by Candice DeVille | Oct 10, 2014 | Travel
The Isle of Pines, New Caledonia. Oh to be here again today…
Imagine a place where everything is warm and slow. White sands like the softest baby powder between your toes and shores that curve around hidden coves, the type a storybook pirate might inhabit. Tide worn drift wood makes dragon like silhouettes that creep slowly towards the shore are the sun sets. The air smells of hibiscus and the low hum of the cicadas cushions quiet conversation.
Small, ancient and perfectly formed, the Isle of Pines remains one of the few places where life is guided by tribal families, and each member of the island’s population is known to the other. Jurassic sized glossy leaves line the narrow road ways and spiders, jewel like, hang from fine webs, their backs glistening in the sun. There is a slowness here, a Pacific time which, no matter how much you seem to hurry along, you remain in a surreal, sandy existence.
By the coastline, the carved timber totems surround a glistening Catholic Jesus, like small sentinels to hold the sea at bay. As the sun changes position he becomes a beacon of silver, bronze then golden light. The ornament so at odds with the volcanic pebbles and coral shards beneath your feet.
Every day is cultural day here, as when the Cruise ships dock, the islands population more than doubles in an instant. Relying solely on tourism for income it seems amazing just how laconic and laid back they remain. There is no push, no shove, no vocal demonstrations secure your dollar or attention. Just broad smiles as they go about their business from behind mountains of coloured crabs and expressive faces carved in wood. Music, song and dance it seems, run in their veins. The natural rhythm of the island worked out in traditional instruments and the shimmy of a grass skirt.
The Isle of Pines is a place to feel connected. Connected to the hum of nature within your creature comforts. Where rock pools reflect our own social microcosms, drawing you into their narrative for hours on end if you’ll let them.
When you need a place to just let your mind wander, without the pressure to see, do or achieve; the Isle of Pines is the perfect escape. Simply find your special corner and begin your own story.
I travelled courtesy of Air Calin and New Caledonia, the exquisite corner of the world where I was able captured these images.
by Candice DeVille | Sep 3, 2014 | Travel
Gastronomy; the active study of food within culture and the delight of many a traveller. Also known as the fancy way to say, “I love food!”
When first heading across to New Caledonia, I had no idea what to expect when it came to food. Imagining the local produce mixed with French influences just left me confused. What a happy discovery this was.
The good people at Arc en Ciel Voyagers were well prepared for a day of delights, warning me not to over do it on the sumptuous breakfast buffet, and off we went to begin where so many good journey’s begin; with chocolate.
Anyone who follows my Instagram will know I am no stranger to a sweet treat or two, so it will come as no surprise that the aroma of fresh chocolate is a bit like a drug to me. Toton Jules is the prime example of a small French chocolate shop, filled with colour and trays of glistening crafted treats. Each morsel perfectly aligned in rows like shiny, seductive soldiers. Red hearts that kept the secret of their sticky insides close, professing their love for me before they’d even touched my lips. Yes, chocolate does make one a bit poetic.
The tea geek in me fell instantly in love with the bright antique design of these gorgeous canisters. A tea originally made and owned in Russia, now the preserve of a French company and matched perfectly to your afternoon delight. Brightly coloured sugared almonds lined the shelves, looking less like something to eat and more like beads to match my outfit. That must have meant I’d reached my sugar limit; so then……..
…..wine!
We are no strangers to good wine here in Australia. So much so that growing up, my bedroom window looked out at the vineyards in the distance. My wine cellar at home remains amply stocked at all times of year. But you know what it isn’t full of? French wine! How could it be that it never dawned on me that coming to New Caledonia there would be French wine (and cheese, but my goodness how much heaven can one take?).
Unlike the menus in Melbourne, the prices of French wine here had me double taking. No I didn’t need to earn another days wage for a bottle, but was instead tempted to see how I could fit an entire case back in my luggage. Some people get like this in jewellery stores, with me it was here as I looked upon rows upon rows of red and golden hues.
Taking a trip to New Calendonia is worth it for the wine stores alone.
After treat upon treat, it is only right that I show you some of the actual sit down dining experiences.
