Enclosed within the same barrier reef as Raiatea is the small island of Tahaa, located only two miles north of Uturoa, across the lagoon. the 4,000 residents live tranquil lives, fishing and raising livestock and produce that are sold in the markets of Uturoa and Papeete. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla Island, for its numerous plantations of this black gold. The rich and puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze as you drive around the 67 km (42 miles) coastal road, through small villages and up into the hills for panoramic views of the deeply indented bays all around the island. Several motu islets inside the coral reef provide ideal picnic destinations, with white sand beaches and pretty coral gardens for good snorkeling. Tahaa is slowly awakening to tourism, yet still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia.