 | New Caledonia Hotels and Accommodations | Tips 11 - 17 of 17 |  |
Popular Hotels | Miscellaneous Hotels Tips | All Tips (17)  | |  |  | Gîte Si-Hmed: Camping and Bungalows on Maré Island | Satisfaction:   |  |  | |  |
I stayed at Gîte Si-Hmed mostly out of necessity. The idea was to fly to Maré and find a small village where I might be able to set up my tent and spend time with the local people and away from the tourists. When I arrived at the airport, I hitched a ride with a carload of local men who unfortunately turned out to be heavily inebriated and whose behavior was somewhere between extremely hospitable and frighteningly aggressive. When things started to get a little bit dodgy, I decided to bail out at Gîte Si-Hmed.
As far as services and amenities go, I was not too impressed with this lodge. It had everything that one could ask for, but the ambience seemed fairly sterile. They have a handful of bungalows in which one can stay, but they also permit camping, which is what I did. I wanted to set up my tent on the beach across the road, but the wind was far too blustery, so I camped on the lawn in front of the lodge instead, which was a bit more protected.
Price of accomodation:
Camping--CFP 1200 (app. US$14)
Bungalows with private bath--CFP 4000/4500/5000 for single/double/triple
I'd say the most appealing characteristic of this lodge is its location on a picturesque white sand beach, the two being separated only by the narrow coastal road. The location is also fairly convenient--only a few km from Tadine but far enough away that one can enjoy some peace and quiet and meet some really friendly local people. Leave a Comment Theme: OtherPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Ceigeïté BeachPhone: 45-41-51Directions: about 20 km southwest of the airport beyond Tadine but west of Wabao
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| | | | Kendu beach resort: Kendu beach | | | | | |
| | | | Lilo Camping: Spectacular home away from home on Lifou | Satisfaction: | | | | |
Lilo camping is truly an amazing homestay. If you're willing to give up some of the not-so-necessary creature comforts of a hotel, I would definitely recommend a homestay, and I would encourage you to stay at Lilo Camping. There are three (very large and oh-so-fragrant) bungalows there that can hold about two to three couples each. The outdoor amenities block has hot water (yay!!!) and is kept clean by Annie (the wife of the proprietor, Pascal). The property sits right at the edge of the Baie du Santal in Xepenehe, and you can hear the waves gulping in the caveronous rocks as you lay in your bungalow. The food (prepared by Annie) is delectable (and, man, do I miss it), and the family is incredibly friendly and helpful.
Not only is the property beautiful, but there is a tennis court and cars for rent. The view out the door of my bungalow was breath-taking. Annie and Pascal also live next door to a small vanilla plantation. The whole island is amazing, and this is really a wonderful place to come back to at the end of the day. While it wasn't completed when I visited, there is also a structure they are readying for eating while looking out on the ocean--wow! There is also camping available. They're also really close to a diving business. And there are sea turtles!!! Theme: OtherPrice: US$20-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: Xepenehe on the Baie du Santal in LifouPhone: 45-14-23Directions: Lilo Camping is a little under a half an hour's drive west of the pier and airport, and you can make arrangements to be picked up and returned to the pier/airport for a fee.
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on December 11, 2004
on December 19, 2004
on April 12, 2003
on October 12, 2005
