Here’s the secret: the ultimate luxury in New Caledonia is its pristine, untouched natural environment that has escaped mass tourism for decades. It may not have a whole shoreline of luxury resorts, but it has a few excellent accommodations that offer a comfortable base for a relaxed, rejuvenating and romantic stay. A vacation here truly takes you away from the maddening crowds of revenge travellers, and allows you to uncover an unknown Pacific island full of treasures.
This journey outline is by no means fixed. As the traveller takes centre stage in our planning – from the type of lodging to daily activities – your journey will be crafted to suit you.
Day by Day Highlights
Days 1-3 Noumea and Blue River Park
Arrive in Noumea and spend your first two days there: visit the lively local market, beach promenade and the many view points around the city for an elevated look at the capital and surrounded by blue sea and green hills. Take a boat trip out to Amedee Island with its iconic lighthouse and learn about its historical importance in navigation in the Pacific Ocean. Explore Blue River Park, in the South part of the main island on a day trip from Noumea. Kayak amidst sunken trees, and go mountain biking or hiking on quiet trails.
Stay in DoubleTree Hilton’s over-water bungalows if direct access to water is what you are looking for. Chateaux Royale, which has one of the world’s only seven aquatonic pools, or Le Meridien Noumea are excellent choices a stone’s throw from Noumea’s city centre, restaurants and nightlife.
Days 4-6 Bourail
Venture to the West Coast of New Caledonia to experience the island’s great outdoors on foot, on wheels, on horseback, from the air or from the water. Bourail has many untouched natural areas like the Deva natural reserve, Poe Beach and Turtle Bay. Explore these parks on foot, by bike or on horseback. Take a scenic flight over the dreamy coast of Bourail and sight the amazing lagoon corals, observe turtles, dugongs, and mantarays on the surface of the lagoon. If you love being in water, there’s no better place to go out on a glass bottom boat and to snorkel. Spend hours in the pristine waters observing marine wildlife.
Stay in Sheraton Deva Spa and Resort, the premier resort on the West Coast. There is a superb golf course you will have largely to yourself if you are golfers.
Days 7-8 Isle of Pines or Lifu
A short domestic flight takes you to one of New Caledonia’s outlying islands. Spend two days and a night exploring island life, which can include visits to vanilla or coconut plantations, water-based activities such as an outrigger tour, diving, snorkeling, boating, and swimming in secret coves.
Stay in the small and stunning Le Meridien on Isle of Pines, or the newly opened Intercontinental Resort on Lifu Island.
Noumea, Blue River Park, Bourail, Isle of Pines, Lifu
Recommended months to travel
All year round
Level of difficulty
Easy
Indicative price
From USD3000/pax (based on 2 pax travelling)
This journey outline is by no means conclusive. It is just a guideline and can be tailored according to your comfort level, interests and preferences for every detail from accommodation to activities.
