Destination: French Polynesia

If a luxury hotel is more your style, there are wonderful choices. Le Taha'a is the only Relais et Chateaux resort in French Polynesia, on the charming island of Tah'aa. Bora Bora is the home of the glamorous Four Seasons, the St. Regis with it's butler service and villas, and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, where the over the water villas and spa are part of a cutting-edge sustainability plan. 

While French Polynesia feels a world away, travel time by plane is only two hours farther than Hawaii.

In the musical South Pacific, Bali Hai is a magical island of desire. Come to one of the islands of French Polynesia to find your own enchanted retreat. Taha'a charms for its simple pleasures and seclusion. Moorea is for the active and those who want to explore inland. Bora Bora is the diva -- stunning and self-possessed. All are linked by the turquoise and celadon waters of the Pacific. Coral reefs remain intact and diving and snorkeling are superb, while the local cuisine is a refreshing blend of South Pacific flavors and French technique. 

The best way to island hop is onboard the luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin, whose 7 to 14 night itineraries hit the beauty spots and more remote islands.