Pacific Island Paradises

Meet the world's friendliest people There has never been a better time to visit the tropical South Pacific than NOW. Home to people who have been largely unspoilt by the trappings of the outside world, living a traditional lifestyle that places kinship and kindness above the so-called civilized values of material possessions and wealth, the South Pacific is the perfect remedy for a rejuvenating holiday experience. Here you will meet people who rely daily on the natural bounty of the sea and land; who still live as their forebears did, in harmony with nature and all the gifts she has bestowed upon this vast expanse of ocean and islands. Here you will find that culture and tradition live side by side, silently guiding the lives and customs of these friendly, caring people. Perhaps the words of a well known travel journalist who, when writing about the South Pacific, sums it best, "These are the lands before the wind. Life is lived in the moment. Tomorrow is only a concept. Today is a joy." We hope that through the words and images of this publication, we will be able to convey why you will discover paradise in the South Pacific and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores. Indeed it is like nowhere else on earth! Ilisoni Vuidreketi Chief Executive Officer South Pacific Tourism Organisation there a never-ending dilemma about where to go. of course, we'd all love to visit every single place mentioned in this issue of Pacific Island Paradises but if that's not possible (and is it ever?) then narrowing it down by exactly what you want to achieve from your break is perhaps the easiest way to solve the problem. so experienced are not forgotten. Watersports of all kinds abound but best of all are the huge umbrellas dotted around sandy shores. lounging with a book and a cold drink by the beach or pool under warm sun, remembering to apply sunscreen, of course, is close to perfect—as most exhausted, potential holidaymakers will attest. snorkelling is offered at most resorts and some have unique underwater worlds close to them to challenge experienced divers while the not- so while you're dreaming of lapping waters, smiling islanders and delicious cuisine, think Pacific islands and you won't be disappointed! Where to go? Everyone loves a holiday and with Australia being so close to so many amazing islands it's no wonder we love to travel and do so frequently. sure, australia has some of the best beaches in the world, but it's that extra 'something' that one gets when experiencing different cultures and scenery that elevates an overseas beach holiday to a different level of enjoyment. The Pacific region is as varied as it is vast and that's what makes holidaying Jackie lesko www.paradisesonline.com 3

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