Leeward and Windward Islands, is a group of high tropical islands encircled by coral reefs and lagoons. With their deep verdant valleys filled with the intoxicating perfume of the Tiare, the Tahitian flower, the enchanting islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora fall into this category, as do the sacred islands of Taha'a and Raiatea. Situated between sky and sea, seemingly at the end of the world, the TuamotoIslands comprise a collection of low islands and atolls including Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi and Fakarava.

Over 900 miles from Tahiti, near the equator, the rocky mountain islands of the Marquesas include Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou and Ua Huka and tell of the centuries of erosion that shaped their steep crags.

Wherever you go and whenever you arrive, you’ll be just as captivated by the culture as you are by the landscape. ‘Maeva’, the word of greeting and welcome that the Polynesians wish all their visitors, is always said with a smile and an overwhelming sense of pride. And the islanders’ laid back attitude and genuine love of life is something you’ll find expressed in every aspect of society, from the traditional music and dances to the art of tattooing which has long been considered a sign of beauty and in earlier times was ceremoniously applied as a symbol of reaching adolescence. In fact, the name ‘tattoo’ itself originated in Tahiti.

Perhaps as famous as the exotic Tiare flower traditionally worn behind the ear (the left ear if you’re spoken for, the right if you’re not), is the ‘Pinctada Margaritifera Cimingi’, the black pearl. Nurtured in the warm, exceptionally pure waters of the SouthSea lagoons, this unique mother of pearl is a symbol of elegance and beauty throughout the world. Ranging in colour from shimmering green known as ‘flying wing’, aubergine blue, reddish bronze or more simply just steel gray, they have an iridescent luster that charms the eye – and all those lucky enough to possess these stunning jewels.

Whether you come to find yourself a black pearl – or even a soul mate if your Tiare flower works its magic – finding a beautiful place to stay will be the easiest thing in the world. The choice of exclusive resorts and first class hotels, which include the award-winning Pearl Beach Resorts, is as breath taking as the secluded beaches and remote idyllic island scenery they are set alongside. From Tahiti you can even hop over to Moorea, Bora Bora or, for the ultimate barefoot luxury, Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa.

If you go in for adventure as much as pampering, sun-worshipping and cocktail sipping, you’ll be spoilt for choice here too. The lush rainforest, mountain waterfalls and glittering lagoons teeming with vivid tropical fish and fascinating marine life, are perfect for a whole host of amazing activities. If you choose to stay on dry land, there are plenty of opportunities to hike through the island’s wild interior, escaping from the sun under the shade of the Tahitian chestnut trees, or setting off on horseback through the spectacular scenery of the valley of the Marquesas to explore the fascinating archeological sites. Mountain biking is another great way to see more of your sensational surroundings, or you can go ‘off road’ with 4x4s or quad bikes.

If you’re into watersports, you’ll discover Tahiti and her Islands offer some of the most beautiful diving destinations in the world, or you can paddle a kayak, an outrigger canoe – even try surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and water-skiing.