Niue

The islanders call it 'the Rock', its name means 'Behold the Coconut', Captain Cook got it utterly wrong and dubbed it Savage Island - and we call it Niue (pronounced 'new-ay'), one of the Pacific's smallest, friendliest and most unassuming nations.

This laid-back spot offers peerless diving in clear seas, though the waters are shared with scores of striped sea snakes (but don't worry, they're mostly harmless). The rocky island is riddled with fabulous caves and dramatic coastal walks.