Last Day in Noumea

Previously:

Set Dinner in Chateau Royal Hotel, Noumea

One of the things we did during our trip to Noumea was rent a car, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.  We arrange to return the car directly at the airport, which turned out to be very convenient, especially on our departure day.

However, there was one little hiccup we hadn't anticipated.  Somehow, we ended up with a rental car without GPS and when we asked at the rental shop, they didn't have any GPS devices available to rent either.

To make things even more challenging, we didn't have mobile date. No Google Maps, no navigation apps, and no easy way to look up directions on the go. 

So, what did we do? We went old school and relied on a good old-fashioned paper map!  It was definitely a different experience from what we're used to nowadays, and there were moments when navigating around Noumea felt like a bit of an adventure itself.  But somehow, we managed to find our way around and survived the whole experience.

Looking back, it's funny how the little inconveniences often become part of the best travel stories.  Despite the navigation challenges, having a rental car gave us the flexibility to explore Noumea, and returning it at the airport was smooth and hassle free.

Set Dinner in Chateau Royal Hotel, Noumea

Previously:

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Noumea

We had the set dinner at Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, where you get to choose between two options: an entree and a main, or a main and a dessert.

The restaurant was very quiet when we visited, with hardly anyone around, which made for a rather peaceful but slightly empty dining atmosphere.

To be honest, the main courses were quite mediocre and a little disappointing.  My hubby ordered the roast beef served with garden salad, but unfortunately, the meat was extremely tough and difficult to chew.  My chicken roulade was slightly better.  The tomato-based sauce was delicious and added a nice touch to the dish, but the rice and peas were a little to dry.

Thankfully, the desserts really saved the night!  I had the opera cake, while he went for the creme brulee.  Both were absolutely delightful and a lovely way to end the meal.  We finished everything off with a cup of hot tea, which was just what we needed after dinner.

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa

140 Promenade Roger Laroque Noumea

Ph: +687 29 64 00

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Noumea:

Last Day in Noumea

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Noumea

Previously:

Carrefour in Noumea

We were so happy with our stay at Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa in Noumea.  Honestly, it was a such a lovely place for our family and we couldn't have asked for much more.  Located in the quieter part of Anse Vata, the hotel was perfect for us.  We loved being so close to the beach while still enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, away from the busier areas.

One thing that pleasantly surprised us was how spacious our room was.  We were travelling as a family of four, we stayed in a suite room and the room was more than big enough for all of us.  The lounge area was converted into a second bedroom, which worked out perfectly for our family.  It felt more like a little apartment than a standard hotel room.

Another big plus was the small kitchenette in the room.  Having our own little kitchen was so convenient, especially when travelling with kids.  It gave us the flexibility to prepare simple meals and snacks whenever we needed to.

I also really appreciated that the shower and toilet were separated.  It might seem like a small detail, but when you're traveling as a family of four, having that extra bit of privacy makes such a difference.

And the balcony?  Absolutely loved it!  Waking up to a beautiful ocean view was definitely one of the highlights of our stay. 

What we loved most, though, was the beach access at the back of the hotel.  It leads towards a quieter corner of Anse Vata, where the beach felt peaceful and wasn't crowded with people.  It was such a nice spot to relax, enjoy the ocean and escape the busier tourist areas.

If you're travelling to Noumea with family and looking for somewhere spacious, comfortable and close to the beach, Chateau Royal Hotel is definitely worth considering.  Sometimes, it's the little things that make a holiday extra special, and this hotel ticked so many boxes for us!!

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa

140 Promenade Roger Laroque Noumea

Ph: +687 29 64 00

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Noumea:

Set Dinner in Chateau Royal Hotel, Noumea

Carrefour in Noumea

Previously:

McDonald's in Noumea

Let's check out what the supermarkets in Noumea have to offer!

We visited Carrefour and it was quite interesting to explore all the products they had on the shelves.  Since New Caledonia has a strong French influence, there were so many French products to discover.  One thing that caught my eyes was an entire shelf dedicated to pate.  And of course, there was no shortage of chocolates.

What surprised me was the variety of Asian products available too.  It was fun browsing through the aisles and seeing such a mix of French, local and Asian goodies.  They also has ready-to-eat food, both hot and cold, which is great if you're looking for something quick to grab while exploring the city or could be a decent meal too.

Honestly, supermarket visits are one of my favourite things to do when travelling.  You never know what interesting products you'll come across.  And if you're looking for food souvenirs to bring home, Carrefour is definitely worth a visit.  You might just find some unique treats to take back with you.

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Noumea:

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Noumea

McDonald's in Noumea

Previously:

Places to eat in Noumea

Another country, another McDonald's to tick off my bucket list!  This time we're in Noumea, New Caledonia and of course, I couldn't leave without checking out what McDonald's has to offer here.  I always love seeing what's different on the menu in each country.  This time, I was pleasantly surprised by their chicken bucket menu.

It came with a mix of chicken wings and chicken tenders, and the wings were definitely my favourite.  They had crispy skin without that thick, floury coating, and to my surprise, they were a little spicy too.  Honestly, they were so good.

As for the burger, it was pretty much what you'd expect from McDonald's, familiar and comforting.  We tried the one with an onion ring right in the middle, which was a fun little twist on the usual burger.

Stay tuned for the next blog still Noumea:

Carrefour in Noumea