The Sheraton Deva Spa & Golf Resort in New Caledonia is a standout in the destination golfing realm. The luxury property features an 18-hole Championship Course, direct access to a white sand beach enclosed by a fringing coral reef and plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
If you enjoy great food, you’re in the right place too. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by French cooking techniques whilst paying homage to traditional Melanesian tastes. New Caledonia is a short flight from east coast Australia with Air Carlin. Making the Sheraton Deva Golf Resort easily accessible for a short or long stay-and-play holiday.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN NEW CALEDONIA
The bungalows are a real five-star treat! They have a distinctive Melanesian look and feature all the modern trimmings. The deluxe bath is ideal for a post-round soak and the private terraces are a blissful spot to sit for a twilight tipple. Book ahead and reserve a bungalow right between the 18th and the sea.
Warning: the four-poster bed is a slumber sanctuary and you might be inclined to sleep in! In any case, you’ll eventually awaken to the singsong of exotic birds and a gentle ocean rolling. Fuel up on a buffet breakfast (yes, it’s Sheraton’s standard deliciousness) and get golfing!
DEVA DINING
Gather in the majestic dining room, or on the outdoor terrace (the latter option is absolutely lovely) at Reef, Sheraton Deva’s signature eatery. The cuisine highlights local ingredients and is prepared by an expert kitchen team. The seafood selection (fresh platters and/or delicate sashimi) is outstanding and there were ample vegetarian offerings too. Be sure to sample the ‘A la carte menu during your stay even though that scrumptious buffet (hello, flank steak, zesty salad, and Kanak-style cabbage) is calling your name.
Keen to relax poolside snacking on tapas and slinging back a few Mai Tai? Great, go direct to Creek Bar and order up. Travel Tip: if you visit La Roche Percée beach (and you should), check out the casual Chez Marco & Co café for tasty eats in a surf shack setting or pick up a sunset feed from Pizza Nera.
DEEP NATURE SPA
The Deep Nature spa is a haven for well-being nestled within forest greenery for a get-away-from-it-all relaxing experience. The four treatment cabins overlook either the lagoon or the mountains and are a beautiful setting to indulge in massage, facials and therapeutic body treatments. Deep Nature Spa is a serene space that features a private pool, sauna, fitness room and affusion showers.
SHERATON DEVA GOLF COURSE REVIEW
This Par 72, 7302 metre Dye-designed golf course utilises the natural surroundings well. Even the native rough that ranges from slightly thick to there’s no way I’m going in. For the Aussie’s reading, you’ll be pleased to know there are no snakes in New Cal so go deep and hunt a stray ball down if you wish.
This PGA-level golf course was in fact designed by American Cynthia Dye, regarded for her detailed and environmentally-sensitive golf courses.
The fairways are in mint condition (credit to the Golf De Deva greenkeeping team) and have attractive landing areas. Greens are firm and consistent. It’s risk/reward style play at the Sheraton Deva Golf Course with plenty of tight approaches and green-side bunkering. The main distraction is the superb crystal blue lagoon views and dramatic alpine backdrop. A UNESCO World Heritage barrier reef can be quite scene-stealing when you’re ready to swing!
The course features a 30-box driving range, cart hire and also has family packages/lessons available.
BOURAIL ACTIVITIES
- Snorkel through the calm emerald waters out front of the resort or grab a kayak or canoe available for guest use.
- The nearby village of Bourail (a 10-minute drive) and the surrounding west coast mountains are home to the little-known New Caledonian cowboy culture. Book a bush tour to meet the local stockmen, watch them round up the horses and enjoy a BBQ lunch. Or, if you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Bourail Fair! It’s a fantastic rodeo/festival where locals come together to celebrate in authentic New Cal style.
- Walk the 3-Bay Trail. Start at the stunning La Roche Percée beach (a popular surf spot in New Calendonia for experienced surfers), continue around to Turtle Bay under the shade of giant New Caledonia pines and then explore the secluded hideaway known as Lovers’ Bay. Note: the trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
- Immerse yourself in the Kanak culture by visiting a nearby village, meet with the elders and sample traditional bougna – a dish cooked underground of root vegetables with pork and/or chicken (sometimes seafood), wrapped in palm leaves and steamed in coconut milk.
GETTING THERE
Air Carlin flies direct from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Noumea twice weekly. Expect premium service aboard and note all sports equipment (yep, even golf bags) go free of charge.
The Sheraton Deva is located 90 minutes north of Tontouta International Airport. Direct transfers are available with Bourail Shuttle Service via private car or minivan.
Luxe Surf Style 
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