DoubleTree by Hilton Launches First Resort in New Caledonia
Hilton announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort, a fully renovated 64-bungalow resort that offers a true island experience just a short boat ride from New Caledonia's capital, Noumea. The latest addition to the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio, one of Hilton's 18 market-leading brands, DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is owned by GLP Hotels New Caledonia and operated by Hilton under a franchised agreement.
"Opening the breathtaking DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is an exciting day for Hilton's growth in the South Pacific. The resort joins Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residences, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji - Sonaisali Island and Hilton Port Moresby to mark our fifth hotel in the region," said Heidi Kunkel, vice president, operations, Australasia, Hilton.
"Its addition to Hilton's portfolio shows our strong commitment to this part of the world. With its incredible natural beauty and rich culture, we look forward to welcoming guests from Australasia and beyond, when it is safe for international travel to resume," she added.
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is located on an islet five kilometers from Noumea. Ilot Maitre forms part of the lagoon encircling New Caledonia, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The resort is surrounded by a 200-hectare natural reserve that is home to an abundance of marine life and flora and fauna, and enjoys a sub-tropical climate year round, caressed by the trade winds.
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is an easy 30-minute boat ride away from the capital city Noumea, in the resort's private boat. It offers regular transfers between the islet and Noumea, offering guests the best of both worlds: a relaxing island getaway and the chance to visit the vibrant capital to enjoy its many restaurants and cafés, French designer shopping, and cultural excursions. Noumea is 46 kilometers from La Tontouta International Airport, which can be reached in approximately 3 hours from Sydney, 2.5 hours from Auckland, and 8 hours from Tokyo.
"We are thrilled to launch our first DoubleTree by Hilton in New Caledonia. From the signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie welcome and serving the local community, to innovating for the future through contemporary accommodations and amenities, the dedicated resort team is ready to give each and every guest the absolute best experience," said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Sophisticated accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort features 37 garden or beach bungalows nestled throughout the island, each 36 square meters with an additional 13 square metre private deck. All are tastefully furnished to provide a tranquil, contemporary ambiance, and are moments from both shores of the island.
The resort enjoys two beach villas that can accommodate up to 10 guests when combined, ideal for larger groups of friends or families, as well as 25 exclusive overwater bungalows - the only in New Caledonia. These bungalows are built over the lagoon and face west, to make the most of every sunset. Each bungalow is a spacious 53 square meters and enjoys a separate bedroom and lounge room, leading out onto a 14 square metre deck. Decks feature a daybed and private steps down into the lagoon below.
Exceptional dining
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort offers an exceptional dining experience in the L'Escapade Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features market fresh buffets of local seafood and produce, as well as an array of French delicacies. Guests are able to relax day and night at the Sunset Bar and order tapas plates, drinks and tropical cocktails. During an active day enjoying the beach, guests can recharge at La Boussole Beach Café, which serves light breakfast and lunch options.
Thoughtful amenities
All guests will receive the signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie at check-in, a hallmark of the DoubleTree brand's warm and hospitable service. Guests seeking exercise or relaxation have a variety of options including a 24-hour fitness center equipped with the latest fitness equipment, a water activity center offering a range of water sports, a massage center with optional beach massages, and an outdoor pool with swim-up bar.
Modern spaces & smart meetings
Featuring a total of 56sqm meeting space, Le Colonnaire meeting room is located in the tropical gardens and offers delegates an inspirational view over the lagoon and an outdoor area for coffee breaks. A marquee is located alongside the meeting room, which can accommodate up to 150 people for cocktails or other social or professional gatherings. DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort boasts a unique wedding island linked to the hotel by a footbridge, a romantic setting for a special celebration.
Armelle Tahi, CEO, GLP Hotel Group New Caledonia, says, "We are delighted to add a second Hilton brand, and the first DoubleTree by Hilton in New Caledonia, to our portfolio of three hotels, providing us with increased visibility, greater opportunities for dual packages and at the same time, the possibility to generate awareness of the destination".
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 18 world-class brands. Members who book directly through the preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Hilton Honors Points and money to book a stay, free standard Wi-Fi and an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.
In addition to the above highlights and as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre is participating in the Hilton CleanStay Program to help guests enjoy a clean and safe experience during their stay. The new standards under Hilton CleanStay include a Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to show that a room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, additional cleaning of common areas and items, contactless check-in, innovative disinfection technology and flexible housekeeping options. A full list can be accessed at www.hilton.com/en/corporate/cleanstay/
DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort is located on Maitre Islet, five kilometers from Noumea, capital city of New Caledonia.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
