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 crownsBORA 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. Cloaked in a lush landscape dotted with waterfalls and fertile valleys where the cloud-capped Mount Temehani reigns supreme, RAIATEA is the sacred homeland of theMaohi people.
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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.
THE COOK ISLANDS
Due west of French Polynesia are the Cook Islands, an unspoiled paradise recognized by Lonely Planet as a Top Country in its 2022 Best in Travel. Here there are no branded resorts and no buildings taller than a coconut tree. Most of the islands’ inhabitants are Cook Island Maori and their vibrant culture permeates through the arts of music, storytelling, and native dance. In fact, upon arrival in RAROTONGA, the archipelago’s hub, you might be greeted by the sounds of beating drums and ukuleles. Richly covered in mountains that soar more than 2,000 feet above clear-blue seas, Rarotonga boasts sugar-white sands, coral reefs, and nearly untouched lagoons. A visit to AITUTAKI, a triangle-shaped atoll covered in palms and sugary sands, affords access to One Foot Island, considered one of Polynesia’s best beaches.
12 2025 Paul Gauguin Cruises | Island Hopping
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