Ra'iatea and Taha'a are located between Huahine and Bora Bora - these twin islands are separated by a narrow channel and share a lagoon and are 220kms northwest of Tahiti. The airport is located on Ra'iatea and also services Taha'a with flights from Papeete, Mo'orea, Huahine and Bora Bora. Taha'a is only a 15 minute boat ride from the airport across the lagoon.. Ra'iatea is the centre for sailing in French Polynesia but is still rather uncommercialised . There are nice beaches on its motu (islets on the lagoon) and the lagoon is ideal for diving and outrigger canoeing ('pirogue') - enjoy a guided hike to Mt Temehani and also horse riding. Ra'iatea is also home to the most important 'marae' (traditional temple) Taputapuatea in French Polynesia. Taha'a ('the vanilla island') is the undiscovered 'jewel in the crown' and accessible only by water. Taha'a offers excellent sailing in its lagoon and has magnificent motu (islets on the lagoon) ideal for swimming and snorkelling - Taha'a is renowned for vanilla production and pearl farming. The nearby island of Bora Bora is visible from Taha'a and seems surprisingly close. There are deluxe resorts on Ra'iatea and Taha'a and a variety of moderately priced smaller properties.