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 staggeringly beautiful volcanic isles burst
islands, these 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 woodcarvings,
the most tikis,
authentic and jewelry at its waterfront markets. Te largest of th e
Marquesas, NUKU HIVA is explored with two different ports, depending on the itinerary. Te Marquesas are rife with archaeological sites from the Taaoa Valley to the Taipivai Valley, the latter a location made famous by writer Herman Melville as the inspiration for his first novel, Typee. Navigating these islands by ship rewards the traveler with catch- your-breath beauty seen nowhere else on Earth.
THE ISLANDS OF FIJI Te Islands of Fiji are their
stunning scenery,
sand beaches, and reef-rich waters so blue they seem to glow. Here you can stroll palm-lined streets in LAUTOKA, snorkel coral blooms on BEQA ISLAND, marvel
at SUVA’s unique mix of modern and colonial
style, and discover the South Seas of yester-year in SAVUSAVU, called the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji.”
OF FIJI legendary for pure-white
THE KINGDOM OF TONGA Farther west of the Cooks—and across the International Date
Line—lies the Kingdom of Tonga, aka “Te Friendly Isles.” Tis tiny-but-mighty island nation is the only remaining monarchy in Polynesia. In the northern reaches of its 170 isles, VAVA’U invites discovery of its culture and cuisine, hiking Mount Talau, and snorkeling in its crystalline lagoon.
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
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