Where the fish can aspire to be angels, clowns or butterflies...
In New Caledonia, the most widespread and certainly the most typical form of public transit would have to be the water taxi. The setting here happens to be an archipelago, with some islands being considered among the most splendid of the entire Pacific, including: the Isle of Pines, so beautiful that the Japanese have described it as "the closest place to heaven" and where recently international windsurfing champions halted their frenetic race for a few minutes to contemplate the marvel; the lush Duck Island just across from the Best Western Premier (BWP) La Promenade; and a bit further the Maître Island that lends the startling impression of floating on the lagoon's turquoise waters.
The archipelago was named by Captain James Cook, who likened the coastline here to that of his native Scotland, formerly called Caledonia. In resemblance to Scotland, New Caledonia is also a mountain, whose 1,600-meter peaks add to the exceptional contrasts offered by local landscapes.
Yet one major difference between Mr. Cook's Caledonia of his youth and this "New" Caledonia is obviously the water temperature, which never drops below 22°C and regularly reaches near 30°C. A combination of shallow waters and one of the world's largest lagoons makes for the most amazing natural aquarium anywhere on the planet, as evoked by the special names given to the myriad of fish species on display, like butterfly fish, angelfish, clownfish, damselfish, firefish, golden-spot hogfish and porcupine fish.
A patch of land amidst the wide open sea, man in symbiosis with fish and plant life, that's what New Caledonia is all about, and this is precisely the style of luxury that the BWP La Promenade is able to provide guests.
The design firm Arte Charpentier has actually shaped this project in adhering to a philosophy that has a strong following the world over (as showcased in both the Shanghai and Taiyuan opera houses), summarized as the deepest of respect for a place's identity, culture, ecology and resources.
Admire how the whole edifice drawn as a circular arc seems to be beckoning you with open arms while resembling these islands' most traditional structures, how light enters each room, how the various wood species chosen for furnishings and flooring bring you closer to the subdued and proud elegance of this "Grande Terre", at the heart of New Caledonia. You'll appreciate the refined harmony of fabrics, floors and furniture, between earthy browns and marine blues, found throughout the hotel and framed by handsome bay windows.
With such extraordinary outdoor attractions, the temptation might have been to skimp on interior comfort and quality of space. The BWP La Promenade avoided going that route and instead is pleased to offer an opulent space everywhere, and isn't that the greatest luxury of them all… You're bound to agree when strolling on the grounds, in the hanging gardens or in the gallery, making your way to the Le Café Terrace restaurant, now one of Noumea's finest dining spots.
Life in a hotel can sometimes feel a bit artificial, and even more so when the resort experience incorporates more of the superficial side of travel. In this respect, the BWP La Promenade is exceptional, through creating the conditions to enjoy a truly authentic and enriched access to the special way of life found in New Caledonia.
| Best Western Premier La Promenade |
| 109 Promenade Laroque - BP 8142, Noumea, NC, Noumea, France - 98807 |
| Phone: +687 244600 Fax: +687 244700 |
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