Die Schönheit der Südsee

A small piece of paradise in the middle of the Pacific. Dravuni is a mini island promising pure relaxation and the enchantment of a Fijian paradise. Palms line the white sandy beaches, while the colourful underwater world of the nearby Great Astrolabe Reef is a great place for snorkelling and exploring. A walk through the tropical forest takes you to the heart of the island, where there is a tiny village with about 200 inhabitants. Here the locals sell sarongs and home-made jewellery made of mussel shells and coconuts as souvenirs. Dravuni is the perfect combination of nature, culture and tranquillity – a place to enjoy the beauty of the Fiji Islands at their most unspoilt.

Port Denarau marina is the lively centre of the small private Denarau Island. Located on the west coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, its waterfront promenade is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic sunsets. Covering just 2.5 km² (one square mile), the island is connected to Viti Levu by a bridge and is known for sailing and water sports as well as for its luxury hotels, boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is a place where you can enjoy the sea to the full.

Transparent, turquoise water, power-white sand and tropical fish – Champagne Beach on the island of Espiritu Santo, part of Vanuatu, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The emerald-green rainforest stretches right down to the beach, providing some shade, while turtles will draw you under their spell in the bay. The beach owes its name to the gas bubbles that rise up out of the water at low tide, making the surface look like Champagne, while the golden white sand is also reminiscent of the sophisticated drink. A visit to Champagne Beach is like diving into a world full of natural beauty, tranquillity and tropical charm – the perfect place to leave everyday life behind.

Bramble Haven, an unspoilt atoll in the Louisiade Archipelago in south-east Papua New Guinea, offers unique natural scenery away from mass tourism. On the eastern end of an impressive chain of atolls, reefs and islands that stretch over 400 km (248 miles), Bramble Haven is made up of five main reefs surrounding a rectangular central lagoon. White beaches and transparent water makes it a great place for snorkelling and relaxing – a true paradise for nature lovers looking for unspoilt scenery.

Alotau, a charming town in Papua New Guinea, is cut off from the hustle and bustle of the world since it is only accessible by boat. Surrounded by tropical palm trees and lush vegetation, Alotau was appointed capital of the Milne Bay Province in 1968. On an independent stroll through the village, visitors can discover the traditional lifestyle of the friendly locals and immerse themselves in the culture of the region. One highlight is the Massim Museum, which has interesting exhibits on wood carving, canoe building, basket weaving and contemporary local art. Alotau offers an authentic experience of the culture and nature of Papua New Guinea.

One of the most beautiful towns in Papua New Guinea lies on a promontory on its north-east coast: Madang. Famous for its lush green gardens and volcanic landscapes, the town offers both impressive encounters with nature and cultural discoveries. About a hundred years ago, the German colonial authorities transformed the wetland area into the administrative centre of Friedrich-Wilhelmshafen. Traces of this time can still be seen in some of the street names and German architecture, such as the mission building and former trading posts. These days, Madang is a lively town with modern infrastructure, in contrast to the surrounding unspoilt natural scenery of the province – a fascinating mix of past and present.

Nestled among the densely forested hills of Iwayama Bay lies Koror, the busy economic centre of the island state of Palau. Like floating gardens, the lush green Rock Islands emerge from the azure blue ocean, creating an unparalleled backdrop. Jellyfish Lake is particularly impressive and a great place for snorkelling among the harmless jellyfish – a unique experience that is only possible in a few places in the world. On a walk through Koror, you will see the traditional artistic wood carvings everywhere you go. Admire them on the facades of buildings like the local museum or buy them as souvenirs from the little shops. Koror offers the perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural riches.

Tagbilaran, capital of Bohol, is a captivating place thanks to its proximity to the famous Chocolate Hills: a unique formation of 1,268 cone-shaped hills, which look chocolate-brown in the dry season. Picturesque landscapes like the Rajah Sikatuna National Park and the Mag Aso Falls are other natural attractions on the island. Spanish colonial buildings, including the San Pedro Apostol church, are testament to Bohol's cultural history, while the unspoilt beaches and coastlines are an inviting place to spend time relaxing.

Fine white sandy beaches, a turquoise-blue lagoon and dense jungle – Boracay is the most famous island in the Philippines and its enchanting scenery makes it a unique dream destination. Tourists are mainly attracted to the charming resorts of Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapak, but the true gem of the island is White Beach, which at almost 4km (2.5 miles) long offers endless space for relaxing. Boracay is also famous for the beguiling scent of ylang-ylang, the flowers of which are used to make essential oil of ylang-ylang. The island is a combination of idyllic natural scenery and exotic charm, making it a paradise for sun worshippers and nature lovers.