Nothing says luxe island getaway quite like an overwater bungalow. Secluded, romantic and a 30-minute boat transfer from Port Moselle, DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort impresses with its 64 stylish rooms, sparkling two-tier pool, relaxed on-site restaurant and bar overlooking the reef.

The shallow, crystalline waters around Amédée Island, a 45-minute ferry from the mainland, are prime turtle-spotting territory. Along with snorkelling the kaleidoscopic reefs, a day trip with Mary D includes a glass-bottom boat tour, the chance to climb the Amédée lighthouse, a three-course lunch and plenty of time to lounge on the impossibly white sand.

One of the largest marine reserves in the world, New Caledonia’s vast lagoon invites water sports of all kinds. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, surfing, wakeboarding… the list goes on. 

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, who along with Richard Rogers is responsible for Paris’ Centre Pompidou, the striking Tjibaou Cultural Centre celebrates New Caledonia’s Indigenous Kanak community. See intricate wood carvings that date back to the 18th century, take in contemporary works by local artists or simply stroll the pathways that wind through lush mangroves and woodlands.

The French colonised Nouméa in 1863 and the capital of New Caledonia has no shortage of buttery croissants, éclairs and brioche. Come lunchtime, head to one of four L’Atelier Gourmand outposts for “The Parisian” – a crunchy baguette filled with ham, salad and Emmental cheese – and a mini lemon meringue tart (or two).

Home to green sea turtles, friendly reef sharks, manta rays and an array of tropical fish, the Lagoons Aquarium is a must for families. Sign up for a popular night tour to witness nocturnal sea creatures emerge from their hideouts and see phosphorescent corals glow in the dark.

At 132 metres above sea level, the lookout at Ouen Toro promises 360-degree views of the city, beaches and even the Amédée lighthouse across the lagoon. Several trails weave through the 60-hectare park; the easiest is suitable for most fitness levels and will take you less than an hour to reach the peak. 

Open from 5am Tuesday to Sunday, Le Marché de la Moselle (Port Moselle Market) draws New Caledonians and tourists for its technicolour fruit stalls, just-caught seafood and buckets of fresh flowers. Post shopping, grab a bar stool at the central eatery for a French-style breakfast of coffee and pastries.

A 20-minute flight or two-hour ferry from Nouméa, UNESCO-listed Isle of Pines (locally known as Île des Pins) makes for a gorgeous day trip. Float in the natural sea-water swimming pool at Oro Bay, sail a traditional outrigger and trek through the rainforest to the Oumagne Grotto, an enormous limestone cave filled with millennia-old stalactites.

With the world’s longest continuous barrier reef, New Caledonia has a glut of top-notch dive sites. Encounter fascinating shipwrecks like the remains of the Dieppoise, a French patrol boat scuttled in 1988, as well as underwater caves and forests of coral on an outing with Odyssey Diving.

When you’re ready to unwind, alfresco restaurant Le Faré at Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa serves up fruity cocktails, fresh coconuts and stellar views of Anse Vata bay. Equally soothing: the hammam, sauna, jacuzzis and extensive treatment menu at the hotel’s Deep Nature spa.

Making the most of its picturesque landscape, Sheraton New Caledonia Deva is a premier golfing destination in Bourail, a two-hour drive from Nouméa. Nestled between rolling hills and the gently lapping lagoon, the 18-hole course is challenging enough for veterans but there are lessons and practice facilities for novices, too.

Hovering over the lagoon on the Anse Vata pier, Le Roof’s open-air dining room is centred around a huge viewing platform for watching the marine life below including turtles, fish, and stingrays. Unsurprisingly, seafood is the house speciality – a three-course set menu which may include clams with beurre blanc sauce, herb-crusted cod and crème brûlée.

Less than 10 minutes drive from the city centre, trendy Baie des Citrons boasts excellent swimming conditions year-round; protected from the wind, water temps are unlikely to dip below 22°C. Once the sun sets, the promenade lining the beach buzzes with rum-punch-slinging bars and nightclubs.

Relaunched in 2018 after a 20-year hiatus, the 1064-nautical mile PONANT Sydney to Nouméa Yacht Race is next set for 2024. Watch all the action from lookouts such as Amédée Island before joining the celebrations at the Cercle Nautique Calédonien Yacht Club in Baie des Citrons.