7 Dream Islands (You Haven't Heard of Yet)

One of the seven is the Tahitian island of Fakarava!

Escape to one of these, and you're guaranteed to get there before anyone you know

French Polynesia

Fakarava Island

The island's single road wasn't paved until 2003, in anticipation of a visit by then-French president Jacques Chirac (he never arrived, nor did he give a reason why). But that certainly helped put Fakarava on the map — unlike its more populated neighbors Bora-Bora and Tahiti, Fakarava is home to about 500 residents. In the center of Rotoava village is the Relais Marama, the one pension in town with oceanfront bungalows. For divers and snorkelers, the northern Garuae Pass and the southern Tumakohua Pass have pristine coral reefs that are accessible through outfitter Te Ava Nui. You'll have to travel for a full day to get to and from Tumakohua — the pass is only reachable by boat — but it's worth the trip. The nearby village of Tetamanu has a church built entirely out of coral, as well as several black-pearl farms that give free tours. A pension on the outskirts of Rotoava, Pearl Guest House Havaiki, will even allow you to snorkel to its oyster farm with the owner and keep any pearls you find. One-hour flights to Fakarava depart from Papeete, Tahiti, once daily. — Lynwood Lord

Source: Excerpt from an article featured on Yahoo Travel courtesy of