Occupying one of the only beachfront spots in Nouméa, the relaxed and refined Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa has an unrivalled view over the shimmering waters of Anse Vata Bay. The onsite spa is a destination in itself — in addition to a lengthy, indulgent treatment menu, there’s a spa, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and an open terrace overlooking a stretch of ocean shaded by the island’s distinctive palms.

Just steps from the lagoon’s shore, Nouméa’s Château Royal Beach Resort & Spa is perfect for holiday-makers who don’t fancy being too far from a body of water — or a sun lounger. If you do somehow tire of the ocean or the outdoor pool, the property also houses an onsite spa, two restaurants and two bars, one of which has a swim-up service. Only your bathers are essential.

A little over two hours drive north of Nouméa is the sprawling Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, a zen resort shouldered by ocean and ringed by nature reserves. Although there are more standard room options, the Traditional rooms are built like bungalows, with thatched roofs that nod to the local Kanak architecture. From the attached balconies, the hills of nearby Deva Domain Nature Reserve stretch out in full view behind the property’s undulating green hills of the golf course.

Îles de Pins seems straight from a postcard. Alongside the island’s namesake spindly pines, the exceptionally clear waters give the “Isle of Pines”, a 20-minute flight from Nouméa, an almost aquamarine glow. At Le Méridien Îles de Pins, on the very edge of Oro Bay, you can admire this natural beauty from practically anywhere onsite. From the spa, the incredible waters peep through the windows, and from Longitude 167, the hotel’s bar, the whole scene is laid out in all its glory while you sip a sundowner.

Set at the end of the long sandy stretch of Kanuméra Bay on Îles de Pines, Oure Lodge Beach Resort is the kind of place you’d be happily shipwrecked at. At this castaway-style retreat the room balconies finish on the sand and, despite the remote feel, it’s much more than slim pickings for your meals, with onsite eatery Le Banian serving  local lobster during regular lunch service. Keep your eye on the water during your stay: visits from dolphins and dugongs aren’t uncommon.

In the Pacific, nearly 10,000 kilometres south of its East Asia homeland, there’s a place you can bed down in an authentic Mongolian yurt. Set in tropical Pocquereux Valley near La Foa, an 80-minute drive north of Nouméa, these spacious wooden-framed tents, which sleep up to seven guests, feature traditional Mongolian furnishings, including hand-carved double beds. While the yurts are all off-grid – they run on solar power and have no TVs or wifi access – you’ll still enjoy all the mod cons, such as full ensuites and a gourmet Continental breakfast delivered to your door. The ethos at Les Yourtes aux Fruits is all about unplugging and surrendering to the peace of this remote retreat as you sip a cleansing cup of niaouli tea and take in views of the valley from your private terrace.

One of the island’s quirkiest stays is an ideal option for those who want to sleep under the stars without giving up their creature comforts. Kitted out with a plush double bed and a full bathroom, including a soaking tub, the bubble tents at Les Bulles de Farino are each raised three metres on dedicated platforms, conjuring the illusion that they’re floating among the rainforest boughs. A clever airlock entry system and air-conditioning keep the interior cool and ensure the transparent walls never fog up. Lay back on a sun lounger on your private deck or enjoy the leafy views from your jacuzzi.

Perched on the fringes of New Caledonia’s eastern coast and overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, this charming resort balances luxury escapism with the natural riches of its location. The distinctive wood-tiled roofs of its bungalows draw inspiration from the exotic fruit of the barringtonia tree and blend into the surrounding banyans and coconut palms. While you can enjoy panoramic ocean views from your beachfront suite, the resort’s in-house diving club offers the best way to experience these crystal waters. Book a scuba excursion, snorkelling tour or boat trip to the Tibarama islet and swim among dwarf seahorses, sea spiders and even the occasional dugong over a technicolour reef.

6 Ways to Experience the Whitsundays in Luxury