Star Collector: Polynesian Paradise & Fijian Shores

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Here is a rare opportunity to experience one of earth's most beautiful - and most rare - places. Fakarava, a place so stunning, an ecosystem so diverse it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diver's paradise welcomes you to a world of magnificent cauliflower coral, sleek grey sharks, and neon schools of tropical fish. This "Island of Dreams" is home to rare species of nesting birds and rare marine life living in tranquil harmony.

Known as the Island of Tapa, a long-forgotten art elsewhere, Fatu Hiva, with its 650 inhabitants, has a remarkable coastline full of rich vegetation. The locals here live mainly on fishing, coprah producing and growing nono, a fruit with medicinal virtues. Meet the local artists and learn about their time-honored traditions

The final home and resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, Hiva Oa is watched over by many large stone tiki statues and boasts the tallest peak in the Marquesas, Mount Temetiu at 3,980 feet. Due to potential ocean swells, landings here are weather dependent. If weather allows, you can relax on black-sand beaches, enjoy exceptional snorkeling and diving, or explore the ancient Tehueto Petroglyphs.

The second largest island in French Polynesia, this remote island is full of natural beauty in is deep bays, lush valleys, rocky peaks and narrow cliffside roads where you might come upon wild ponies. Giant banyan trees are found around ancient marae temples and ceremonial stone platforms as well as tiki statues outside huts. Find the 40-foot-tall Tiki Tuhiva sitting atop Mount Muake. Another interest is Tohua Koueva Archaeological Site with detailed restoration of ancient Marquesan life.

Some people call this place heaven. You will call it perfect. The huge lagoon surrounded by beautiful coral and filled with colorful fish, rays, and dolphin is a diver's dream. Explore, with an optional tour, in a glass bottom boat, take a dive that matches your level of expertise, or enjoy the magic of drift snorkeling. This is a place like no other on earth.

We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island.If guests would like to visit Taha'a, they must book a Windstar Cruises shore excursion. Guests without a shore excursion booked will be transferred directly to Motu Mahaea for a relaxing beach day.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you'll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you'll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning turquoise lagoon and pristine white-sand beaches. The island is a volcanic atoll with a coral reef ring around it with a lagoon in the center. Often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, it offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island's serene atmosphere is complemented by its friendly locals and rich Polynesian culture.

The natural playground of Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers palm-studded white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters of Muri Lagoon and lush jungle forests. Just 20 miles (32 km) around, this popular island is becoming a foodie location with its numerous cafes and artisan and organic food scene. Other sights to see include Te Rua Manga peak ("The Needle") and Takitumu Conservation Area.

Tonatapu is the main island of Tonga and Nuku'alofa is the capital city and home to the Talamahu Market and the waterfront Royal Palace where the Royal Family resides. Sites to see include the Free Church of Tonga, the Cenotaph, the Royal Tombs and Kingdomkoffie.

Known as the "Garden Island of Fiji" cigar-shaped Taveuni's most famous tourist attraction is Lake Tagimaucia, the habitat of the rare tagimaucia flower. It is also the home of three major diving areas, with Rainbow Reef recognized as one of the world's best soft coral dives. Two sanctuaries, Ravilevu Nature Reserve and Taveuni Forest Reserve have been created to protect Fiji's wildlife.

Known as "the hidden paradise of Fiji," beautiful Savusavu with its abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, rainforests and black pearls, has recently been realized to be a tourist hotspot. The shabby-chic main street is a hodgepodge of eclectic watering holes, a bustling market, and a variety of shops and cosmopolitan restaurants. Find a black pearl farm, see the Vuadomo and Nakawaga Waterfalls or kayak, snorkel, sail, fish or take an easy hike. Bula!

Nicknamed the "Sugar City" due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka's biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.

Nicknamed the "Sugar City" due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka's biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.