Kid-friendly New Caledonia, cots etc

Hi,

I'm planning a 10-15 day trip mid-October to NC with wife, three year old daughter and 15 month year old son. Thinking of 2 bedroom apartment Casa de Sole, Noumea, then some kind of bungalow stay, maybe Isle de Pins or Loyalty Islands.

I'd be grateful for some advice ---

1. any general tips about kids, NC and an itinerary like the one I'm considering?

2. are travel cots likely to be available?

3. any recommendations of island bungalows with separate bedrooms so kids can be put to sleep?

many thanks, Y

10 days in Noumea and Isles Pines sounds great.The apartment in Casa Del sole is ideal.
On Isles of Pins, most cottages are thatched huts with one bedroom but there are 2 bed places. The best of the latter are the upmarket Oure Lodge, budget (but great location Gite Nataiwatch, and lower priced Chez Regis.

The first 2 (Oure and Nataiwatch ) are near the glorious Kuto/Kanumera beaches, whilst Regis is on the stream leading to the amazing Piscine.Id be happy with any of them.

many thanks Mandja --- do you happen to know about the risk of dengue fever during mid-October? Maybe I'm over-anxious but the thought of small children with dengue troubles me.

Y

Yes , Dengue is still a concern . Here is what the Australian Govt says (updated late June 2008) -

"Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever are frequent, especially during the warm wet months of February to May. It is strongly recommended you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent. Seek medical advice if you have a fever. For further information on dengue fever see the World Health Organization's factsheet"

I would suggest speaking to your doctor prior to booking tickets/accom. I presume that you can innopculate against Dengue, in which case you can then go...and enjoy.

thanks Mandja,

I believe there is no vaccination against dengue.

Having hunted around weather sites, I suspect October would be low risk --- the temperature is rising but the wet (and the mosquitos) do not arrive until December.

cheers and thanks, BL