New Caledonia
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Discovering New Caledonia: A Hidden Gem in the Pacific
In 2024, I was invited to visit New Caledonia. Honestly, I didn’t even know where it was back then. Now, of course, I know it’s just a 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane, located northeast of Australia.
The email inviting me arrived on March 13, with the departure set for April 29 - only six weeks to prepare! Since my passport isn’t Australian, those weeks were stressful as I scrambled to get a visa. After multiple trips to the visa office and thinking it wouldn’t be ready in time, I finally received it just a week before departure. The trip was on!
Our group met at Melbourne Airport and took a four-hour flight to Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia. We arrived late at night, and though it was dark, the warm, tropical air hinted at the beauty around us. The weather during our trip was perfect - sunny and mild, ideal for swimming every day, even in April and May, which is considered the shoulder season.
Local drivers picked us up in a private van and drove us to Bourail, where we stayed at the Sheraton Deva Resort & Spa. The resort is nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling sea. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, providing a perfect retreat after our travels.
The next day, we explored the resort and its surroundings. There’s so much to do - an 18-hole golf course with the final hole overlooking the ocean, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and even marine exploration on a glass-bottom boat. We were lucky to see many turtles and vibrant corals. Lunch at a beachside restaurant was a feast, with portion sizes that left us all amazed - some of us ordered entrees that were the size of full meals, with more to come!
Later, our lovely local drivers took us back to Nouméa, with a stop at a charming natural oils shop along the way. I picked up a few bottles of coconut oil - the best I’ve ever used, with a scent that genuinely reminded me of coconut cookies.
The following morning, we visited a central market where I found local vanilla, some of the best in the world. Fortunately, they label it correctly, so I could bring a few packs back to Australia as souvenirs. Afterward, we took a private shuttle boat provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton to Ilot Maître. The island looked like a dream, and we couldn’t wait to dive into the crystal-clear water. After a buffet lunch, we geared up for snorkeling. I even managed to stand on a stand-up paddleboard for the first time without falling! Not only had I never seen turtles in the wild before, but I also couldn't imagine that I would actually be swimming with them!
The next day, we took a short flight to the Isle of Pines, a small island just half an hour from the capital. The water was the turquoise blue you see in Instagram photos and desktop wallpapers. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Méridien Hotel, where they serve a unique type of local snails - the same ones featured on The Morning Show episode about New Caledonia.
And of course, we couldn’t miss another chance to swim. We visited a natural pool for the best snorkeling of my life. The variety of fish, corals, and sea creatures was astounding - I was the last one out of the water, reluctant to leave such a stunning underwater world.
We spent our final night at the Château Royal Beach Resort & Spa, relaxing in the extensive spa complex and savoring fresh local food. I can’t wait to return to New Caledonia and explore even more of this incredible place!
A Few Facts About New Caledonia:
There are no land predators, so hiking anywhere on the island is safe.
Colleagues who visited New Caledonia by cruise all agreed that flying in offers a much richer experience. A cruise gives you just a glimpse of this beautiful destination.
The locals are friendly and kind, with good healthcare and no signs of poverty. It’s a safe destination with no beggars or thieves.
While English isn’t widely spoken outside of hotels, knowing a few French phrases or having a translation app can be helpful.
New Caledonia prioritizes ecology and sustainability, so many hotels don’t provide disposable items like slippers, cotton swabs, or toothbrushes.