A few weeks ago, my sister Julia, Kaydes, and I had an incredible stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nouméa Îlot Maître Resort. Located on a small island just off the coast of Nouméa, New Caledonia, the resort is a true tropical paradise. Surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, it’s a place where time slows down. With only 25 overwater bungalows available, we felt incredibly lucky to have booked one. I was thrilled to discover that the resort was just as breathtaking as I had imagined!
Travelling with my daughter, I always seek experiences that are both exciting and enriching for her. As an early birthday treat for myself, I wanted a short break that would recharge me and Julia while creating unforgettable memories for Kaydes. The fact that this slice of paradise is just a two-hour flight from New Zealand and Australia was an absolute bonus!
King Deluxe Overwater Bungalow 🛖
After a quick check-in at the reception, we eagerly headed to our bungalow, #160. We couldn’t resist pausing every few steps along the boardwalk to marvel at the crystal-clear water beneath us—50 shades of turquoise, each more stunning than the last! Our happiness was palpable as we took in the gorgeous surroundings.
When I opened the door to our bungalow, I squealed with delight. The interiors were beautifully furnished, and the large windows showcased stunning views. The open-plan living area had ample seating, a mini-fridge, Wi-Fi, and a 55″ TV—perfect for streaming Ms. Rachel! The bedroom featured a luxurious king bed, plenty of wardrobe space, and a cot for Kaydes. We all slept soundly, soothed by the sound of the sea.
The bathroom was a highlight, with a separate toilet room, a beautiful bathtub, and a shower with moveable window grills that offered views down to the sea.
The 14-square-metre deck was our go-to spot for relaxing, with a sun lounger perfect for watching sunsets. With direct ocean access via a mechanical ladder, we spent our days swimming and snorkelling, all from the comfort of our bungalow.
TIP: Keep the ladder up when not in use, as sea kraites (snakes) can slither up. One did while Julia was snorkelling! Thankfully, it didn’t get inside the bungalow.
Water Sports 🤿
One of the highlights of our stay was spotting a turtle before we even got into the water. I was so grateful and teary-eyed, thrilled to share this moment with Kaydes. But the experience didn’t stop there—over our stay, we spotted 10-15 green sea turtles, and I even floated above one right beneath our bungalow!!
The resort provided us with a full-face snorkel mask free of charge, which we took turns using. I found it much more enjoyable than traditional snorkel gear, as it allowed for a more immersive experience with less effort.
The crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reef made snorkelling truly awe-inspiring. Being surrounded by marine life typically seen only in aquariums was an indescribable experience.
While I was in awe, I couldn’t help but feel a touch of fear, hoping to avoid encounters with sea kraites or sharks. There had been shark attacks in Nouméa, and an alert advised against swimming at the city’s beaches until the end of 2023.
The islands’ beach at the Îlot Maître Resort is fantastic, and we liked swimming around the shore mainly. I enjoyed walking around most of the island and absorbing the views and moment. Kitesurfing and kayaking were also popular activities among guests, not ones I took upon.
Amenities 🏋🏼♀️
The resort offers several dining options on the island, although the pool bar was closed during our stay unfortunately. We dined at the Sunset Bar and L’Escapade. The menu was a little limited and a bit pricey, but the meals were delicious. The breakfast buffet was especially satisfying, giving us the energy we needed for the day.
Room service was also available, offering the convenience of dining in our bungalow, though we didn’t use it this time. The pool area was lovely and mostly empty, allowing me to explore without worrying about bumping into others. Its serene atmosphere made it a perfect place to unwind.
For fitness enthusiasts like Julia, the resort’s gym offered complimentary access. She found it decent but wished for more weight machines instead of just cardio equipment. We had to visit reception to activate our swipe cards for gym access.
The resort’s free ferry shuttles to and from Nouméa made it easy to explore the mainland, adding to the convenience of our stay. Booking ahead ensured a seat and a seamless connection to the island.
All in all, our stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nouméa Îlot Maître Resort exceeded all our expectations. We enjoyed the luxurious overwater bungalow, breathtaking views, and unforgettable marine encounters.
I cherished every moment spent with Julia and Kaydes. Julia, a sealife spotter extraordinaire, identified so many different fish and coral species. Watching Kaydes grow more confident walking around and exploring the seashore was a joy. This trip created innate bonding moments that I’ll treasure forever, and though Kaydes won’t remember it all, I’ll have the videos to share with her later.
Consider staying at DoubleTree Nouméa Îlot Maître Resort; it will exceed your expectations. Relax on a private balcony, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore the island’s natural beauty. ✨
Have you stayed at a resort like DoubleTree Nouméa Îlot Maître? Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you! 🌴✨
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
