FEMAIL finds out if a stay at the five-star resort The Meridien is worth it

Despite the cost of living crisis, more Australians are traveling than ever before, putting their hard-earned money into experiences and making up for valuable travel time lost during the Covid pandemic.

So it came as no great surprise when I saw a horde of guests at the Meridien Resort on the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia in mid-November while visiting this stunning location.

Heaven is a place on earth when it comes to this five-star resort, and it’s worth every penny spent at the restaurant or in the overwater bungalows overlooking Oro Bay.

Heaven is a place on earth when it comes to this five-star resort, and it’s worth every penny spent at the restaurant or in the overwater bungalows overlooking Oro Bay

The main restaurant overlooks this stunning infinity pool with sun loungers

With rates ranging from $570 to $800 per night depending on the season, it’s certainly a luxury stay, but with so many extras, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to see the best parts of the island.

The Isle of Pines is the southernmost of the New Caledonian islands and lies almost on the Tropic of Capricorn, giving it a very mild climate.

Accessible by boat or plane from Noumea on the mainland, the Meridien has a prime location close to the island’s natural swimming pool, just a 15-minute walk away.

Otherwise, guests can kayak and stand up paddleboard in Oro Bay or book an outrigger tour in Upi Bay, like I did, to get within arm’s length of turtles and even small sharks.

Each of the tables in the restaurant is sheltered from the glaring sun, so you can enjoy your cocktail or wine in peace

The rooms overlook the bay that surrounds the resort, allowing you to literally step out of the villa and dive straight into the crystal clear waters

Located to the north of the small island of Koutomo, southeast of the Isle of Pines, Upi Bay sees outrigger canoes cruising its calm waters every day.

Sailing aboard these light and graceful little wooden boats during your trip is an extraordinary experience, although it is important to pack your sunscreen as there is very little shade on these traditional vessels.

Crossing Upi Bay you will discover huge rocks that literally appear to be balancing on the water like giant floating buoys.

Outside the water, guests of the hotel can also use the fitness room — which includes an infrared sauna — or book a massage at the spa.

I chose the latter and opted for a 60 minute light massage with almond oil. Needless to say, the tea I was offered afterwards was a welcome bonus.

The rooms themselves aren’t to be missed, with balcony terraces winding around the villas overlooking the ocean, rainwater showers, comfy slip-in bathrobes, and plenty of air-conditioning for when the temperature rises

The restaurant serves a delicious range of French-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking the man-made pool and sun loungers, with plenty of vegetarian options on the menu if you’re so inclined.

The rooms themselves aren’t to be missed, with balcony terraces winding around the villas overlooking the ocean, rainwater showers, comfy slip-in bathrobes, and plenty of air-conditioning for when the temperature rises.

The staff are extremely helpful and friendly and can pick you up from the nearby airport or a range of activities if you wish.

A variety of guests reside at the resort — including young children — so it feels like a small community forms for the duration of your stay.