There are two types of Gastronomes who will enjoy New Caledonia. The type of who are able to sit back savouring every mouthful, discussing in their best Master Chef speak, the merits of each dish. Then there are those who are extremely glad that there is a local fashion for Muu Muu’s, as every mouthful is so good it brings tears to your eyes. That is me. (Yes, you’ll see the Muu Muu I bought in another post)
See these gigantic creatures? These are snails. Not your garden variety or even five star restaurant variety. These are the most giant, delicious creatures you can only ever experience when you visit The Isle of Pines. So delectable and limited in supply, these fellas may not be taken out of the country. In fact, I’m told that serious snail aficionados come to the Isle of Pines with the sole purpose of eating these by the plate full.
Our group was extremely privileged to have these platters prepared in our honour, and I personally, was even more so when many declined their second serving. This made it all the more enjoyable for me as I had the happy task of ensuring they went to a good home. With fingers glistening in melted butter and garlic, I assure you, I gave them a good send off. I cannot express enough praise for the Chef at Le Meridan Isle of Pines; his choices and execution are simply sublime!
Heaven, just simply heaven.
New Caledonia is the place that you dream about while sitting at your desk. Whether that is dreaming of lunch, sand, sunshine wildlife or even just napping with a belly full of wine as the sun goes down. But don’t just dream, wake up and go there!
by Candice DeVille | Aug 19, 2014 | sponsors, Travel
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“The mornings are slow, warm and fragrant with jasmine. Bowls of steaming ramen and a french press of perfectly brewed coffee sit perched on my breakfast tray. My cybernetic butler smiles and opens up the drapes to reveal glistening waters, swaying palms and meerkats playing by the sea. “It’s going to be a marvellous day.” I think to myself, slipping into my swimsuit and soft pink scarf.
A lazy start reading e-books, drenched in gentle morning sunlight seems like just the thing to get me started. Then perhaps a luxurious massage before heading into vintage town to shop for all the amazingly priced pieces, and arm loads of fresh flowers to bring back to my villa. The bargains are so plentiful I can barely fit them into the huge boot space of my 1956 Cadillac, so a convoy it is to make sure that each find has a space.
As we turn the corner from Vintage St into Thrift Store Heaven Ave., the street is partitioned off to give plenty of room for dancing to one of the multitude of bands. Petticoats flash and boots crack on the tarmac as the song reaches its crescendo. With perfect timing the cocktail and dumpling carts arrives to nourish happy, but weary dancers. It must be time for a massage again.
Arriving back to the villa side pool, freshly cracked coconuts await my return. Nestled among a bed of Singapore orchids, the sight itself at once relaxing and luxurious. The koi swim slowly, their tales splashing through the sheet of the waterfall, droplets landing on my butler and narrowly avoiding her armload of laksa.
The sun slowly sinks behind the horizon, tiki torches come alive and the sound of island drums heralds the arrival of the dancing girls. All dressed in our favourite Pake Muu’s, my girl friends and I call to our partners to hurry down from the balcony so they don’t miss the show. With charming grins, the men step back to reveal a small procession of perfectly dressed monkeys, each holding coloured boxes filled with unearthly coloured glitter lucite jewellery. Knowing our Omni-cam is recording every moment of the evening, down to the smallest wink or smile, I sit back and enjoy the show.”
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by Candice DeVille | Jun 17, 2014 | Travel, Uncategorized
As you sit there, staring at those clear waters and swaying palm tress on your screen saver; ask yourself, “What am I waiting for?“
While I pulled out my woollens and dusted off the umbrella last week, an email came asking if I fancied visiting Noumea. To my shame I had to head to Google for answers, thinking that perhaps Noumea was somewhere on the eastern seaboard here; charming, but still requiring a few extra layers. Nothing could be further from the reality and, as a short check on Wikipedia showed me, I should have immediately realised that as a French colony, it was not a part of Australia. Perhaps I can put it down to the lack of caffeine that morning, but my eyes had skipped over one of the very important lines of the email which read, “Aircalin inaugural flight, Melbourne to New Caledonia”. Once my morning fog had cleared and the images of Aircalin’s bright red Hibiscus flower logo had entranced me, I knew I was in for a big adventure.
Three and a half hours; that is all it took to fly directly from Melbourne to New Caledonia. Three and a half hours for Australians is a simple jot up to the country to see friends, a commute to work or even just popping out for milk (ok not quite). The concept of a World Heritage listed, tropical paradise holiday only three and a half hours from my door was almost unbelievable; until I experienced Aircalin.
Greeted in the Business Class lounge by the CEO of the airline, his passion and enthusiasm for New Caledonia was matched only by his elegant grey suit and vermillion orange tie. I complimented him on his look and asked for local fashion tips when he replied with a smile, “I have my suits made in Paris when I go home.” But of course! New Caledonia is a French Territory, and as such all the delights of french culture, food and wine awaited us. As if on cue, I was handed an effervescent glass of GH Mumm Champagne. My glamorous tropical adventure had begun.
