Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti have long practised the ancient conservation custom of rāhui to help preserve their maritime spaces and species.

French Polynesia continues to feel an outsize influence from France. But recently, Tahitians have been reclaiming their heritage, putting traditional ingredients on the menu.

The raw fish salad, made with tuna and plenty of crisp vegetables, differentiates itself from poke or ceviche by way of fresh coconut milk.

Ancient Polynesians settled the Pacific islands through the sacred art of wayfinding. Today, navigators sail thousands of miles, without instruments, to preserve the tradition.

In French Polynesia, breadfruit is an essential part of both the islanders' diet and their culture – so much so, that its story is cemented in history.

Sift past the sandy beach and into the little-known world of Oceania’s most extraordinary export, the black pearls of Polynesia.

Although these isolated and far-flung atolls have a reputation of being one of the most expensive holiday spots on earth, it is possible to island hop independently and affordably.

The Tuamotu Islands are the world’s largest chain of coral atolls, with 78 islands spread across an area the size of Western Europe – and just 18,000 inhabitants.