Fringed by white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, the island of Moorea is home to two spectacular bays, Cook and Opunohu, that are separated by towering Mount Rotui. Cook’s Bay features a lovely stretch of water, and many shops, restaurants and hotels dot the road along the bay. Tranquil Opunohu Bay is more isolated and less developed -- a favorite among locals and travelers looking for a quiet escape.

Popular activities on Moorea include 4x4 and ATV tours, visits to the pineapple plantation and Moorea Tropical Gardens and watersports like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout are also top attractions. And with eight mountains, the island offers fantastic hiking trails and scenic lookout points, as well as a treetop adventure park with ziplines.

Moorea is a 25- to 45-minute boat ride or a 15-minute flight from the island of Tahiti.