A castaway's fantasy comes true in the Cook Islands. The 15 islands that make up this archipelago, which is situated between French Polynesia and Samoa, are among the most stunning in the entire Polynesian region. The spectacular beauty of Tahiti is echoed by transparent turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, and brilliant palm-fringed beaches. The Cook Islands are closely associated with New Zealand, yet their Polynesian culture is distinct, and the people there are among the nicest on the earth.