GUAM, SOUTH PACIFIC - This little dot in the Pacific might lack for size, but it more than makes up for it in fun and flavour.

You could be forgiven if your knowledge of Guam is limited to the fact that it’s a tiny U.S. Territory (just 212 square miles) and that it’s closer to Asia than North America.

That’s about all I knew, at first. But my taste buds were wooed by the lure of the island’s annual Maila Ta Fan Boka food festival, so I came, I tasted and I was conquered.

For a sense of what Guam has to offer, think turquoise waters, palm silhouettes and a contagious welcoming spirit and unhurried lifestyle where 35 m.p.h. is the standard speed limit and the Chamorro native greeting “Hafa Adai” is widely and warmly offered.

Above: Guam is a welcoming place for visitors.

Come, Lets Eat!

The Maila Ta Fan Boka (Come, Let’s Eat) festival is attended by foodie fans and showcases the island’s Asian and Spanish influences. Amateur and professional teams compete with three dishes — chicken, eggplant and banana. Favourite food: Eggplant in coconut milk flavoured with red peppers.

Outdoor BBQ

Ever wondered how to throw a fiesta? Ask the Munas. Entertaining is the passion of the family of Guam senator, Tina Muña Barnes. All that’s needed is an outdoor grill, loads of meat and some hardy appetites. And the generous invitation from the Muna’s family is not unusual — that’s just life on Guam. Favourite food: Chamorro barbecued ribs.

Chamorro Village

Start with a Spanish setting. Add an energetic crowd. Throw in live music, dancers (the cha-cha is a national obsession) and fresh food from local vendors and this gregarious gathering is a happening — every Wednesday night. Favourite food: Shrimp kélaguen made with fresh coconut and lemon juice.

Left: Rural life has changed little over the years. Right: The lovely natives of Guam are very welcoming.

Out and About

The best way to see Guam is by car. Head out on Marine Drive and just let the island take you under its spell. This is what you’ll see:

Lattes

As early as 500 A.D., the Chamorros built their houses on stone pillars called lattes. They’re symbols of Guam and the 80-foot-high Latte of Freedom is like the island’s Statue of Liberty, a tribute to its ancient heritage and an icon of welcome.

Asan Beach

On July 21, 1944, American troops landed on Asan to recapture the island from the Japanese. The beach has since come to represent Guam’s crucial role in World War II.

Above: The beaches of Guam are the best in the South Pacific.

Lina’la’ Chamorro Cultural Park

Highlights Guam’s rich cultural background and features a re-created 500-year-old Chamorro village, as well as animal encounters and zip-lining.

Two Lovers’ Point

According to legend, two young lovers, whose parents wouldn’t let them get married, jumped to their deaths from this 378-foot cliff. It’s a dazzling lookout spot over the Philippine Sea.

Memo to Lux Lovers

Guam is no stranger to five-star luxury. Tumon Bay, the island’s favourite ocean playground (canoeing, windsurfing, and legendary scuba diving around wrecks from both world wars), offers a full range of brand-name brilliance — Westin, Nikko, Outrigger and Marriott being just a small sampling.

• The aisle action includes some chic name-dropping — Gucci, Prada, Versace and more — all at DFS Galleria, an impressive gathering of high-end boutiques with the added attraction that Guam’s goods are duty free.

• The Leo Palace Golf Resort runs through the hills, valleys and wetlands of Maneggon Hills, with four 9-hole courses (two designed by Arnold Palmer and one by Jack Nicklaus). For a made-in-Guam treat, try the Mangilao Golf Club where the hilltop clubhouse provides a panoramic ocean view, and holes 12 and 13 demand daring tee shots across the Pacific.

• Spa Bali at the Holiday Resort Hotel is Guam’s only authentic Balinese Spa. Natural is the guiding principle with a special treat being the Island Paradise Massage, a hypnotic blend of Balinese and Lomi Lomi techniques.

Must Do's

• Visit McDonald’s (yes, you read that correctly) for a typical island breakfast of Portuguese sausage, rice and eggs.

• If you’re invited to a family barbecue, seize the opportunity.

• Enjoy an informal lunch at Jeff’s Pirate Cove, the only outdoor eatery on the Pacific (and you must try the cheeseburger specialty).

• Search for the best fests. Whether it’s the Mango Festival, Banana Festival, Burgerfest or Coconut Festival, plan your visit to include one of these events, typically sponsored by one of the island’s 19 villages and showcasing Guam’s welcoming nature.

• Dine at Hotel Nikko’s 16th floor Toh-Lee Chinese Restaurant; the view of Tumon Bay is unparalleled.