Mirrors, accessories, special bed… New Caledonia’s first love hotel is making waves. Photo: Love room NC
As lovers worldwide were celebrating Valentine's Day, in the small community of Boulouparis (centre of New Caledonia's main island), a "special" hotel is generating curiosity - sometimes indignation and outrage - on the social networks.
Openly self-styled a "love hotel", it offers rooms for a price, with additional accessories and features such as mirrors on the ceiling and accessories of all kinds (handcuffs, swing, massage table and a very large round bed).
The target clientele is said to be "all couples wishing to have a good time" and "break the routine" in an unusual environment.
Co-owner Axel and his partner Lucie (modified names) told local media their initial idea was to set up a "guest house for lovers", which gradually developed into the "love-room" concept, the first of its kind in New Caledonia.
"When we started searching the net, we found the love-room concept was increasingly popular in France, Germany and Japan. So we thought New Caledonia was a little bit behind", Axel explained.
His partner Lucie admits customers are initially a little bit wary.
"But then they get to like our concept, including the marriage proposal weekend package or the rose petals special room (as per one couple's special request)".
She said after a few months of operation, their establishment was gradually gaining in popularity with customers now coming from all over the region, including this week for Valentine's Day.
"It's all about reigniting that flame, and if we can help, it's great", Lucie said.