One of the world’s most beautiful spots is getting easier to visit

One of the world’s most beautiful spots is getting easier to visit

A few years ago,it seemed French Polynesia was off the boil as a destination. But in 2023 the French territory announced a plan to double tourist numbers.

  • byBrian Johnston

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Best lagoon in the Pacific? We’ve found a winner

Best lagoon in the Pacific? We’ve found a winner

Better than Moorea,or Bora Bora,or Aitutaki. But you won’t believe this patch of French Polynesia is real until you’ve seen it for yourself.

  • byBrian Johnston
Airline review:This ticket to paradise is excellent,even in economy
★★★★½
Airline reviews

Airline review:This ticket to paradise is excellent,even in economy

Even in economy class,this airline and its friendly staff get you in the mood for an island holiday from the moment you step on board.

  • byEmily McAuliffe
What links a dead paedophile painter with Paris 2024? Shame
Opinion
Opinion

What links a dead paedophile painter with Paris 2024? Shame

As Paris holds the world’s gaze,France’s continued meddling in the Pacific paints a less-than-golden picture of colonial neglect and the price of imperialism.

  • byMalcolm Knox
This year’s most beautiful Olympic venue is 15,000 kilometres from Paris

This year’s most beautiful Olympic venue is 15,000 kilometres from Paris

There’s a smaller version of this French paradise that offers glimpses of what the original island nation was like.

  • byCraig Tansley
This might be a five-star paradise,but its airport is a dismal one star

This might be a five-star paradise,but its airport is a dismal one star

The queues are long and sweaty,the toilets are broken and the best thing about it is the view while taking off.

  • byBrian Johnston
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Nine things that will surprise you in paradise’s overlooked capital

Nine things that will surprise you in paradise’s overlooked capital

Tahiti is often viewed merely as a gateway to the surrounding picture-perfect islands,but in Papeete you’ll find surprises around every corner.

  • byKatrina Lobley
The one bargain you must buy when you visit paradise

The one bargain you must buy when you visit paradise

A precious memento of paradise in Tahiti doesn’t have to cost the earth.

  • byJulie Miller
NASA-speak. Easy when you know
Opinion
Column 8

NASA-speak. Easy when you know

Sometimes,space ain’t the place.

On board the Pacific's strangest cruise ship

On board the Pacific's strangest cruise ship

The Aranui looks like the weird offspring of a love affair between a cargo freighter and a passenger liner

  • byTony Wheeler
‘We hit a whale and the ship went down’:Sailboat crew rescued in the Pacific

‘We hit a whale and the ship went down’:Sailboat crew rescued in the Pacific

In circumstances that sound like it is straight out of Moby Dick,four friends have had a lucky escape after a whale struck their boat,sinking it within minutes.

  • byKaren Schwartz