Why I spent a week on a South Pacific island with my best friend’s husband

Why I spent a week on a South Pacific island with my best friend’s husband

Why I spent a week on a South Pacific island with my best friend’s husband

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/06/travel/niue-south-pacific-whales-friend-husband-ex

Publish Date: 2026-01-06 08:41:00

Source Domain: www.cnn.com

  • The author finds herself seeking solace and clarity at the age of 50 as societal divisions and the potential threat to her travel writing career come into focus.
  • Traveling solo to Niue, a remote South Pacific island renowned for its whale-watching and pristine marine environment, she embarks on a journey filled with reflection and rediscovery.
  • Accompanied unexpectedly by Jake, her ex’s best friend, she explores the island, engaging in activities ranging from snorkeling with whales to diving and exploring its unique ecosystem.
  • The trip, initially planned without a travel companion, becomes a profound exploration of friendship and the ease of shared experiences with someone who understands both her past and her present.
  • Through her interactions with the locals, especially the “Honeyman of Niue,” Andy Cory, she gains insight into the unique life on the island and the value of genuine connections.
  • The experience reinforces her belief that enduring friendships are the truest form of love, providing a meaningful counterpoint to her previous romantic relationships.