New Caledonia, an island nation and former French colony, is a spectacular wonderland of sparkling blue waters and gorgeous, lush foliage. Rightly called "The Jewel of the South Seas," the island is a genuine treasure you will fall in love with. A vacation to New Caledonia, also known as the Isle of Pines, delivers the natural beauty you've come to expect from island destinations—snorkeling in the stunning turquoise lagoons, sunning on the pristine beaches, and enjoying the warm, friendly welcome of the island's year-round inhabitants. However, New Caledonia offers something that most other islands don't—the famous and awe-inspiring Grotte de la Reine Hortense.

This system of caves was named for the Queen Hortensia, and are alternately known as the Queen Hortense Caves, the Grotte d'Oumagne, or the Grotte de Wèmwânyi. According to legend, Queen Hortensia hid in these caves for several months during a bloody war between her tribe and another tribe on the island, sometime during 1855 or 1856. Another story claims that the Queen hid in the caves before abdicating the throne in 1883. While danger and extremis drove the Queen to take shelter in these limestone caves, their beauty and uniqueness have driven tourists back again and again, making them the most widely visited of the island's caves.

Even if you have no experience with spelunking and no interest in hiking, the Grotte de la Reine Hortense is a destination you shouldn't miss. The caves are wide, the ground is not uneven, and the trek to reach them is not difficult. Even children can make the trip with ease, so bring the entire family along for an unforgettable experience.

The Grotte de la Reine Hortense is reached by way of a well-traveled path through the lush, natural rainforest. Eventually the forest gives way to the wild tropical garden which surrounds the Grotte de la Reine Hortense. This thriving, verdant garden is truly a highlight of your visit to New Caledonia that you will not want to miss. The caves and the garden are tended by a local woman caretaker, who will happily share the local history and legend of the caves with you.

When you reach the caves, you will be astonished at the breathtaking wide entrance, crowned with hanging stalactites. At the entrance you will also see a small representation of Our Lady of Lourdes. Inside, you will find many high-ceilinged cave houses, which are tributes to the Virgin Mary. Be sure to bring your flashlight so you don't miss a thing, and don't forget your camera—you won't want to forget a single detail of these gorgeous caves.

As you press further into the cave, you will discover a small stream running through it. Around one hundred and fifty yards from the entrance, the ceiling opens in a great rift, exposing the clear blue sky above. Feel free to spend a little time here, admiring the natural beauty around you and enjoying the naturally cool air within the cave.

No visit to New Caledonia is complete without experiencing this wonder of nature. Exploring the Grotte de la Reina Hortense is truly an afternoon which will linger in your mind for a lifetime.