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The hottest openings and travel news you missed in the Pacific Islands

International Traveller
It’s been a while since we’ve been out there, but the world hasn’t stopped moving. From the latest hotels to new retreats in far-flung destinations to museum openings and what’s trending, here is all the inspiration you need to inform your travel plans to the Pacific Islands this year and beyond.

Fiji reopens as one of the world’s safest holiday destinations

Peninsula Villa, Como Laucala Island, Fiji, Pacific Islands
Fiji, the Isles of Smiles, has reopened as one of the world’s safest holiday destinations.

With its economy so heavily reliant on tourism, Fiji has been at the forefront of developing COVID-safe measures across the industry since the onset of the pandemic. And now, as a result, the so-called Isles of Smiles has reopened as one of the world’s safest holiday destinations.

Nearly every hotel and tour operator in Fiji is following Care Fiji Commitment protocols – a WHO-approved standard of best-practice health and safety measures for travel in a post-COVID world – and all of our favourites are ready to welcome us back, such as Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Malolo Island Resort and Turtle Island. Plus there’s a seriously brag-worthy newcomer on the scene: Como Laucala Island, a private island retreat of just 25 luxury residences.

Plateau Villa Bedroom, Como Laucala Island, Fiji, Pacific Islands
Como Laucala Island is a brag-worthy newcomer on the scene.

Visit Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia

In December last year, New Caledonia voted for the third (and final) time to remain part of France; visit Chai De L’hippodrome in capital Nouméa for French cheese and wine, but don’t skip the opportunity to experience the archipelago’s traditional Kanak culture by visiting the Tjibaou Cultural Centre (designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano) or teeing up a homestay further afield in the Loyalty Islands.

Island, New Caledonia, Pacific Islands
Experience the archipelago’s traditional Kanak culture.

The newly discovered giant coral reef near Tahiti

A giant pristine coral reef was discovered late last year off the coast of The Islands of Tahiti. Seemingly untouched by climate change or human activities, it was a fitting moment for the archipelago as it moves towards slow tourism with the aim of being a leader in sustainability in the Pacific. Its eco trailblazers include The Coral Gardeners, located on the island of Moorea, whose mission it is to plant 1 million baby corals before 2025 with the help of a digital coral adoption program.

Coral Gardeners, Island of Moorea, Pacific Islands
Help Coral Gardeners plant 1 million baby corals by 2025.

Sustainable stays in the Islands of Tahiti

And among the dreamy resorts doing their bit for the environment are The Brando, nearing its goal of becoming carbon neutral and self-sustainable; off-the-grid Ninamu; Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, which offers coral-grafting workshops; and new private island resort Motu Nao Nao, complete with its own farm on a 25-hectare motu in the lagoon of Raiatea.

Motu Nao Nao, Private Resort, Pacific Islands
The new private island resort Motu Nao Nao comes with its own farm.

Cruise French Polynesia with Aranui

With local crew, cuisine and culture, cargo cruise liner Aranui is an authentic – and pretty damn special – way to explore French Polynesia. Its cargo cruise to the Marquesas Islands is an icon among adventurers and for those big in spirit but shorter on time, a new five-day itinerary departing April next year might be just the ticket. Catering to the post-pandemic traveller (and with the requisite enhanced health protocols onboard), this short but very sweet cruise is a first from Aranui, offering travellers more options for visiting paradise.

Aranui, Cargo Cruise Liner, French Polynesia, Pacific Islands
Aranui is an authentic and special way to explore French Polynesia.

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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

    The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

    1. Easy access to good food

    meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
    Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

    One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

    In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

    In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

    Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

    At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

    While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

    It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

    2. Better sleep options

    Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room
    Sleep deeply with Novotel.

    There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

    For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

    The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

    3. More ways to move

    woman hiking around queenstown new zealand
    Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

    Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

    At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

    Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

    4. Better connections

    Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
    Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

    One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

    Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

    A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

    5. Location is everything

    Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld
    Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

    Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

    All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

    Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.