Our suggested itinerary combines three gorgeous islands, and ties in perfectly with flight schedules from the UK, features some of the most exclusive resorts in the South Pacific. Located as close to paradise as anywhere on earth, they offer luxury with a French accent.

Days 1 and 2 Tahiti

Volcanic Tahiti in the so-called Society Islands is dominated by menacing peaks cloaked in every shade of vegetation, like the Alps under a duvet of green snow. They shelter deep valleys, streams and plunging waterfalls, while most of the islanders - and the hotels - cling to the flat coastal fringes. You’ll stay at the InterContinental resort, the best on the island, facing a lagoon and just minutes from the airport and Papeete’s restaurants, nightclubs and shops. The 263 rooms include overwater bungalows and there’s a choice of restaurants.

Days 3, 4 and 5 Moorea

Neighbouring Moorea seems to have erupted from the bed of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet protected by a broad lagoon and coastal meadows. It’s like one big sleepy tropical allotment, all fruit and flowers and swishing palms, while many of the pretty village houses have their own spectacular gardens. You’ll be staying at the Sofitel, in our opinion the best resort on Moorea, bang on the best beach on the edge of a lagoon with Tahiti on the horizon. There are 111 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront or surrounded by landscaped gardens. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, a magnificent outdoor swimming pool, day spa, Jacuzzi and tennis courts, plus lots of water sports.

Days 6 to 12 Bora Bora

Nothing can prepare you for Bora Bora’s fabulous colours, which almost damage the retinas with their intensity, leaving those of the Mediterranean, and even the Caribbean, looking distinctly drab. Widely considered to be the most ravishing of all South Sea islands, Bora Bora - the original template for James Michener’s Bali Hai - seems to cover the full spectrum of blues and greens. Crowned by a pair of jagged basalt citadels and with palm-clad motus (sand islets) encircling the lagoon, it could well be the most beautiful island in the world. You’ll stay at the distinctively Polynesian Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, facing the impossibly beautiful lagoon on Motu Tevairoa, which has more than 50 overwater bungalows as well as regular suites (as if any room on this island could be called ‘regular’).

But - as you will see in our Bora Bora - a choice of resorts - we can also book a number of alternative and equally wonderful resorts.

Day 13: Tahiti

Where you’ll pick up your onward/return flight.