During the Dutch Golden Age, ships set sail from Vlissingen for distant points in the Dutch colonial empire. Today, yachts like ours come to enjoy the resort's lovely beaches, seaside boulevard, and nearby attractions. The Renaissance monuments of Antwerp are just an hour away. In Ghent you'll find a medieval city full of charm. Or revisit the Waterloo Battlefields and Napoleon's greatest defeat.

This small, hidden island in a group of 6 islands offers a private beautiful beach off the beaten path with crystal-clear waters inviting amazing snorkeling. In 2002 a developer offered to buy one of the islands, which the villagers declined and instead signed an agreement with Seacology prohibiting island development for 20 years and establishing a no-take fishing reserve for 10 years

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.

DRAVUNI, Fiji

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Raiatea, "The Sacred Island," is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa'aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

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.