The South Sea Islands have always been portrayed as havens of exotic beauty - paradise on earth. During a wide-ranging search for the traditions of Polynesia, yachtswoman Naomi James soon discovers that paradise is under threat. Today the last remaining Pacific monarchy of Tonga, the hibiscus-strewn villages of Samoa, the carefree life of Tahiti and the clear and teeming waters of Bora Bora are enviromentally, politically and racially some of the most unsettled parts of the world. On this very personal journey Naomi re-examines her own preconceptions and prejudices as she comes to terms with what has happened since the arrival of 18th-century Europe on these exotic shores.