A panoramic of Raimiti's grounds

Looking back at the huts along South Pass, Fakarava

Our home at Raimiti. The bungalow with our bed is on the left, and the bathroom on the right. The bungalows face the lagoon side and are nestled amongst the palm tree grove that extends all the way to the ocean side of the motu. Since there was no electricity, we relied on oil lamps and solar powered lamps to see during the night time. The night sky revealed a galaxy that remains hidden for most of us in the Northern hemisphere. An unreal light show.

Sunset during our first night at Raimiti.

On our first night at Raimiti, we were treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever witnessed. It's almost painful looking back at these pictures, because all I want to do is hop on the next plane and make the very long journey back to paradise.

Fire in the sky. This was the sunset from our first night at Raimiti. Most of the other nights, the clouds had built up in the West so much that the sunset was much more muted.

Raimiti's lagoon side. Each of the four bungalows have several lounge chairs where you can rest in between your swims in the lagoon. The waters are dotted with coral reefs, many small fish, and the occasional black tip reef shark. A great spot for snorkeling, relaxing, and watching the day go by.

"It's always better when we're together" - Jack Johnson Us on the ocean side. The pink reef in the distance serves as the break for the waves. The spillover from the waves fills up the area where we're standing, and the sun heats the water to very warm temperatures. It's almost like standing in a foot sauna.

A true South Pacific paradise - Pension Raimiti. Completely off the grid from all forms of civilization. There are no roads. There is no boat trafiic. There is no air traffic. And there are no people that live on the motu (small island) other than the pension owners. Hard to imagine such a place still exists in such a complicated, technology driven world.

A 5 minute walk along the Raimiti lagoon side brought me to this point. The pathway is built on coral that feels very similar to the lava that on the Big Island. Reef shoes are a must have to ensure good traction and no cuts from the sharp coral.

An old, unused, but incredibly beautiful Catholic church in Tetamanu Village. The church is open and can be visited by anyone who can find their way to the South Pass.

The amazing coral gardens of the South Pass. These gardens are far and away the healthiest coral I've seen.

"Walk me out by the waters edge" - Pete Yorn The southern village of Tetamanu, found next to the South Pass of Fakarava. Ocean water enters Fakarava's lagoon via either the north or south pass. Each pass offers incredible underwater diving or snorkeling. The coral and fish are healthy, colorful and protected by the UNESCO biosphere designation.

Another perspective of my favorite palm tree at Hirifa Beach.

A single palm tree extending towards the lagoon. This palm provided the perfect sitting spot for some of our afternoon.

Mindbending Palm trees. We did at times feel as though we were part of something very different.

While on our way towards the South Pass, this European couple stopped us and asked how to get to the Pink Sands. Junior suggested they follow us and then directed them in an opposite direction once we drew closer to the motu. Here there are headed towards their own island paradise.

A picture of us with Skeleton Island in the background. The reason for the name is that this island used to serve as the burial ground for the once busy village of Tetamanu.

"It's clear to me, you're like the oceans and the light" - Pete Yorn One of my favorite experiences was kayaking with Oneea thru the lucid waters of Fakarava's lagoon. Our trip felt like an adventure straight out of National Geographic Adventure magazine. Fish jumping, birds soaring, clouds drifting, us paddling.

Palm shadow cast over the lagoon with a few lonely coconuts as our only company along the beach. I didn't think beaches like this existed in this day and age!