Le Meridien One of two Le Meridien properties in New Caledonia (the other one can be found on the Isle of Pines), Le Meridien Noumea is located smack dab on the popular Anse Vata beach. The six-story building features four places to dine, two bars, and a spectacular ocean view. On Wednesday night, a Melanesian dance troupe performs in Le Sextant at 8 p.m.
The grounds at Le Meridien are wonderfully landscaped and include a small 'jungle trail'. Walk along it on your way to the freshwater pool and take a look at the large koi fish gliding below the surface.
The pool itself extends nearly to the edge of the beach, so sun-worshippers can hop back and forth as they please. Non-guests of the hotel can pay to relax in a lounge chair (1500CPF on weekdays, 2000CPF on weekends) but guests do not have to pay anything extra for a large beach towel, padded lounge chair and large canvas umbrella.
Amenities at the hotel include a small wedding boutique that also arranges ceremonies on the grounds, the Wellness spa, free in-room wireless internet and nightly turn down service (don't be surprised when you come back from dinner and discover that the television is on!). Road-weary travelers will enjoy the thoughtful in-room extras, from long terrycloth bathrobes and slippers to a full line of extra-large aromatic bath products.
The Ramada Plaza With two tall towers dominating the Anse Vata landscape, it's hard to miss the Ramada Plaza in Noumea. Positioned a short 5 block-walk from the beach, the Ramada Plaza is away from the heavy motor traffic that runs along the water's edge.
Rooms in the Ramanda Plaza are spacious, from standard rooms to executive suites. Most offer wonderful views of the ocean or the nearby horse race track with lush, green grass and a beautiful interior pond. Lucky guests will be able to watch the races right from their rooms every third Sunday, although you'll have to go to the track to place any bets.
Guests of the Ramada Plaza can relax at the private pool or be active and participate in the water aerobics that are offered free of charge twice a day, Monday-Friday. There is also a souvenir shop and wellness center at the bottom of the complex, along with the casual restaurant, L'Oasis.
The Ramada Plaza is also home to the revolving restaurant 360 degrees, featuring seafood-heavy fare and amazing views over the city and the ocean. Take your time to enjoy your meal – a full rotation takes around 2 hours.
Coral Palms Island Resort Home to New Caledonia's only overwater bungalows, Coral Palms is located on a small island a half-hour gentle boat ride from Noumea's city port. Guests receive the popular orange juice and grenadine drink upon arrival before being shown to one of 40 beach bungalows or 25 overwater bungalows.
Travelers staying in the overwater bungalows can relax on their own private lounge chairs off the back deck and climb directly down into the water if they get too hot. Those in beach bungalows can open up the sliding glass doors and feel the cool ocean breezes while they relax in a patio chair.
Active options around Coral Palms Resort include opportunities to snorkel, play volleyball, paddle a canoe, SCUBA dive or jet ski.
Nouvata Park Hotel Nouvata Park Hotel is actually a series of three hotels directly across from the popular Anse Vata beach, including the two-star Le Pacifique, three-star Nouvata wing and four-star Park Tower.
Every guest checks in at the new central reception desk before being shown his or her room. All of the hotels share a large pool and series of restaurants and shops. The premier dining area underwent an extensive renovation in late 2007.
Best Western La Promenade The most recent addition to Noumea's top-end hotel scene, La Promenade opened in late 2007 with 160 self-catering apartments and a high-quality restaurant to match.
Guests should not let the fear of self-catering apartments scare them – this is a top rate hotel that just so happens to allow you to cook, should you want it. With varied room categories from studio to three bedroom and a great location right near Anse Vata beach, the Best Western is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to try their own hands at preparing a mouth-watering New Caledonian French seafood dish.
All apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, free internet, refrigerator, ironing board, and daily maid service.
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