New Caledonia

Ringed by vivid, UNESCO-listed lagoons, this smattering of far-flung islands comprises a French Pacific paradise, bursting with beauty beyond its fabulous, white sand beaches: wade through translucent, turquoise waters, swim with manta rays in Ouvéa’s atoll, trace the limestone Lékiny cliffs and the red-earth trails of Blue River Park; explore the islands’ crumbling colonial prisons and stroll the capital’s Anse Vata Bay; meet the indigenous Kanak and indulge in their colourful lore and ancient legends.