 Ever
heard of New Caledonia? Don't worry, not
many people have (at least in North America, anyway).
This scenic island chain lies deep in the South
Pacific and provides a very different experience
than you would find in better-known destinations
like Fiji and French Polynesia. In a rather
eclectic manner, New Caledonia blends the cultural
sophistication of the French Riviera with the
beauty and laid back nature of the South Pacific.
This destination is ideal for those who want fine
dining, foreign culture boutique shopping and
beautiful white sand beaches all in one place.
 First
stop on this exotic honeymoon will be the verdant
Isle of Pines, named for the majestic 200 ft.
Araucaria pines that cover the island's interior.
Around its periphery, however, you will find
powdery beaches fringed with coconut palms,
the perfect setting for some post-wedding rest.
Your accommodations for the next week will be
the intimate Le Méridien Ile des Pins on beautiful
Oro Bay. Here you can do as much or as little
as desired, although the setting is certainly
conducive to relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail by
the pool, stroll the beach, grab snorkel gear
and visit with technicolor tropical fish.
For additional privacy, retreat to the understated
luxury of your lagoon front bungalow and savor
the environment. It's all good!
 If
you start to get antsy, Isle of Pines offers
a number of options for casual exploration.
One of its more interesting attractions is a
series of caves. Ouatchia Cave, in particular,
has beautiful stalagmites. You can see
the island in a variety of ways, by foot, bicycle,
4WD, or boat. Try taking a traditional
Melanesian outrigger canoe across the turquoise
lagoon. Or, venture through the island's
interior in a kayak. Seeing the countryside
from the vantage point of the Dumbea, Tontouta
and Blue Rivers makes for a memorable experience.
After unwinding
on the quiet Isle of Pines, you will head to
New Caledonia's center of activity, the island
of Grande Terre. Get ready for a unique
island experience! The capital of Noumea
is a lively town that successfully captures
the spirit of the French Riviera. Chic boutiques,
sidewalk cafes, casinos, tree lined squares,
museums, and colonial architecture all add to
Noumea's refined European ambiance.
 To
fully experience Grande Terre, however, you
will want to venture outside of the city into
la Brousse, the local term for the outback.
While the southern half of the island is very
French, the less developed area to the north
provides an opportunity to witness the traditional
way of life of the island's indigenous people,
the Kanaks. The region is also home to gorgeous
scenery including dramatic limestone cliffs
and unusual rock formations, which can be experienced
by car or on horseback.  When
not on the road or in town, your base will be
the lovely Le Méridien Nouméa, a full-service
resort about 15 minutes from the city center.
The property provides a terrific environment
for relaxation, along with easy access to a
wide variety of diversions including boating,
scuba, snorkeling, hiking, golf and petanque.
Who
will enjoy this trip
Those who enjoy French culture, but also have
an interest in indigenous peoples. Lovers
of sand, surf and the great outdoors.
Those seeking a unique honeymoon experience.
Who
should avoid this trip
Those who prefer the pinnacle of luxury and
constant pampering. Couples desiring total
seclusion and minimal activities. Those
who are not comfortable with lots of travel.
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