The scent of vanilla follows you wherever you are on the flower-shaped island — Taha'a is responsible for 80% of vanilla production in French Polynesia, earning it the nickname "Vanilla Island." ...

One of French Polynesia's Society Islands (along with Tahiti and Moorea), Huahine is considered more off-the-beaten-path and requires a 40-minute flight from Papeete to reach.

From left: A hibiscus flower in the sand on Moorea; the author’s daughter Tove aboard the Paul Gauguin as it sails past the island of Taha’a.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you like seafood, try poisson cru – a traditional dish of fresh fish in coconut milk with rice – at Marché Papeete, the local market in the heart of town. – Sarah ...

French Polynesia is more than Tahiti and Bora Bora. Travellers can also find quieter islands where tiny, locally run businesses share culture and history French Polynesia: Where to go beyond Bora Bora ...