From overwater bungalows to suites, your room in paradise awaits

Tahiti 's landscape displays an array of stunning colors and rugged vistas, all surrounded by crystalline waters.

Many visitors arriving in the capital of Papeete no doubt expect grass huts, pareo-clad natives and the quiet crash of the surf. They are surprised to discover that Papeete is a modern, bustling port . Just accept our promise that the Tahiti of legend does live on elsewhere on the island; then, start to enjoy Papeete 's unique cosmopolitan charms.

Shopping is definitely one of them. Hop aboard le truck - as the locals call the open-air bus - to downtown, where an amazing selection of boutiques offer shell leis, woven hats, purses and other native handicrafts , while their neighbors feature the latest in French fashions.

Part of the fun of Papeete is sipping a drink and people- watching at a sidewalk cafe. In the city's many restaurants you'll discover that Tahitians enjoy an enticing variety of native, French, Asian and other cuisines.

Away from Papeete , Tahiti 's landscape changes to an array of stunning colors and rugged vistas, all surrounded by crystalline waters.

You'll fall in love with this island whose jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking bays make a stunning backdrop for your tropical adventure.

Moorea is a favorite of all who venture to French Polynesia . Here, you'll find the real South Seas experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches, multi-hued lagoons and, of course, quaint Tahitian-style hotels offering plenty of sun and fun activities.

Moorea's jagged mountains and volcanic spires reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

With a circumference of only 37 miles, and coastline served by paved road, Moorea can be encircled in a single day's bicycle or car tour . Be sure to stop in the villages and boutiques as you make your way around. Or drive to the Belvedere lookout point, high in the interior of Moorea, for spectacular views of Opunohu and Cook's Bays . Windsurfing enthusiasts tout the latter as one of the best sailing spots in French Polynesia .

For an adventure befitting Robinson Crusoe, arrange for a day trip to a motu , the tiny uninhabited islets that dot the surrounding sea. Your boatman will be happy to drop you off, returning for you at an arranged time.

While you're on Moorea, don't miss a chance to meet some of its 9,000 natives. As is true on all the islands, you'll see more of the traditional Polynesian life if you venture from the hotels.

Bora Bora is truly one of nature's most inspired creations . To top it off, the island is home to some of Polynesia 's most celebrated hotels . For many visitors, Bora Bora is the ultimate South Seas experience.

Bora Bora makes the most dramatic first appearance , especially if you arrive by air. Surrounding the small island is the most stunning lagoon in all the Pacific .

Its colors, ranging from the palest turquoise to the deepest blues, are created by the water's varying depths. Amid the rich emerald green of the island itself, the basalt obelisk of Mount Otemanu stands godlike, often draped in white clouds. You'll find blissful solitude on Bora Bora 's white sand beaches, where locals and tourists alike practice a casual approach to bathing attire. To leave civilization one more step behind , take a boat ride to one of the many sandy motus that dot the coral reef.

Nearly every water sport is enjoyed on Bora Bora , but most famous is its snorkeling . The lagoon's countless species of tropical fish, brilliant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters make for some of the most beautiful undersea views in the world .

Explore the entire coastline on foot or by bicycle -- Bora Bora is only 20 miles around . The many fascinating sights you'll discover include several ancient marae, or temples, typical Polynesian villages.

For the adventurous traveler who wants to experience the roots of Polynesian culture and the natural beauty that inspired it, Raiatea and Tahaa are the ideal destinations.

Experience the roots of Polynesian culture and its inspirational beauty!

Raiatea is revered by the Tahitians as the birthplace of their religion and culture . According to legend, it was from her shores that ancient Polynesian explorers set off for Hawaii and New Zealand.

On this awesome, mountainous island , visitors can venture up the Faaroa, the only navigable river in French Polynesia . A climb up Mount Temehani will reward the adventurous with a rare glimpse of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower which grows no place else on earth.

On Raiatea , visitors can also marvel at the Taputapuatea Marae, considered the most important and best-preserved religious site in French Polynesia .

Taha'a , Raiatea 's sister island and a short speedboat hop away , is almost untouched by the 20th century, with spectacular bays carved from verdant hills.

Huahine is the South Seas of storybooks and dreams -- a place where you can leave the modern world behind and give yourself over to the joy of living.

Last of the Society Islands reached by tourism , Huahine has remained virtually unknown to tourists until recently.

With its deep water bays , and lagoons bordered by motus , mountainous Huahine is ripe for your exploration. Visit the tiny, picturesque port of Fare when it really comes to life: on shipping day. That's when many of Huahine's 4,000 inhabitants travel to town by le truck to see old friends, swap news, sell their pigs, copra and melons, and buy goods from the incoming supply ships.

And visit the sleepy village of Parea , where Polynesians live a happy, peaceful life, little changed over the generations. Hire horses for a long ride through tropical mountain trails . Be sure to stop by a vanilla plantation for a handful of the aromatic beans. If surfing's your thing, don't miss the renowned waves of Avamoa Pass . Scenic views abound whether one wades along the coast or climbs in the mountains. With more than thirty miles of roads to explore, Huahine, unlike other islands, can take several days to discover completely.

Huahine is also home to many of French Polynesia 's most important archaeological sites . Fascinating artifacts of ancient Polynesian life can be found around Maeva , the former royal village, where a guide can lead you to restored maraes, or sacrificial temples, and to lakes where 300-year-old stone fishing traps are still in use.

Make Huahine an alternative or a perfect complement to legendary Bora Bora or lush, tropical Moorea.

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