Island Hopping THE SOCIETY ISLANDS


Tis is the French Polynesia of your dreams. Te one on vintage travel posters that has long inspired romantic wanderlust and artistic creativity, and that in 2022 was voted the World’s Friendliest Destination (together with the Tuamotus and Marquesas) by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. With their welcoming hospitality, turquoise lagoons, azure skies, and soaring mountain peaks, the Society Islands invite


blissful relaxation on pristine beaches and thrilling discovery both undersea and on land. Verdant TAHITI, the largest island in French Polynesia, is all deep valleys and rugged coastline. Te iconic Mount Otemanu crowns BORA BORA’s fabled lagoon filled with coral gardens teeming with marine wildlife and dotted with outlying motus. Heart-shaped MOOREA, known for its stunning mountains, palm-fringed beaches, and hypnotic lagoon waters, is said to be Michener’s mythical Bali Hai. Te “Garden Isle” of HUAHINE entices with well- preserved archaeological sites hidden amidst its rainforest, and TAHA’A—the vanilla island—plays host to MOTU MAHANA, Paul Gauguin Cruises' own private islet where an indulgently exclusive beach day is included on every itinerary. New for 2024 is a return to RAIATEA, the sacred homeland of the Maohi people where waterfalls, fertile valleys, and the cloud-capped Mount Temehani reign supreme.


TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO


To the east of the Society Islands lie the Tuamotus, the world’s largest group of coral atolls representing the lowest point in French Polynesia. Tese 75 “flat islands” sit in striking contrast to their high “mountainous neighbors” found elsewhere in the region. But ahhh… the Tuamotus are a revered destination for divers and snorkeling aficionados, home to extraordinary reefs and marine flora and fauna. An underwater camera comes in handy here as you prepare to dive in and discover the rare Technicolor wonders


thriving below the


surface. FAKARAVA is an unspoiled paradise that lays claim to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while RANGIROA is often called the world’s most immense natural aquarium—so large the entire island of Tahiti could sit within it. “Rangi,” as it’s known by the locals, is known for its Tahitian pearls, too.


12 2024 Paul Gauguin Cruises | Island Hopping


THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS Rising in stark contrast to the low-lying Tuamotus are the soaring peaks of the Marquesas. Te


“youngest” of French Polynesia’s islands, these staggeringly beautiful volcanic isles burst from the sea—there are no fringing reefs and shallow lagoons here—with their lush green jungles blanketing ancient culture, myth, and legend. Authors and artists have long been attracted to the exotic mystique here, and HIVA OA—an island of ethereal beauty dotted with tiki statues and giant banyan trees—serves as the final resting place for singer Jacques Brel and post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. FATU HIVA, home to only 500 residents between two villages, prides itself on its petroglyphs and stunning views of Hanavave (Te Bay of Virgins). Tiny TAHUATA is among the least- explored of the Marquesas, yet it offers the most authentic woodcarvings, tikis, and jewelry at its waterfront markets. Te largest of the Marquesas, NUKU HIVA is explored with two different ports, depending on the itinerary. New for 2024 is a maiden call to Hatiheu, rife with archaeological sites and a picture-perfect bay. Te Gauguin will also visit Taiohae, a gateway to the treasures of the Taipivai Valley. UA POU is another new 2024 destination, one of French Polynesia’s rarely visited islands that impresses upon approach by ship with its jagged pinnacles and intimate bays.


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