This laid-back island culture conjures up images of hibiscus flowers, bronzed dancers in swirling grass skirts and mild breezes over turquoise seas and slim, white, pink, and black sand beaches stretch into pretty lagoons.

Most of the high islands are surrounded by fringes of reef creating protected swimming pools in the most intense aqua. Dolphins, rays, sharks, and turtles inhabit clear-water coral gardens an excellent place for snorkelling, and surfers skim across the tops of glassy waves with the gentle push of the trade winds.