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A Sandalwood Distillery
A
small, modern installation to distil precious sandalwood
oil has recently begun operation on Isle of Pines. Situated
at Wapan, in the north-east corner of the island,
the distillery has created 3 new job opportunities for
Kunies, under the direction of the director/founder,
Michel Point, a specialist in the construction of
stills.
The
essential oil produced will be sold as a fixing agent,
to perfume makers and cosmetics manufacturers in Europe
The
revival of the sandalwood trade recalls the rush that
flourished on Isle of Pines and in other Pacific islands
mid 19th century. This time however, the islanders
themselves cut and sell the wood, according to an equitable
system amongst the eight tribes.
The
island’s ecology is also being protected — sandalwood
saplings are being raised in a nursery and, for each tree
cut, three new specimens are being planted.
•
A hairdressing salon
The
opening of a hairdressing salon makes another first
on Isle of Pines. The ‘mixed’ salon is already
proving popular with residents — women, men and children
alike. Professional hairdresser, Isabelle Lefebvre,
brings with her modern techniques acquired in one of the
top salons of Paris. Her fresh, well-lit premises are
situated in the heart of Vao village, in the Market Square.
Open:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays morning and afternoon, Saturday morning.
Other days by appointment. Visitors welcome. Tel: 46 10
17
•
Eco-tourism — Guided Hikes
Explore
the by-ways of Isle of Pines …. 15 young Kunie
men and women have just qualified as guides for hikes,
offering a variety of rarely visited tracks to discover.
The
circuits, mostly easy, last from 2 to 4 hours. Some follow
the coastline, others explore the forests, yam plantations,
or the village. Several guides speak some English.
Cost:
1000 — 2000 cfp per person. Inquire at your resort.
•
Classical Week at the Meridien
Classical
music was on the menu for guests at the Meridien
Hotel, Oro, during the week 27th
October — 4th November. Midday and evening,
3 music professors from Noumea accompanied meal times
playing Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Telemann. The strains
of violin, cello and oboe in the open air, under the trees
made for a successful week, in a very special setting.
"It’s a recipe we’ll present again soon",
said Hotel Manager, Olivier Trinquant.
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Version
f rançaise