Whenever I fly, the first thing I look forward to is receiving the menu and mentally preparing myself for the treats in store. Being presented with a French Champagne and wine list prepared me exceptionally well, as high school French phrases came tumbling back into my consciousness.
In a very amusing and apt moment, I was also presented with this little gift from Aircalin as a memento of our Inaugural Flight. Without their knowledge, they had stumbled across one of my “in jokes” of travel.
A short water taxi ride from the Noumea marina, is La Escapde; an earthly paradise by anyone’s standards. As a traveller who requires both adventure, glamour and luxury, Escapade Island Resort is my ideal island holiday destination.
Learn more about our Towel Rating System here.
I may not be much of a sun person but I can certainly recommend this method of increasing your vitamin D. With water so clear I could see the fish dart in an out around the turtles mottled shells, and skies of the most beautiful blue, I was in absolute heaven.
From the balcony of the over water homes, you could see clearly into the coral below and with a few steps, enter from your private stairway.
The idyllic pace of the island could be offset for those who chose the more adventurous jet skiing, but for Lady Melbourne and myself, a lazy afternoon of white sands and the sounds of water lapping was all that we needed.
As I indulged in the magnificent buffet of local seafood, decadent patisserie and full bodied French Bordeaux, I wondered how long it would be before I could arrange to bring Mr.SKM and the girls back here. Escapade Island is without a doubt the perfect holiday destination for each of us.
by Candice DeVille | Oct 10, 2012 | Asia love, Beauty Reviews, Travel
What is the most unique spa treatment you’ve ever had? Being slathered in mud? Covered in bees wax? I think I may be able to beat that.
On my recent trip to Malaysia I had the chance to choose an indulgence from a particularly unusual menu, one I’d never seen here in Australia. At the original colonial boutique hotel, The Majestic in Malacca, they have a fabulous spa village. All the treatments are based on the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan culture; combining both Malay and Chinese influences. The idea is that the Peranakan healing method tends to what sort of energy a person has; warm or cool, then puts them back into balance. If you’re generally a ‘cool’ energy you need warming treatments and visa versa.
I was invited into this beautiful reception area and then gently quizzed to find out if I was a ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ type. Before I could make a decision, we were given the grand tour of this gorgeous, heritage spa facility. It is stunning!
So what treatment did I end up choosing? Well not the Nutmeg (as seen above) as it turns out I’m a ‘Warm’ type and needed cooling, so I chose the intriguingly named “Egg Rolling Massage”! I had no idea what this involved but I was told it was good for circulation, bruising ( I always get them) and stomach cramps (all that food!). Before I went off to be turned into an egg roll, I was to undergo a special hair washing and combing ceremony that was traditional performed on brides prior to their wedding. This is pure bliss!
I lay there relaxed, but also highly amused, as in the ceiling was a t.v set into the plaster; so if I wanted to keep my eyes open I’d be entertained. But what I found most incredible was that they were playing film clips of Malaysian musical stars of the 1950’s and 60’s!! It was sheer heaven, like watching the Malaysian Elvis while having your head massaged. Needless to say, I was very relaxed before I went in for my massage.
After talking a short refreshment break and being adorned with fresh Jasmine ( it smelt SO good!), I was met with my unusual massage partner.
Yes, they are hard boiled eggs! The idea is that these eggs, very well boiled then shelled, are kept in a steamer to keep them warm. The massage is a progressive technique that is a combination of Balinese massage (lots of stretching), then each section of your body is rolled with these eggs.
When they first touched my skin I’d forgotten what was happening and didn’t realise they were eggs. It felt as though the therapist had a warm ball of massage oil that was slowly melting over the skin as she rolled it around. After about five minutes it dawned on me that these were the eggs. They don’t split open, it was just a sensation of the delicate spreading warmth as they moved over my skin. It is AMAZING!
I didn’t want to leave and could have easily stayed their being rolled with eggs until then sun went down. But alas, I’ll have to just come back another time and do it again. As I walked back to my room I felt so light and relaxed; and smiled as I realised that (thankfully) I smelled of fresh jasmine and not eggs!
Vintage Current travelled as a guest of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysian Airlines.
To learn more about this journey and how you could create your own, check out Travel.com.au
