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If any of the islands in New Caledonia are archetypically "South Pacific", the Isle of Pines is it. A low lying island, scarcely populated, blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches along its coast and a shimmering turquoise lagoon offshore, and a myriad of tiny coral islands dotted around an extended coral reef. The only thing unusual here is that instead of swaying coconut trees, you have towering pine trees, hence the islands name. With its beautiful beaches and being easily accessible, from Noumea the Isle of Pines has become the face of New Caledonia tourism., although still it is yet to become overly commercialised with just a handful of resorts around the island. It doesn't really matter where you stay as the island is small - it takes under an hour to travel around by car and all sights are easily accessible with car hire, which is the only way to get around unless you're prepared to hitchhike.
The most populated region is the south coast with a couple of large coastal villages and the twin bays of Kuto and Kanumera which boast beautiful beaches and the islands passenger ferry wharf. However, there are no towns, and only the main village of Vao has a bank and small supermarket so it is best bring everything you need with you from Noumea. One of the most popular tours on the island is a day cruise by motorised outrigger canoe to visit the uninhabited islands and to snorkel amongst beautiful coral reefs.
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Hotel Oure, South Coast, Isle of Pines
Euro € 256 - 406 per couple
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Hotel Oure is one of the nicest boutique beach resorts in New Caledonia. Located on a beautiful fine white sand beach fronting Kanumera Bay on the south side of Isle of Pines, Hotel Oure offers 25 bungalows with exquisite interiors, an excellent restaurant and small swimming pool.
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The west coast has great diving and is more secluded and there are several collections of offshore islands to explore by kayak along the north coast.
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Hotel Kodjeue, West Coast, Isle of Pines
Euro € 137 - 271 per couple
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Hotel Kodjeue is the most affordable hotel on the Isle of Pines offering spacious garden bungalows and absolute beachfront villas on the quiet east coast of the island making this a great choice for a budget beach holiday. There’s a small swimming pool and basic hotel amenities including restaurant and boutique shop.
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The east coast has no villages and is virtually cut off except for a road leading down to Ora Bay where you'll find two accommodations and islands most visited scenic attraction: The Natural Swimming Pool and River of Sands. Here you can walk along a meandering lagoon river amongst towering pine trees, sunbathe on the blinding white sandy riverbanks and snorkel amongst colourful reef fish in a deep natural pool.
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Le Meridien, East Coast, Isle of Pines
Euro € 520 - 721 per couple
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Le Meridien is a luxury five star hotel on the secluded east coast, walking distance to the stunning Natural Swimming Pool, the most popular attraction on the Isle of Pines. With just 39 rooms and bungalows, this boutique style resort offers exceptional service tropical environment straddling a beachfront tidal estuary.
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Chez Regis, East Coast, Isle of Pines
Euro € 110 per couple
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Chez Regis is a charming locally owned guesthouse on the secluded lagoon edge of Oro Bay, access point to the stunning environment of the Natural Swimming Pool. With just four bungalow rooms and a lovely restaurant overlooking the lagoon, this popular spot often gets booked out in advance.
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