Boutique hotels in Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia spread four island states across the western Pacific, each with its own language and character. Tourism is small and dive-led, and hotels are modest, family-run and often built around a dive center. The draw is what lies beneath and around: a lagoon of sunken Japanese warships, reefs where manta rays gather, basalt ruins on artificial islets and mountains draped in forest.

Yap

Yap is one of the most traditional islands in the Pacific, where villagers still use giant stone discs as money and wear traditional dress. Manta rays are seen year-round in the channels, and the main town of Colonia has a few small hotels.

Chuuk

Chuuk Lagoon, formerly Truk, holds more than 60 Japanese ships and aircraft sunk in 1944, making it one of the world's greatest wreck-diving sites. Dive resorts on Weno are the base, and many divers choose liveaboards.

Pohnpei and Kosrae

Pohnpei has Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage city of basalt-built islets, waterfalls and some of the best surf in the region. Kosrae is a green, quiet island with a reef-ringed coast, mangrove kayaking and a few beach hotels.

Good to know

Facilities are basic and flights are limited. Expect simple rooms, check official travel advice, and book early. The drier months from December to April are most comfortable.