Ile Des Pins

My husband and I are thinking of travelling to Ile Des Pins for our 20th Anniversary in April. Have been recommended Le Meridien (by people who haven't actually been there). We want something special to commemorate the event. Is this actually the best or just the most expensive (as they are not always the same thing)? Is 4 nights, plus one night either side in Noumea enough? Where do we stay in Noumea? Will my almost hperactive husband be bored? we are scuba divers/snorkellers, but would proably only dive once while there. And how is the climate that time of year?
Any advice would be most appreciated.

Le Meridien is probably the best!

Great landscaping, fantastic beach, close to the island's prime beauty spot at Oro Bay...

I would suggest at least 2 nights in Noumea at the beginnning or end of the trip, to give you a full day to see the city.
Two full days could be better still.

Your hubby might actually get a bit bored on the island (though hopefully not in 4 days, there is hiking, etc.) but less likely so in busy Noumea.

Climate.... how I wish ours was like that...

Thanks Laszlo
Some good advice there - and sounds like Le Meridien is the place to go.
I wasn't aware that Noumea was a place to spend much time - will rethink how much time we spend there.

We enjoyed Noumea as well and would suggest a couple of days there. We found the city easy to get around and enjoyed visiting the market(check out the great carvings in the park nearby), Place des Cocotiers, St. Joesph's Church and the many stores. We enjoyed great views from Ouen Toro at Anse Vata and a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Center was a highlight! Ile des Pins was amazing - make sure to swim at the natural pool( la piscine) - great snorkeling! A hike up Pic'n Ga will also reward you with great views. English is not as common here as in Noumea so having a bit of French will help you enjoy your stay even more. Hope this helps.

Le Meridien in Isle des Pins is beautiful. Another place to consider is Oure Lodge, little bungalows in a stunning setting overlooking le Baie de Kanumera (which is also great for snorkelling).

A day out that my husband describes as the "ultimate Isle of Pines day" is taking a pirogue (outrigger canoe) trip from Baie de St Joseph to the Baie D'Upi. Then walking through the forest and wading through the stream to get to Baie d'Oro where the piscine naturelle is. After the amazing snorkelling there having lunch (you must reserve and pre-order your lunch first) at Le Kougny restaurant which is next to Le Meridian on wooden tables overlooking a spectacular bay with your feet in the sand. (Tip: order the Langouste grillee (grilled lobster) it's delectable).

Relais Kodjeue organises dives. You can actually dive into an underwater cave (recommended you do this with a tour/excursion) on Isle des Pins.

For your 4 days on Isle des Pins I would recommend the following (taking into account your almost hyperactive hubby):
1 day doing the "ultimate Isle of Pines day"
1 day doing a round trip of the island which may include your cave dive
1 day on Kuto beach and Kanumera Beach (they're across from each other)
1 day diving with an excursion with Relais Kodjeue

On Noumea itself for something truly beautiful for a 20th wedding anniversary you have several alternatives: Le Meridien at Pointe Magnin, the Coral Palms Island Resort on Ilot Maitre (which can be seen from Anse Vata beach - very close) which has overwater bungalows or Kuendu Beach resort which also has overwater bungalows which is at Nouville. The number 1 bus goes into the centre of town from Le Meridien and the number 13 bus goes from Kuendu Beach resort into town. Shuttles are apparently available from the Coral Palms Island resort and there's always the water taxi.

Honestly, I would stay in Noumea at least a week. There is SO much to do and I guarantee your husband wouldn't get bored. You could do one day at Amedee Island (the lighthouse island) which is over an hour from Noumea by boat (the Mary D). There you can go diving (the diving off there apparently is magnificent), snorkelling, glassbottom boating, climb the lighthouse, watch a polynesian dance show, enjoy an island feast or just swim in the waters surrounding the island. It is actually a protected marine reserve around the island.

One day to explore the centre of Noumea (there are some lovely boutiques across from la Place des Cocotiers and in Rue De L'Alma). The Markets on a Saturday are also worth checking out. Even though it's very touristy, the little Train is a good way to explore the centre of Noumea and its surrounds. (NB: it picks up from Le Meridien). The Parc Forrestier is also worth a visit. If the Aquarium is up and running when you get there, it would be worth investigating as well. A day at Baie des Citrons is also marvellous.

The climate at that time of year will be warmish without being hot. Around 25 degrees. You will be out of wet season so the weather should be lovely.

Good luck and congratulations.

Thanks all - great info - am really getting excited about this now! Wasn't too sure initially but is sounding more fantastic by the minute!
As we only have one week (don't want to leave our teenagers at home too long!) we may have to cram Noumea into 2 nights and do an abridged visit. I briefly visited Noumea on a cruise years ago and do remember there was some shopping to be done, but seem to remember black sand beaches. Perhaps that was just around the shipping port? Or perhaps my memories are jaded.
Unless there is anyone here who has a reason why these two people should not be united in New Caledonia for the anniversary of 20 years of wedded bliss(?), please speak now or forever hold your peace - because we are going to go ahead and book this tonight:

1st night Noumea
2nd-5th nights Ile des Pins, Le Meridien
6th-7th nights Noumea - probably Le Meridien

or if we cut Noumea to only one night at the end (because our kids will be running around at home like ferals by then) would we be sorry? Sounds like it from what you have said.

m

Noumea's beaches, notably Anse Vata, are certainly not black.
That said, those on the Isle of Pines are certainly whiter, and beaches should not be the main reason to spend time in Noumea.
As before, I would recommend spending a full day in Noumea, as in your planned itinerary.
#3 & 4 give good ideas on what to see/do there.

I also listed tips/sights/thoughts here.

You may be sorry spending only 1 night in Noumea but there are always specials going to there (like at the moment I have seen advertised a 2 for the price of 1 special) so it's always a great excuse to return!

Yep i think now that you are right so we will spend 2 nights. And yes there are specials happening - in fact Le Meridien on Ile des Pins is offering stay 3 get 4th free, which is why we are staying the 4th night!
All settled, will make a full report on return!
M

Le Meridien Isle of Pines is easily the best hotel in New Caledonia - better even than the Meridien in Noumea. That said, it is picey and Oure Lodge on the other side of the island is also nice . The Meridien is close to the stunning Piscine - natural pool. A place youll visit a number of times. Its in a stunning location teeiming with tropical fish. The beaches on Isle of Pines are nicer near Oure, but the whole island is only 6km across.

Noumea is worth visting a few days as well, especially as Isle of Pines is quiet. If going for beaches, diving etc then the IDP is the place to go. Noumea is the place for French culture, cafes , casinos, etc.

Connecting the 2 gives 2 choices - 2 1/2 hr ferry (Betico) or 20 min flight from Magenta airport (NOT same as international airport)