It’s Noumea’s highest-ranked resort and one of only two in the city with views of New Caledonia’s Unesco-listed lagoon – but does Le Méridien Noumea stack up to its five-star rating?

Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa is one of three Marriott properties in New Caledonia – all are five-star properties. No pressure.

First impression

I visited Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa for the first time 10 years ago. What I recall was a luxurious facility, with kind staff and warm hospitality; a smooth check-in; well-endowed and comfortable rooms.

With 10 years of ageing, Le Méridien Noumea like a fine French wine has only gotten better with time.

With recent renovations, a diversification of activities on offer from the front desk and fantastic dining, these additions have bolstered the already fine hospitality of the facility and its priceless location hugging Anse Vata Bay.

However, given time the facility would benefit from a further face-lift of its fixtures, handles and railings which seem dated compared to the more modern sections of the resort.

Location, location, location

Getting to and from the resort is easy enough. Le Méridien Noumea offer an airport transfer bus, a 45-minute drive from La Tontouta International Airport. Once arrived and unpacked, you’re 10 minutes from the city centre, Place de Cocotiers and Noumea’s night life.

But the crème de la crème has to be the resort’s uninterrupted view of Anse Vata Bay – one of Noumea’s best sites for snorkelling, diving and water sports, as well as wind- and kite-surfing – and its unbeatable access to the water.

Snorkels and beach towels are available at the resort, while metres away from the pool chairs bordering it there are private suppliers hiring equipment for water activities.

Rooms and suites

Le Méridien Noumea is equipped with a range of different room types, from bedrooms for solo travellers and suites for multiples. The top floor is reserved for the Presidential Suite, which covers 210 square metres and includes its own terrace, balcony, media room and separate living quarters.

But regardless of the position or price of the room, natural views come standard – whether of the garden, pool or lagoon. Each of the resort’s 173 rooms and 34 suites also come with either a private balcony or terrace to enjoy a view from.

The resort also offers booking packages for large groups, meetings and events.

Drinking and dining

With five flexible dining venues, offering French, Japanese, barbecue and International cuisines, there are plenty of high-quality options for in-house meals. The resort also has a coffee house come cocktail lounge with Latitude 22°, which hosts live music on Friday and Saturday.

As part of your stay, breakfasts are non-inclusive; however, the quality of Le Méridien Noumea’s buffet selections are outstanding and well worth the added expense, not withstanding breakfast, lunch, and exceptional fine-dining and French wine at L’Hippocampe.

Le Méridien Noumea also offers 24-hour room service.

Amenities

Offering a wide range of amenities, including resort-wide wireless internet, 24-hour gym access, tennis courts, an airport shuttle and babysitting services, Le Méridien Noumea also covers many of the bases for business and pleasure.

Furthermore, the resort hosts a well-endowed day-spa (pictured below). Deep Nature Spa is equipped with its own fitness room, hammam, sauna, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, treatment rooms and an outdoor relaxation bath facing the lagoon. Deep Nature Spa is also equipped with its own catalog of branded skincare products.

But the resort isn’t just limited to its own action: a wide range of activities around Noumea are bookable from reception at Le Méridien Noumea, including visits to Amédée Islet and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre.

The resort is also able to exchange foreign currency: a priceless addition for Australian and international clients, as well as visitors to the country on short stays.

Event spaces

Le Méridien Noumea is endowed with several outdoor event spaces suited for social events, including a wedding and function area that overlooks Anse Vata Bay.

The resort is also equipped for conference events, with space for small to medium events, with collective event spaces covering 11,000 square feet of total meeting space.

Its largest event space, the Lapérouse Ballroom (covering 4,630 feet), is capable of seating 380 guests in a theatre arrangement; 190 in classroom; 182 in cabaret, and 400 in a cocktail arrangement.

The space can be divided into three separate rooms, with these sections arranged for boardroom and u-shape meetings.

Furthermore, with its own multilingual events team, dedicated arrival team for delegates, coach or helicopter transfers, car and bicycle hire, flexibility for last minute agenda changes, gift delivery and room drops, tours and excursions, including a fleet of catamarans available for an afternoon regatta, Le Méridien Noumea boasts a wealth of attractive services for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions tourism.

Verdict: 8/10

For a five-star luxurious, beach side getaway with all the amenities and experiences you’ll ever need in one package, and a healthy offering for MICE planners, Le Méridien Noumea Resort & Spa is one of the best facilities the country has to offer.

The resort would, however, benefit from the addition of a kids club for young families and further updates to its fixtures.

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