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Top luxury island resort destinations in Oceania

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Bora Bora
Turquoise Lagoons, Overwater Dreams
8.4
Hotel Bora Bora opened in 1961 and stilted bungalows over the lagoon followed nine years later. Overwater bungalows are now standard at most resorts. A barrier reef with a single opening, the Teavanui Passage, encloses the lagoon. Mount Otemanu rises 2,385 feet above it. The St. Regis occupies Motu Marfo, an artificial island.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a private boat tour around Mount Otemanu
  • 🏝️ Stay overnight in a classic overwater bungalow
  • 🐠 Snorkel crystal-clear lagoon with rays and tropical fish
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
8.9
Five archipelagos make up the territory, from the Society Islands to the Tuamotus with about 80 atolls. The Brando resort on Tetiaroa atoll is described as 100 percent energy independent. Rangiroa and Fakarava are noted diving destinations. Tahitian black pearls accounted for 55 percent of export value in 2008.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
  • 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
8.2
Laucala Island Resort offers 25 bures on Taveuni's northeast coast, about a 45 minute private flight from Nadi. Its 18 hole course was designed by David McLay Kidd. Royal Davui in Beqa Lagoon has 16 villas with plunge pools on a tiny private island. Yasawa Island Resort has 18 bures and ten beaches for guests.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore the underwater coral gardens at Rainbow Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Natadola Beach
  • 🌊 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands
Tahiti
Sun‑kissed lagoons and volcanic horizons
9.1
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa is billed as the largest luxury resort on the island. It lies five minutes from the airport with views of Moorea. The 2024 Olympic surfing competition took place on Tahiti. Mount Orohena rises 7,352 feet. The southeastern half of Tahiti Iti is reachable only by boat or on foot.
Highlights:
  • 🏔️ Hike up Mount Aorai for sunrise views
  • 🛬 Explore Faa'a International Airport's local markets
  • 🚤 Sail to Bora Bora's turquoise lagoon
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
9.4
Visitors are capped at 400 at any one time on an island of about 445 residents. Capella Lodge offers nine suites with a wet edge pool and spa on Lagoon Beach. Cycling is the main way to get around. There is no mobile phone coverage. UNESCO listed the island group in 1982.
Highlights:
  • 🗺️ Explore the historic lighthouse and maritime museum
  • 🏔️ Hike Mount Gower summit for sunrise panorama
  • 🤿 Snorkel at The Pinnacles reef, see diverse marine life
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
9.4
A drowned valley system holds 144 islands off the Northland coast. Big game fishing here became known internationally after Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. Eagles Nest at Russell offers five ultra modern villas with a resident personal chef. Paroa Bay Winery adds cottages where a personal chef prepares up to three courses daily.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
  • 🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
  • ⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
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