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Isle of Pines, or Ile des Pins in French, has a wide array of accommodations, from self-catering camp sites to 5-star resorts. Although a few 'snack' or small lunch stops can be found near the villages, the only restaurant options are found on-property at the various resorts.
Photograph by Courtney Ries
Hotel Kodjeue This two star property close to the airport is also home to the island's only dive shop, making it a natural place to crash for dive-happy travelers (note: other hotels will provide shuttles to the dive shop, should their guests decide to visit the reefs). The hotel and nearby shop opened 30 years ago, originally as a campground, then as a hotel.
Hotel Kodjeue is the largest property on the island, with 37 units, including family bungalows. Many units were recently renovated, with the rest expected to be finished in 2008. The spacious beachfront bungalows are one of the best values in New Caledonia and are excellent options for families. During high tide, guests can even fish directly from their porch.
Hotel Oure Lodge This other three-star property on the Isle of Pines is only a short distance away from Hotel Kou-bugny and is located on the serene Kanumera Bay, with the accompanying taboo rock. Snorkeling here is excellent, as is sunbathing on the sandbar near the rock at low tide. Although swimming and enjoying the waters is welcomed, please do not climb the rock.
The resort itself consists of 30 bungalows with large patio doors that open to the ocean or garden and hardwood floors. Guests can wander on sand-filled pathways around the resort or on dirt ones lined with dried brain coral. All rooms come with air conditioning and a porch with two full-body lounge chairs.
Photograph by Courtney Ries
Hotel Kou-bugny Recently renovated, the highlight of this resort is its location on Kuto Bay – the longest beach on the Isle of Pines and its most popular, with sugar white sand beaches and the turquoise water tourists like to write home about.
This three-star property offers standard rooms with tasteful, modern decorations. Rooms downstairs have a small seating area out front a small garden in the back. One comes with a Jacuzzi and another offers a sauna. These two rooms can be connected if booked by the same party.
Hotel Kou-bugny also has a selection of lofted bungalows that sleep up to six people, making them great for families. Across the small road, guests will find the beautiful beach as well as the large open air dining area and deck.
Le Meridien Opened in 1998, Le Meridien Isle of Pines integrates local culture and design with a large, open air, thatched reception and dining facility. The cream of the crop on the Isle of Pines, this five-star hotel offers deluxe rooms, bungalow suites and panoramic bungalows to its (mostly adult) guests. It is also home to the only spa on the island.
The deluxe rooms are hotel-style with ample room. Each one is 45 square meters with a balcony and view of the pool or ocean.
The bungalow suites and panoramic bungalows increase in size and offer sitting vanities, a separate television area and large closets, along with views ranging from the lagoon to the flowing tributaries.
The food at Le Meridien is possibly the best on the island – pick freshly prepared meat directly from the grill or order a seafood specialty from the chef. Fresh tuna with a hint of curry and the accompanying seafood risotto is fantastic, as are the beer and milk-dipped prawns. For dessert, try the coconut sorbet in a dark chocolate shell.
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