Where to find overwater bungalows in New Caledonia

It turns out you don’t need to go to Tahiti or the Maldives to stay in an overwater bungalow: head to New Caledonia instead, where they’re just as nice and half the price!

While most visitors start their visit in the French territory’s stylish capital Noumea, what some may not realize is there are phenomenal overwater bungalows in New Caledonia just southwest of the mainland.

Overwater bungalows in New Caledonia at by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort (yes, this DoubleTree branded property is in fact a luxury resort!) is located on Ilot Maître, a protected reserve and small tropical islet surrounded by the New Caledonia lagoon, which just so happens to be the world’s largest.

The resort is an easy 10-15 minute boat ride from the city’s main marina, with several departures throughout the day.

Quick find

The overwater bungalows at DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

There are about two dozen overwater bungalows at the Nouméa Ilot Maitre Resort, surrounded by a shimmering, turquoise sea, a vibrant reef and a front row seat to New Caledonia’s famous sunsets.

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience overwater bungalows in Fiji, the Maldives, the islands of Tahiti and Saint Lucia, and can say wholeheartedly that the ones at Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort are among the most spacious, modern and well-appointed I’ve stayed in.

They’re also the best value I’ve come across, priced around only $450 per night which includes boat transfers from Noumea and a buffet breakfast.

They also sleep up to four people thanks to a pullout couch, making these suites one of the few places in the world where families can enjoy an overwater bungalow experience together.

A wooden boardwalk leads to each individual bungalow, and the front door opens to a large, separate seating area with a workspace, pullout couch, chair and dining area. A wall of windows overlook the water, and rich wooden panels line the high-vaulted ceilings.

One set of doors off the living space leads to a huge bedroom with a comfortable king size bed, luxe linens, a TV and air conditioning, which is connected to the massive bathroom complete with a shower and soaking tub.

The other door heads out to the large private patio, where you can soak up the sun on a plush lounger while keeping an eye out for aquatic life swimming below.

Fancy a swim? Each overwater bungalow has its own mechanized ladder which lowers into the water with the touch of a button–a fun addition I’d never seen before and a fantastic safety feature for those travelling with kids.

While the clean, modern rooms are missing a bit of the soul and traditional character typically found in other overwater bungalows, it’s a worthy trade-off for all that light and extra space.

Globe Guide tip: Book overwater bungalows #164-167 on the west side of the resort for the best sunset views—they also overlook the part of the lagoon most frequented by turtles.

Amenities at DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

One could be forgiven for wanting to spend their entire day relaxing from the comfort of their overwater bungalow, but there’s plenty to explore around this New Caledonia resort which makes it worth getting off your lounger for.

Active types can enjoy the swimming pool, beach volleyball and fitness centre, and snorkel gear rentals are included for resort guests.

Globe Guide tip: The best snorkelling seems to be first thing in the morning—I saw four huge turtles in the span of 15 minutes just from my balcony above the lagoon on the west side!

The swimming pool at DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

An independent company runs boat tours and offers paddle board and jet ski rentals for an additional charge, and one of Noumea’s best kiting spots is found on the island’s windy southeast side.

For a more leisurely experience enjoy a treatment at the spa, or walk around the whole island which only takes about 45 minutes and has a number of interpretive signs about the native species, flora and fauna.

The island has four dining options: Restaurant l’Escapade, the casual Beach Café La Boussole, a pool lounge and the Sunset Bar for colourful happy hour cocktails.

Booking the overwater bungalows in New Caledonia

It’s important to note that the overwater bungalows book up well in advance, so try to secure one as soon as possible.

If they’re not available on your dates, there are lots of other great room options like the garden bungalows surrounded by foliage for privacy, beach bungalows situated along the waterfront, and two bedroom beach villa which is great for groups and families as it sleeps up to six people and the adjoining villa can also be booked for even more space.

Globe Guide tip: Not able to swing a night on the island? Day trips are offered for about $70 per person which includes lunch, beach access and seating in a designated area on the east side.

Regardless of whether or not you manage to snag an overwater suite, the DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort delivers in spades on its promise of ‘an island retreat with city perks in reach.’ Click here to book

Globe Guide explored Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort as a guest of the resort. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles