Luxury getaways in the Pacific Islands

Arguably one of the South Pacific’s most famous islands, Bora Bora is surrounded by small sandy motus (islets) and has a reputation for romance. Barefoot luxury is the order of the day with resort guests wearing little more than swimsuits and a t-shirt or cover-up.

With turquoise waters, coral reefs and superb snorkelling and diving, Bora Bora is a haven for marine life and home to some incredible resorts. When you stay somewhere like the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, it is easy to spend an entire day simply soaking up the view of Mount Otemanu from the private deck of your overwater bungalow.

If you feel like cooling down, grab a mask and snorkel and slip into the water from your private dock to swim with jewel-bright tropical fish and luxuriate in the crystalline water.

Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu is only an hour’s flight from Fiji’s main international airport but this sleepy town feels like a world away. Village life is important here and resorts work with local communities to create sustainable tourism experiences.

The management team at Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort partnered with the Mataqali, the traditional Fijian landowners, to declare the waters surrounding the resort an official marine reserve. Snorkelling off the resort’s jetty is akin to jumping into a fish tank. Each thatched bure villa practically screams ‘tropical island holiday’ and food is either grown on-site or sourced from local vendors.

Little ones at this family-friendly eco resort get their very own nanny at no extra charge. Older kids get a ‘buddy’ who takes them on island adventures and teaches them about traditional village life in Fiji.

Widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful lagoon, the main island of Aitutaki is fringed by 15 secluded motus scattered across the sparkling waters like jewels. This island paradise is a haven for honeymooners who gaze into each other’s eyes in between snorkelling and diving trips or chatting with locals at the island market.

For adventures slightly further afield, you can putter around the lagoon in a private boat, with a stop at tiny One Foot Island or the aptly named Honeymoon Island. If you would prefer to enjoy a romantic stay without the pitter-patter of little feet, head to Pacific Resort Aitutaki which only caters to adults and teens.

All of the accommodation comes with a lagoon view as does the beautiful infinity pool. The use of snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards is complimentary but this peaceful paradise makes it easy to relax and enjoy doing nothing.

This South Pacific island’s name means ‘calm waters in the local dialect and provides a haven for marine life and travellers alike. Malolo Island can be reached by catamaran in an hour and offers a classic Fiji holiday experience complete with swaying palm trees, white beaches and sparkling blue waters.

Here you’ll find Likuliku Lagoon Resort, an adults-only resort specialising in bespoke experiences such as exclusive beachside dinners, day trips to nearby Modriki Island where the movie Hideaway was filmed and romantic private island picnics. Enjoy the view from the privacy of your romantic accommodation or stroll to the Masima Island Bar at the end of the jetty to catch the sunset.

There are lounge chairs arranged for convivial conversation for those who enjoy socialising with other guests plus a selection of secluded tables for two overlooking the lagoon.

With so much to see and do, a week in Oahu disappears more quickly than a pina colada at one of the many bars along Waikiki Beach. The small gentle waves here are easy to ride and Malibu boards are available for hire from one of the many beachside stalls. Superb shopping can be found at myriad outlet malls and there are dining options to suit every taste and mood, from Michelin star restaurants to cheap and cheerful food trucks.

Tucked away in an exclusive residential area a few minutes from Waikiki, you’ll find The Kahala Hotel & Resort which has long been a favourite hideaway of the rich and famous. Here you’ll find a classic white sand beach that is far less hectic than Waikiki and enough onsite dining options to tempt you to simply stay and enjoy the resort.

Named by Captain Cook for the many pine trees that fringe the shoreline, it’s hard to believe Cook and his crew didn’t leave their ship to experience this island’s white sandy beaches and abundant fish life as they sailed past the Isle of Pines in 1774. Don’t make the same mistake.

Drive through Vao village, past yam plantations and pine forests and you’ll soon arrive at Le Méridien Ile des Pins. Set amongst the swaying palm trees of a coconut grove, this chic resort offers the chance to step directly into the lagoon from the staircase of some of its top suites. At sunset head to the Longitude 167 Bar and order a colourful Pacific Tree cocktail which has yellow passionfruit syrup on the bottom, a green layer of local Niaouli liqueur in the middle and shimmering sparkling wine on top.