Roughly 470 km north of Fiji, this small group – Rotuma Island plus four offshore islets – is a Fijian territory and home to the unique race known as Rotumans. The people there more closely resemble Polynesians. Dependency status allows the island more political autonomy than other parts of Fiji. It is possible to visit this isolated island, though Rotumans voted against opening the place up to tourism as recently as 1985. Photo by: DS355

Even now the door is barely open, with visits strictly rationed by Rotuman elders who are determined that their island paradise will not be spoiled by the intrusive demands of mass tourism. The people are gracious, but expect visitors to respect their customs and be modest in behaviour and dress. There are no hotels or resorts on Rotuma, but simple accommodation can be found. The chosen visitor will find a volcanic island with many small cones that is covered with lush vegetation. It has a large reef, spectacular corals, abundant sea life (including dolphins and turtles) and some of the best and untouched beaches in all Fiji. Photo by: kiaa_ll

When to go: The rainy season is best avoided, so make it April to October. Even then the humidity may come as a shock, but cool sea breezes can dilute the impact. Population: 2,800. How to get there: Fly in to the airstrip on the north shore on Air Fiji’s weekly flight from Suva. Photo by: kiaa_ll