Stretching over 11 million square miles of ocean, the 13 island-nations of the South Pacific are a tropical dream come true--perfect for high-end small-group meetings and incentives. The names of the destinations here—the Cook Islands, Fiji Islands and Tahiti--all conjure images of great explorers and exotic locales.
Imagine palms swaying over turquoise lagoons and a riot of color lining the road--the flora is so bright that one tree is named "flamboyant." To top that, resorts staffed by some of the friendliest people on Earth offer luxurious bungalows, sumptuous spas and delicious Polynesian cuisine.
Often referred to as the crossroads of the South Pacific because of its geographical location, Fiji is made up 332 islands. More than 100 of them are inhabited by a mix of Melanesians, Fiji East Indians, Polynesians, Micronesians, Chinese, and Europeans. Each group proudly offers a cuisine and culture all its own.
To experience Fijian warmth firsthand, pay a visit to one the villages, where you'll be welcomed with a warm "Bula," the traditional Fijian greeting, big smiles and a cup of kava, a traditional drink. Kava is like coffee in reverse. It's perfectly harmless and utterly relaxing.
Only 20 minutes away from the Fiji's biggest airport--Nadi International--the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is a luxurious beachfront property that planners should know about. The resort has its own private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and conference facilities. Next door is Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, where attendees who prefer the sporting life to relaxed bliss can while away their afternoons. Close by, visitors can visit a number of temples and other cultural sites.
To really get away from it all, put your VIP attendees in one of the luxury suites at Wadigi Island Resort; they'll be the sole master of a private tropical island. Guests will enjoy top-notch private service: Food is prepared by two gourmet chefs and a boat captain is it at beck and call for island-hopping, snorkeling or fishing trips.
Named after Capt. James Cook, who explored the islands between 1773 and 1777, the Cook Islands are located in the center of the "Polynesian Triangle," between Tonga and Tahiti. Scattered over 1.2 million square miles, the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands have a total population of only 18,000 people.
Several flights from the West Coast of North America to Rarotonga International Airport make the main island a good first stop. Here, guests can explore the volcanic mountain peaks that dominate Rarotonga, or lounge on the palm-fringed shores that surround it.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa offers a business center and the Moko's Kids Club for accompanying families. The Te Marae Conference Room holds up to 200 people, the Lagoon Verandah Restaurant can host lectures for up to 300 people, and the hotel suites make great locations for a small meeting.
A 45-minute flight north takes visitors to the island of Aitutaki. Set on its own secluded private island with white-sand beaches, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa is a standout property. From here, guests will be able to visit the island’s pristine lagoon--dotted with sand bars, coral ridges and 21 uninhabited islets.
Spread across five far-flung archipelagos, the 118 islands that make up French-administered Tahiti and its islands are a tropical paradise complete with sweet scents of vanilla, monoi (coconut oil) and French Polynesian cuisine. And although it feels like the other side of the world, Papeete, the main city, is only a seven-and-a-half-hour flight from Los Angeles.
Just 11 miles from Papeete is Moorea Island, where The InterContinental Resort & Spa offers deluxe bungalows on the water. Nearby, guests can visit Arahurahu Marae, an ancient temple used for reenactments of old Polynesian ceremonies, and the Lagoonarium, an underwater viewing room that shows reef sharks, sea turtles and many species of tropical fish.
Northeast of Tahiti is Hiva Oa, the second-largest island of the Marquesas. This island was the home and final resting place of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel. The best way to take in the beauty of the island is hiking among banana and papaya groves to the many waterfalls here.
Although each island of the South Pacific offers a unique blend of colors and flavors, visitors to the South Pacific can all agree: If there's heaven on Earth, it's here.
