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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.
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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
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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.
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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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