Marquesas Islands

Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia — jagged volcanic peaks plunging straight into the Pacific, remote and lagoon-free, the wild opposite of Bora Bora's postcard calm.

Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are the main gateways, reachable by the Aranui cargo-passenger ship or small plane. Hike to the Hakaui Valley's Vaipo waterfall, one of the world's tallest, and visit the ancient tiki stone carvings at Puamau — Paul Gauguin's grave on Hiva Oa draws art pilgrims.