THE SOLOMON ISLANDS A HIDDEN SANCTUARY

 The Solomon Islands are one of the South Pacific’s most intriguing and yet least explored regions. A scattered archipelago of around 1000 islands and low lying coral atolls of Guadalcanal (capital Honiara), Santa Isabel, San Cristobel, Choiseul, Santa Cruz group, Gizo and New Georgia, the Solomons offers great dive spots, eco lodges and restaurants.

In 1568 Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana became the first European to “discover” Santa Isobel Island and have contact with the Islas Salomon people. His aim was to convert the ‘heathens’ to Christianity. Their first landing was at Santa Isabel where they found the locals to be cordial but as cannibals and offering a body part as food -the Spanish soon realised that making a hasty retreat to Peru would be adviseable.

    Diving World War II wrecks in Guadalcanal is one of the major attractions.
Guadalcanal is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. The wrecks of Kyusyu Maru, and the USS John Penn have recorded one of the highest fish counts in the world. Exotic fish species including Red Tailed Flashers, painted Thecacera and Yamasui’s Cuthoha will be names familiar to fish experts. Dives take between 4 to 6 people- no crowded boats and no tight time schedules. Try surf drops, snorkelling and village tours with Gizo Adventure Sports providing a comprehensive range of options.

 The Isabel province is considered one of the best regions in the Pacific with long stretching white sand beaches ideal for the surfing enthusiast. A secret no longer, Solomon Islands newest resort the Papatura Island Retreat is ideal for fishing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, and the list goes on. There are 4 styles of bungalow that cater for Honeymooners and romantics all with water views. 
Busu Island Eco Retreat on the island of Malaita is located in the Langa Langa Lagoon and is an ideal place to absorb cultural life. Hone your canoeing skills in some of the clearest water on the island or maybe “fall in” for a swim.  

Kagata Village is the true Solomon’s experience where you can fish surf and relax all in one day. Three lagoon front bungalows each with private facilities are the ultimate holiday location. Surf the crowd free waves and learn from the Kagata people how tourism is shaping their future. Mr Laurie Leketo supports the community with an initiative to assist local communities. “By staying with the locals your valuable dollar goes back into the local tribes, helping our isolated communities with much needed essentials like food, medicine, education, and housing” he commented.

There are Eco lodges for the adventurer and modern hotels for those less inclined to want to ‘rough it’. For a period of time, the Solomons ’fell asleep’ but they have awakened with a dedication to sustainable tourism. The importance of local cuisine and fresh caught is so very enticing. Fat Boys Restaurant 10 minutes by boat from the island of Gizo overlooks the aptly named Plum Pudding Island.