Popular Ilot Maitre 4-star Hotels

The entire island is a fantastic time away, we stayed in an overwater bungalow for 4 nights, which in hindsight was the right amount with another 3 nights on the mainland. Getting from the airport to the island, we book the tickets on the bus (red and white one), we waited 20 mins to leave the airport, the island guests are the first to be dropped off. (btw the car hire guests were still waiting for cars when we left so the bus was quicker). Yes, the buffet dinner is expensive but you can do just Hot or Cold (seafood) buffet for $60Aud which was worth it. The full buffet is ok once. There is a small selection of food that you can eat by the pool ( or any secluded spot you find [ quote from their in room brochure ] most food is fried but they had veggie platter or a cold meats platter. So food is ok on the island. Breakfast had a good variety and its included in the price so nothing to complain about. newbie tip--if you want to eat outside, DO NOT get a big plate of food, find a great table, put your food down and then go back inside to get a juice, coffee,etc.. the seagulls will clean your plate before you've decided on orange or tropical juice? if you're a couple go up to the buffet separately. All tables have spray bottles to scare the birds away. The bungalows are huge with plenty of room and well maintained, the staff dropped off water every morning and room cleaning was well done. Considering the Hotel is a marine environment the staff are to be congratulated for an incredible job. There are plenty of turtles that hang around the bungalows at high tide but only saw snakes one day, and yes they are quick up the stairs if you leave them down. BRING your own snorkels as the current swimming ban prohibits lending them out.the staff didnt seem to care about guests swimming but they don't encourage it so no beach towels in the room either. Getting back to the food, the main land is a 20min boat trip back. If you turn left and follow the coast around there's a big supermarket that has all the snacks you need, bread, pate, softdrinks etc. note Gin drinkers - Sweps tonic water is the only brand we found. If you turn right and walk 20 mins (or ask the hotel reception to book a driver before you get on the boat $14aud) you can go to La Maison Ballande. French wine and Champ at quarter the price of the island, plus they have french chocs and foods that make great gifts. And while youre there book a dinner at La Marmite (amazing food) To get back to the airport we used a driver that spoke English (grew up in Paris but now lives in Noumea for his 2 kids) and was a quick Whatsapp message away. Message me and I can send you his number. Overal a great place to visit, not setup up for lots of tourists but a great island holiday