The atoll of Manihi, 300 miles and 80 minutes’ flight from Papeete, is for those who want to avoid even the semi-beaten track! It offers a simple formula for rest and relaxation amid quiet, romantic surroundings, where time is measured by only the movement of the sun and the sea. The first-class Manihi Pearl Beach Resort makes the perfect Polynesian retreat in a gloriously remote beach-and-lagoon setting. Its elegant thatched bungalows and unhurried mood invite some serious unwinding, and offer excellent value. The airstrip is just five minutes’ away by road or boat.