Le Meridien Ile des Pins

This resort is tranquil, relaxing, and stunningly beautiful -- and its boutique size (with less than 50 rooms) mean that a stay here feels convincingly away from it all. The bright, open lobby with a thatched roof sets the tone for the rest of the property, and guests are welcomed with a cold beverage and seated check-in. Cushy sofas and wicker tables and chairs are available for hanging out, and there's a little convenience store selling beachwear and other goods. Despite the relatively low number of rooms, the property is quite spread out, with lots of places in the gardens and on the beach where guests can pause and relax. In fact, that's the name of the game here, and at many times during the year guests may feel like they have the place to themselves. Unfortunately, that vibe changes a bit if cruise ships are docked at the far end of Ile des Pins, as lunch-seekers flock here for mid-day eats. By evening, though, things generally calm down again. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making this resort especially popular with couples and the occasional family. 

This hotel is situated along secluded Oro Bay, and the hotel's shuttle picks guests up at the airport and drives them to the resort, a trip that takes about 20 minutes. The roads are paved and smooth on the island. The surrounding region is forested and lush, without much development, and the resort feels secluded as the bus crosses a little bridge to enter the grounds. There are a couple of small local restaurants in the area to cater to Le Meridien guests, and the touristy Natural Pool snorkeling spot is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Otherwise, there's not much else here. It is simply a beautiful location for tourists to experience the island. For even more beautiful seaside scenery, Kanumera Bay is a 20- to 25-minute drive across the island. Even so, the property itself has everything most guests are seeking in a tropical getaway: turquoise waters, coral reefs, a perfect little beach, lush green scenery, and a beautiful resort.

The hotel offers rooms and bungalows, and all are beautiful, decorated in a warm, tropical style with natural rugs atop hardwood floors, white bed linens with mosquito-net canopies, bright accent pillows, and white walls with wood accents. Ceiling fans supplement air-conditioning. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles for tea and coffee, digital music players, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms also include furnished balconies or terraces, some with great ocean views. There is no butler service. Tiled bathrooms have wood accents, toiletries, hairdryers, and separate tubs and showers. Robes and slippers are provided. 

The four types of bungalows are Coconut Grove, Water Front, Beach View, and Panoramic. All have one bedroom and a separate living area with a sofa and chaise. The Beach View suites are especially gorgeous, with a private terrace right on the beach. Guests can relax on the cushioned double chaise lounge or dine alfresco at the dining table and chairs. The Panoramic Suites have larger terraces with stunning views of Oro Bay and steps that provide direct lagoon access. 

This resort offers everything needed for a relaxing tropical vacation. The hotel's signature restaurant, La Pirogue, serves Melanesian and French cuisine, with a focus on fresh local seafood, herbs from the resort's own gardens, and fresh local produce and fruits. Guests can dine inside under a high thatched ceiling with fans or out on the terrace with gorgeous views of Oro Bay. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold selections is served here daily, as well as lunch and dinner. Breakfast also is served in the Longitude 167 Bar, an airy, open space with lots of tropical wood and a relaxed atmosphere. Live concerts are shown on the movie screen here nightly. 

The hotel's infinity pool is spectacular, with the bay on one side and lots of tropical trees and greenery surrounding it. It's designed as two large circles, and one end is shallow for the little ones. Cushioned wicker lounge chairs shaded by umbrellas are spread around the tile and wooden deck. It's a picture-perfect setting. Drinks and light fare are available at La Boussole bar by the pool. Towels are provided. 

Wide and sandy Oro Bay Beach also offers lounge chairs and cushioned day beds with pillows, as well as larger upholstered day beds shaded by Balinese-style canopies on stilts. The canopied day beds are also available for dinner and sunset cocktails by request. Active guests can play beach volleyball or table tennis, or go kayaking, snorkeling, or paddle boarding. There's also a mini-golf course and other activities for the youngsters. Free activities such as weaving and coconut-opening lessons are offered daily on the beach. 

Le Spa offers a full menu of treatments in a lovely tropical setting featuring fountains, soft music, candles, and fragrant incense. One of the two treatment rooms is for couples, and one is for individuals. There's also an outdoor whirlpool and a massage tent on the beach. The gym has cardio and weight-training equipment, plus free weights and exercise balls. It's an open space with lots of windows for natural light and views of the gardens. There's also a sauna. An indoor game room features a billiard table and other games, plus bookcases full of books and movies. 

A business desk includes two computers and a printer for guests to use. The meeting room accommodates about 20 people at a long table with modern technology. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, although it may be limited in some areas. Keep in mind that there is a fee for the airport shuttle.