Why the South Pacific's Taha'a Island Is the Perfect Tropical Vacation

"A freshly renovated 108-room overwater resort built on the barrier reef, with wooden walkways and thatched bungalows whose decks hover above warm, clear water and face a dramatic central peak. Rooms and villas feel luxuriously understated, with sprawling bathrooms and complimentary mini-fridge drinks; the property offers a large pool, three restaurants, a spa, and lagoon activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling in a coral garden, and evening Tahitian dance shows. The hotel is part of a Polynesian-owned collection and is staffed largely by local Polynesians, many of whom commute to work by boat, which gives the place an authentic, welcoming feel." - Maggie Shipstead Maggie Shipstead Maggie Shipstead is a New York Times best-selling and prize-winning novelist, essayist, and travel writer. She has covered destinations and topics ranging from cities to wilderness, tropics to polar regions, and luxury hotels to tents. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines