Fodor's Expert Review Le Meridien

Situated at Point Magnin, about 30 minutes from downtown Noumea, this resort has a stunning location and wonderful views from the rooms, bar, and restaurants. However, it is starting to show some aging a bit (it opened in the late 1990s), and rooms could do with a refresh. Its position on beach—Anse Vata—is lovely, and the pool is large and surrounded by inviting palm gardens. With water and sandy shores on three sides, there are plenty of opportunities for beach walks, swimming, and snorkeling. The hotel's all-white tower profile looks a bit out of the '70s, but because its a sizable property it has more facilities and amenities than most, including four restaurants, a gym, a children's pool, a day spa with three treatment rooms, a sauna and Turkish bath, several boutiques, and a casino. The hotel is also less than a mile from the Palm Beach Shopping center.