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New Caledonia is part of an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, about two hours by plane from Australia and very close to the line of Tropic of Capricorn. Much of its coasts are surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world, following the Great Barrier Reef. In its less than 20,000 square kilometers of mainland, this island offers an exquisite geography of various landscapes that includes forests, plains, rivers with waterfalls and large lagoons. One of them, with an area of 24,000 square kilometers, is considered the world’s largest lagoon and has been declared a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.
New Caledonia is part of an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, about two hours by plane from Australia and very close to the line of Tropic of Capricorn.
The thousand-year-old local culture remains alive among its inhabitants, the Kanak. The population is made up of several ethnic groups from different parts of Polynesia, Asia and Indochina and, of course, Europe. Maybe, this is the secret to its exquisite cuisine. It is a mixture of flavors of France with ethnic touches that give it its particular charm. The favorite dish of the island is the “bougna”, consisting of yams, taro, sweet potatoes and pumpkins soaked in coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves that are then steamed between stones heated in a fireplace.
New Caledonia’s beaches are of fine white sand and the turquoise sea is a paradise to forget about everything and relax fully (File)
Amazing and intense activities
A wide range of complementary services awaits you on the islands: fishing trips, flights in ultralight airplanes or helicopters, sailing to spot whales, diving in the amazing coral reefs, snorkeling in the crystal lagoons, kayak trips, all can be done in New Caledonia, which also has four excellent international golf courses. And, if you want to discover incredible landscapes, there are proposals for trekking and horseback riding to its wooded hillsides and those of its islands.
Dream accommodations
Among the excellent hotels in New Caledonia, the Le Méridien Ile des Pins, located in the middle of a pine forest and designated as a World Heritage site, stands out. It is part of Oro Bay beach.
In the capital of the islands, Noumea, you have the option of Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa, perhaps the most requested accommodation due to its exclusive service. And in the cliffs of La Roche Percée you will find the luxurious Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, with an 18-hole golf course and traditional Melanesian design.
The Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, located on the Noumea beach and a few meters from the neighboring beach of Anse Vata, is ideal for families with amenities and entertainment for children. ■
