BEACH PARTY OF ONE

It’s 10pm on a Thursday and for reasons unknown I’ve found myself at a dance party on a tiny island off the coast of New Caledonia.

Surrounded by the Noumea party set, I’m almost certain to have been the only one silly enough to come to Ile aux Canards alone.

What by day is an idyllic island — a five-minute boat ride from the mainland — turns into a nightclub one evening a month. Beers range from $8.70-$11.50 while a Red Bull and vodka and will set you back a whopping $25.

You’ll likely need plenty if, like me, you venture there by yourself.

A small kitchen also serves food (I opted for a mini-burger) and is open late if you want to dance into the night. The music is a mix of top-40 hits (think Drake) and your in-laws’ birthday party (think Kool & the Gang). If, like me, you visit the island dance party with no mates, follow these handy tips:

1

Make sure you’ve plenty of mobile data. If you think it’s awkward to go to this sort of event alone, try doing it without having the crutch of scrolling aimlessly through your smartphone.

2

Go late. If you want to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb, arrive once the party is in full swing.

3

Dress down — a local told me the best way to blend in at the island is to wear shorts and jandals.