cruise
The Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia— 932 miles northeast of Tahiti and 3,000 miles southwest of Mexico, the closest continental landmass— are among the most isolated on the globe. Comprising 14 islands, the Marquesas has a population of just 9,000 spread across its six inhabited isles. In 2024, the archipelago became one of the latest World Heritage Sites, described by UNESCO as“ among the world’ s last marine wilderness areas.” This breathtaking corner of the world— home to azure blue seas set against a backdrop of lush foliage, waterfalls and jagged emerald peaks— can now be discovered on Windstar Cruises’ new voyage, Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas, aboard the 312-guest Star Breeze.
PAPEETE
This laid-back and walkable city, on the west coast of Tahiti, is French Polynesia’ s capital and a wonderful introduction to the South Pacific.
In the two-storey central market, you can browse stalls laden with locally woven baskets, hydrating monoï oil made from gardenia flowers and brightly coloured pareos, Tahitian wraparound skirts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is the place to learn about Tahiti’ s prized gemstones. For something more permanent, head to one of the many studios in the city for a tattoo. The striking geometric patterns and designs, always in black, play an important part in Polynesian culture and are sported by many locals. Lovers of all things contemporary
Clockwise from right: Explore the beaches at Tetamanu, Fakarava; black pearls at Hinano Pearl Farm, Fakarava; Marquesan motifs at Omo’ a, Fatu-Hiva Previous pages: Aerial view of Conrad Bora Bora Nui luxury hotel
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