Recommend April 2013 - (Page 19)

Tikehau Tikehau, a graceful oval crown of white- and pink-sand beaches, can only be described as a picture-perfect postcard. it’s considered one of the ost eautiful atolls in the South Pacific, and its friendly people invite you to explore their tranquil world. n ikehau, fish see to outnu er people one- illion to one. n fact, the densit of the fish in the lagoon is so high that Jacques Cousteau’s research group declared it to contain the highest concentration of fish a ong an other ua otu toll. Fishing is among the primary industries here for the 5 00 residents. a ilies share fish parks underwater fenced areas where the trap parrotfish and other lagoon species as a primary source of food and income. visitors enjoy endless hours of exploring the perfection of the lagoon through snorkeling, diving, and boating, and exploring the village of Tuherahera. Manihi Manihi conjures up castaway dreams of a tropical isle. Far from the modern world, the crystal-clear lagoon was once filled with other-of-pearl and is the site of ahiti s first lack pearl farm. visitors enjoy pearl farm visits, as well as exploring the lagoon and the main village of Turipaoa. There are few cars here, so walking around the town square and along the coral paths is as peaceful and romantic as the lagoon itself. MARQUESAS ust o er a -hour ight fro Papeete, the ar uesas are seemingly lost at the end of the earth. Even now some of the islands are virtually untouched since the era of European e ploration. nown as Henua nana and of en , the isolation of the Marquesas has created a race of strong and talented people of immense pride and a fascinating culture. N atural wonders abound as 1,000-ft. waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and towering mountains disappear into the clouds. Nuku Hiva This mountainous land is the largest island in the Marquesas and known for towering spire-like peaks; secluded, lush valleys; ancient sites; fjord-like bays; and waterfalls so high that most of the falling water evaporates as it descends. TAHITI IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH TO SHOP FOR TAHITIAN CULTURED PEARLS The warm lagoon waters of the islands and atolls are Mother N ature’s choice for the cultivation of her pure living ge the ahitian cultured pearl. ith this first-hand e pertise and infinite selection of do ens of ajor pearl retailers on all the islands, visitors quickly discover that this is the best place in the world to learn about and shop for pearls. o onl known as lack pearls, ahitian cultured pearls range widely in pricing, size, shape, and colors. visitors are encouraged to visit several merchants during their vacation to learn about judging quality and style, which will help them determine their preference. recommend.com PAGES-Tahiti-DIGITAL.indd 19 Hiva Oa nown an as Paul auguin s sland, this ajestic, historic island offers an untamed landscape; giant stone ti k i ; and is the final resting place of aster poet ac ues rel and fa ed artist Paul auguin. AUSTRAL ISLANDS & GAMBIER ISLANDS ar e ond the distant hori on of the South Pacific are wild and rugged lands still virtually undiscovered by N orth ericans. he ustral slands and the a ier slands, two distinctly different archipelagos, are the last of the islands to be inhabited in French Polynesia. On the island of Rurutu in the ustrals, hu p ack whales can outnu er people. he remoteness of both island groups has fostered a world with ancient history and traditions unique among the Tahitian isles. or the ad enturous tra eler, sailor, or di er seeking a true offthe- eaten-path e perience, these lost worlds await. april 2013 19 3/25/13 8:14 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend April 2013

Editor's Notes
The Islands of Tahiti
Hotel Desk: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Tour Talk: Islands in the Sun
A Med Escape: Greek Isles & Cyprus
Set Sail
The Seychelles' Private Island Resorts
Portrait of Israel
Booking 2 on the Isles: Easter Island & Galapagos
Island-Hopping in Mexico: Cozumel, Isla Holbox & Isla Mujeres
The Pulse of Poipu, Hawaii
Florida's Islands: Amelia, Captiva & Sanibel
The Real Caribbean: Grenada & Martinique

Recommend April 2013