{"id":34961,"date":"2014-10-15T11:51:28","date_gmt":"2014-10-15T11:51:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/blog\/?p=34961"},"modified":"2015-01-20T15:08:48","modified_gmt":"2015-01-20T05:08:48","slug":"we-need-to-talk-about-new-caledonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/we-need-to-talk-about-new-caledonia\/","title":{"rendered":"We need to talk about New Caledonia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australia, how is holidaying in New Caledonia<\/a> not “a thing\u201d?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/br><\/p>\n

I could try and entice you by telling you about the collection of tropical islands, surrounded by crystal clear, azure waters and the most pristine natural environment I\u2019ve ever seen. I could tell you that it\u2019s a French overseas territory that sells cheap champagne and makes oh-so-delightful pastries. And I could also tell you that it\u2019s a mere 2-3 hour flight<\/a> away from Sydney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Or, I could just show you this\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Sigh!\"<\/a>

Sigh!<\/p><\/div>\n
Takes your breath away, really.<\/p>\n

New Caledonia is a very special place and it\u2019s flying surprisingly low on the holiday radar of most Aussies. Admittedly, it\u2019s not your bargain basement destination – flights<\/a>, accommodation<\/a> and stuff to do on the islands including food and drink aren\u2019t cheap, like at all. But if you\u2019re looking for a tropical paradise that\u2019s on the Maldives<\/a> or Tahiti<\/a> scale of specialness then it\u2019s a good alternative, perfect for romantic getaways<\/a> or special occasions. And the blend of indigenous Kanak and French culture makes it a truly unique destination that can\u2019t be experienced anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n

Mr LML and I are lucky enough to explore the country and stay at three locations over seven days. Here\u2019s our experience in photos:<\/p>\n

1. Isles of Pines<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Hotel: Le Meridien Ile de Pins<\/a>
<\/br><\/p>\n\"IMG_6302\"<\/a>\n\"IMG_6325\"<\/a>\n\"IMG_6315\"<\/a>\n

\"IMG_6303\"<\/a>
\n\"IMG_6317\"<\/a><\/p>\n\"Ile<\/a>\n

2. Noumea<\/strong>
\n
Hotel: Le Meridien Noumea<\/a><\/p>\n\"IMG_6280\"<\/a>\n\"Noumea<\/a>\n

3. Bourail <\/strong>
\n
Hotel: Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n\"Sheraton<\/a>\n\"IMG_6217\"<\/a>\n\"Sheraton<\/a>\n\"IMG_6326\"<\/a>\n\"IMG_6211\"<\/a>\n\"IMG_6197\"<\/a>\n\"IMG_6230\"<\/a>\n

So, for your next luxe tropical vacay, I urge you to ditch Fiji, say sayonara to Phuket, and check-out of Bali, New Caledonia is where it\u2019s at.<\/p>\n

Do you want to go to New Caledonia? Tweet us at @lastminute_au to let us know!<\/strong><\/p>\n