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.
