Speaking about New Caledonia, the most common response has been, ‘I had no idea…it was so close/it was so affordable.’
It seems that despite it being just hours from our shores, New Caledonia isn’t necessarily on our radars as a holiday destination. That’s not to say it’s some sort of undiscovered paradise – it’s not undiscovered, rather, I’d say, overlooked.
It’s a country rich with heritage both of Kanak and French culture, and a melting pot of South East Asian ethnicities, which make it a fascinating place to spend a couple of days – or a couple of weeks.
One of the most striking features is the pristine landscape, be it a residential street, downtown shopping area or a secluded beach. Litter, pollution and disease are challenges that most island states face, simply because of geography. How do you get waste off an island? Setting aside that most of the country has a UNESCO world heritage listing – meaning its reefs, lagoons and marine wildlife are protected, New Caledonia offers a rare experience, seemingly free of these burdens.
After three-and-a-half hours on a plane, I was swimming with turtles in a crystal clear water lagoon. And this, simply, is why I think you should visit New Caledonia.
To have such wonderful culture and landscape so close to our doorstep is actually quite unique to this region of the world. A bastion of Europe in the Pacific – except it’s tropical. But we can live with that, no?
If you fancy luxury accommodation you can stay in overwater bungalows, or in a presidential penthouse where the likes of Nikolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni reside when in town.
Or you can stay in gitanes or home stay with islander people and ride a bike around your local village.
I discovered you can have it all in New Caledonia, which is why it’s time to take a closer look. You won’t be disappointed.
Photos: The lovely Jaharn from Mister Weekender, they simple wouldn’t have happened without her. Much love!
What I’m wearing:
Swimsuit: ASOS
Cape: Chasing Kate Blue Belle Cape from St Frock
If you are interested in knowing more about my quest to find the perfect swimsuits for this trip, you can read the blog post here.
Where to stay:
Le Méridien Nouméa
Point Magnin, BP1915, Nouméa
www.lemeridien.com
Château Royal Beach Resort and Spa
140 Pomenade Roger Laroque, BP 18716 98 807 Nouméa
Commercial1@chateau-royal.nc
www.complexechateauroyal.nc
Le Méridien Isle of Pines
Baie d’Oro, BP 175, Ile des Pins, 98832
lemeridien.iledespins@lemeridien.com
www.lemeridien.com
Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences
109 Promenade Roger Laroque, Noumea, Nouvelle-Calédonie
sales@glphotels.nc
www.glphotels.nc
Escapade Island Resort
Ilot Maitre, BP137-98847, Noumea
sales@glphotels.nc
www.glphotels.nc
Where to eat:
L’Astrolabe Restaurant
Baie des Citrons,
98800, Noumea
www.resto.nc/astrolabe
Le Roof Restaurant
134 Promenade Roger Laroque Anse Vata, 98800 Nouméa
Lady Melbourne travelled as a guest of New Caledonia Tourism and Air Calin.
11 comments
There’s something going on with your left arm in the main pic. It looks like someone eaten into it!!!! Just be you, you’re beautiful, no need to edit pics x
Please don’t apologize! Thank you for the information. Champagne and triple brie sound perfect. Have a great weekend x
Thanks doll, its a gorgeous place!
So sorry for the delay in reply! I stayed at all of the hotels mentioned above except Escapade Island Resort on Ilot Maitre. I only did a day trip there and all I could gleam by talking to the guests was that the food was really expensive! All other hotels were fantastic, breakfast was amazing at Chateau Royal, and you can rent self contained apartments at Hilton Noumea La Promenade which would be a really economical way of staying there. I went to a big supermarket(can’t remember the name but it was HUGE) and everything was imported from France. Cheese, small goods, groceries and all same prices as here because its tax free. Hello champagne and triple brie!
Hope that helps!
Oh it’s from ASOS but they’re sold out of that style! There are similar in this post I did about shopping for one piece swimsuits- http://www.ladymelbourne.com.au/2014/06/the-perfect-one-piece-swimsuit/
Otherwise I know that Seafolly had one similar from a few seasons back. Hope that helps!
By the way — was just showing your site to my colleague, and we reeeeeeeeally want to find out which swimsuit you’re wearing in this post. Is there a link to buy it?
Looks gorgeous and so do you. Now I want to go there. X Mimi
http://www.callmemimi.com
I’ve been to Samoa and Vanuatu, and have long been wanting to check out New Caledonia. Thanks for piquing my interest again!
Gorgeous photos 🙂
Sorry but I must have missed in the article which accommodation you stayed at while on the Island?
Ou la la!