I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in overwater bungalows in some of the world’s most stunning destinations, but I’m not going to lie, they were mostly collaborations. Palau‘s pristine Rock Islands. The Maldives‘ impossibly turquoise atolls. Places where the water is so clear you can count fish from your deck and the sunsets look like they were painted by someone showing off.
But here’s the thing about those bucket-list destinations: they usually require a bucket-list budget. We’re talking approximately one kidney, your firstborn child, and maybe your car title. Although I love a beautiful bungalow, this frugal solo female traveler does not love the prices of them.
Until I discovered this private island resort in New Caledonia with bungalows starting at $200/night.
While researching new South Pacific Islands to check off my to-go-list, and trying to figure out the best things to see and do in New Caledonia, I discovered dreamy photos of a private island with those IG-worthy over water bungalows. I was sure they’d be expensive AF, but I was happily wrong!
This French territory in the South Pacific has somehow managed to keep overwater bungalows affordable—like, genuinely affordable—while delivering the same jaw-dropping beauty that makes the Maldives famous. And yet, most travelers have never even heard of it.
Welcome to the South Pacific’s best-kept secret, where your bank account doesn’t have to weep for you to live out your overwater bungalow fantasy.
Before I tell you about the resort, be sure to check out my Easy New Caledonia Travel Guide for all of the info you need to even get there!
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The Overwater Bungalow Resort for $200/Night
Here’s where New Caledonia gets really interesting for budget-conscious luxury travelers. While most South Pacific overwater bungalows start at $500-$1,000+ per night, I found a name brand resort in New Caledonia that offers options for starting around $200/night for garden bungalows, and just around $400/night for the over water bungalows!
It’s The DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort (please click to book through my link since this post is defo not sponsored), which sits on a tiny island that looks like it was Photoshopped into existence by someone who really, really loves turquoise water. And when I say tiny, I mean you can walk around the entire island in about 20 minutes. It’s the kind of place where “getting lost” means you accidentally walked to the wrong side of the beach.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Garden bungalows: Around $200/night (spacious, beautiful, and honestly perfect)
- Overwater bungalows: Still shockingly reasonable at around $400 per night, compared to other South Pacific destinations (pricing varies by season, but Click here to compare prices on all sites)
Both options give you that “I’m living my best life” feeling without the “I just spent my entire travel budget on three nights” regret.
Oh and humblebrag: Since I’m a “frugal luxury adventure traveler”, I used my credit card points to book my bungalow, so technically my stay was free! Love that travel math for me.
Getting to Ilot Maître Your Island Paradise: The Logistics
New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea, is your gateway to these island experiences. But here’s where things get interesting—and where a little planning goes a long way.
Many of the best island resorts (including Ilot Maitre) are only accessible by water taxi, and these operate on their schedule, not yours. Once you’ve made your hotel reservation, simply email the Double Tree and request the ferry timetable, and select your preferred time.
Get to the port early, because you need to check in at the little booth there beforehand.
Pro tip: If you’re arriving in New Caledonia late at night (which many international flights do), you’ll need to stay in Noumea first. The water taxis don’t run 24/7, and showing up at the port at midnight will result in you staring longingly at an island you can see but cannot reach. Very poetic. Not very practical.
Getting There Overview
Because it was confusing, even for me:
- Fly into La Tontouta International Airport (about 1 hour from Noumea)
- Book an airport shuttle through your Noumea hotel
- Stay overnight in Noumea if you arrive late— maybe spend the morning exploring the beach area
- Catch the water taxi to Ilot Maitre — booked in advance through Double Tree
- Spend 2-3 days snorkeling, relaxing, and living your best overwater bungalow life
- Return to Noumea and explore more of the main island or catch your flight home
Best Things to do at Double Tree Ilot Maître
I have adventure ADHD, I do not like to relax, but I was also just finishing up a two week South Pacific Islands group trip, so I did need it!
Here’s what I enjoyed doing the most at Double Tree Ilot Maitre in New Caledonia:
- All of the snorkeling! Masks and fins are available to rent (not cheap) and you can snorkel right off the beach, off the main dock, or if you have a fancy over water bungalow, you will have a ladder with direct access into the water!
- Swim with Turtles: There’s a specific area where there are tons of sea turtles – it’s at the far end of the over-water-bungalows, right below them! You can access it from the beach but be careful because that’s where the sea snakes also live!
- Explore the island: there’s a lot of different types of birds and sea critters along the shores of Ilot Maitre! Just be warned that the area across from the far end of bungalows is home to snakes, and the opposite end of the island is very windy.
- Lounge by the Pools: there’s a beautiful double infinity pool that overlooks the lagoon on Ilot Maitre! It was nice to have a dip in the fresh water, and read a book with a cocktail!
- Rent a Paddle Board: If swimming isn’t your jam, rent a paddle board or kayak to experience the clear waters from above!
Secret Pro Budget Travel Tip
If $200/night is not in your budget, don’t worry, you can still go to Ilot Maitre without a reservation at the Double Tree!
How, you ask? They have a free public beach area; all you need to do is pay for a water taxi! You will not have access to the pools, or the private beach area by the over-water-bungalows, but you can still snorkel, rent watersports, and enjoy the beautiful beaches!
To get a water taxi, go to the port area to book in person, or ask your hotel to call and make a reservation for you!
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