Say Bonjour to Adventure, Luxury & Beyond in New Caledonia!

3 nights, 7 agents and a whole lot of fun.

Rich in history, culture and natural beauty, New Caledonia is a place to be uncovered. Exquisite cuisine, evocative art, epic water sports and lush landscape adventures are just the beginning on this bountiful island. To enhance their knowledge of this destination even further, we sent 7 My New Caledonia Holiday Experts on the adventure of a lifetime. They tried and tested 9 of our resorts, a bunch of exclusive activities and first-rate restaurants to ensure our customers experience only the best on their trip to New Caledonia. Read on to discover their findings!

Fran

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? Visiting L’Escapade Island Resort was hands down my favourite thing to do.  The turtles there are majestic!

What was your favourite view? Le Meridien Noumea flaunts imposing vistas of the still, turquoise lagoon below.

What was your favourite resort & why?  In addition to the glorious lagoon (brilliant for swimming), the awesome location and cuisine offered at Le Meridien Noumea made it my top resort!

What surprised you about New Caledonia? How exquisite the food was and how developed the country is due to the French colonisation.

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? I loved the dishes at Sheraton Deva Resort. The cuisine highlighted local ingredients and the region’s diverse cooking traditions. The French delicacies such as breads, pastries, cheese and wine are also exceptional.

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? The whole place in general however the main thing would be the glistening blue water…it was so captivating.

Any last words? The people are so friendly and the activities are endless!

TOP TIP: Make sure to pack mosquito repellent as you’ll be surrounded by elaborate greenery and tropical air.

Kylie

What was your favourite view? Like Fran, I couldn’t believe the vistas from my Ocean View Room at Le Meridien Noumea. Waking up to that felt like a dream.

What was your favourite resort & why? Sheraton Deva Resort for its epic golf course, view over the aquamarine water, on-site day spa and direct beach access!

What surprised you about New Caledonia? That there was so much to do! Countless places to eat out, go dancing and more!

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? Definitely the fresh seafood wherever you go – it’s so delicious.

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? The short flight makes it ideal for an easy getaway, although you feel a world away with such a diverse cultural exchange to relish.

Any last words? The people are so welcoming and the water is literally picture-perfect!

TOP TIP: Pack your hiking shoes – there are some great places to check out.

Nikita

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? It would have to be going to the beaches – they are stunning and very accessible.

What was your favourite view? The views from Hilton Noumea’s rooms were spectacular and can be enjoyed from the privacy of your own balcony.

What was your favourite resort & why? Le Meridian Noumea truly lives up to the hype. The direct access to Anse Vata Beach and proximity to the city centre is wonderful.

What surprised you about New Caledonia? How different it was from the rest of the South Pacific and how well developed it is. There is a brilliant blend of the traditional and the contemporary.

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? The French pastry. Need I say more?

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? I couldn’t get enough of the stunning beaches. I’d love to go back and spend a few days on each!

TOP TIP: Be sure to pack beach gear as well as workout clothes. There is a myriad of places to swim and various hikes to try.

Natasha

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? Visiting L’Escapade Island Resort was a definite highlight for me – the snorkeling, beach and turtles were spectacular.

What was your favourite view? Looking out over the stunning Anse Vata Beach and bustling promenade at Hilton Noumea was a treat, especially as the sun set!

What surprised you about New Caledonia? Like the others, I was also pleased to learn just how genuine and warm the locals were towards our team.

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? The freshly made baguettes alone are enough to lure me back!

Any last words? The fact that this country sits so close to Australia yet allows such a unique experience is amazing. The island has everything required for the perfect holiday.

TOP TIP: Take an adapter for your electrical items. However, if you forget the resorts will usually provide one.

Dani

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? Eating the delicious French cuisine was an unparalleled experience – nothing like what you find in Australia.

What was your favourite view? Chateau Royal Resort directly faces the crystal-clear lagoons of Noumea, gifting guests with mesmerising vistas at all times!

What was your favourite resort & why? Hotel Le Lagon boasts direct access to Anse Vata Beach, the local markets and a myriad of awesome dining options, making it one of my favourite resorts.

What surprised you about New Caledonia? The way all the locals made a point of ensuring eye contact and always greeting you with a warm “Bonjour”. I felt very welcomed!

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? The elaborate, scrumptious seafood buffet at Nouvata Hotel – it was so fresh!

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? The 2-hour flight was quick, easy and included full meals and entertainment, making the trip to New Caledonia all the more worthwhile.

TOP TIP: Download the Aircalin app to watch entertainment onboard the plane.

Mikaela

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? Sip French wine and indulge on the amazing cheese!

What was your favourite view? The rolling hills of the West Coast’s cowboy country on the way to Sheraton Deva Resort was spectacular.

What was your favourite resort & why?  I loved viewing the sprawling pool enclosed by tropical gardens at Ramada Noumea Hotel!

What surprised you about New Caledonia? Just how clear the water was – so ideal for swimming, snorkeling and any other water sport.

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? The duck dish at Chateau Royal was to-die-for.

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? The overwater bungalows at L’Escapade and the chance to swim with turtles again!

TOP TIP: Pack a few pairs of swimmers as the water is extremely tempting and nobody likes putting on wet swimmers!

Sarah

What was your favourite thing to do in New Caledonia & why? Relaxing by the beach or lounging around the incredible lagoon-style pools.

What was your favourite view? Gazing over the promenade and stunning beach from the private furnished terrace at Hilton Noumea.

What was your favourite resort & why? It’s too hard to pick just one however the overwater bungalows at Sheraton Deva Resort introduce a new level of luxury.

What surprised you about New Caledonia? It was the perfect mix of Pacific Island living and French influence, making it a destination that gives you the best of both worlds.

Your favourite food or restaurant in New Caledonia? Like Dani, I couldn’t get enough of all the fresh seafood!

What would make you go back to New Caledonia? I would love to go back and explore more of Noumea and Isle of Pines – there is so much more to experience than I first expected.

TOP TIP: Make sure to lather on the sunscreen. While the tropical weather makes for a fun and relaxing holiday, sunburn does not!

Discover New Caledonia for yourself. Contact our New Caledonia Holiday Experts today!