Room check: Le Meridien Resort, Noumea

Rooms at Le Meridien have just undergone a reno, the first in its 20-year history. Photo / Supplied

Nicky Park stays at Le Meridien Resort in Noumea.

Check-in experience: Was with a friendly lady who welcomed me with a chilled glass of strawberry water.

Location: Most of the beachside accommodation alluring tourists to this Pacific island is located about an hour from the airport. Worth the lengthy bus trip, Le Meridien overlooks Anse Vata Bay with entry straight on to the beach.

Rooms: Have just undergone a reno, the first in its 20-year history. All are very cool and clean with stylish furnishings and plush linen. Mine had a lovely flow from the balcony to the bathroom.

Price: The ocean view room will set you back CFP48,000 or about $600. A superior room with lagoon view, $573. The buffet breakfast is extra, $52 on the weekend and $45 during the week.

The good: Noumea's oldest hotel is very spacious. It would be easy to find your own slice of seaside lawn.

The bad: If you visit this year you could find renovation work still going on.

What's in the neighbourhood: Le Meridien boasts the Grand Casino conveniently just across the road - a drawcard for some. The best of wining and dining in Noumea lines Lemon Bay, a 10-minute drive away.

Toiletries: All the standard Le Meridien-branded products plus toothbrushes and paste.

Food and drink: The on-site Japanese restaurant, Shogun, is a local favourite, and we can vouch for the fabulous fresh fare. We also enjoyed the special sparkling cocktail menu at the Latitude 22 bar.

The bed: Was heavenly. Best enjoyed with the sliding door open to take in the calming ocean sounds.

View: From the balcony, admire scores of windsurfers doing their tricks as the sea breeze swells. The palm trees sway and even though the sun isn't out there's something cool about watching the storm roll in as the wet season approaches.

Bathroom: Has a sexy flow from the main room. The main feature is the massive tub. If you're after more privacy a sliding frosted glass door can be drawn.

Noise: Renovations are going on until the end of the year, however, it's tools down in the evening and on weekends. We arrived on a Friday and the only sound was the soothing wind whipping through the palms and waves crashing.

Room service: Was delightful French-style service.

Value for money: The room was pretty lush. We would suggest checking out the Le Meridien website and booking online for a good deal. In terms of expenses, this island can be pretty pricey.

Exercise facilities: Weren't used during this brief stay, but were all brand new.

Perfect for: A couple looking for a relaxing getaway only three hours from Auckland.

Would I return: I'd love to make the most of Le Meridien Resort when the sun gods are shining.