5 September 2019.
A trip to the Solomon Islands means rustic and remote island living at its finest.
Instead of the oversized mega-resorts and crowded beaches that plague much of South East Asia and the Pacific, expect to find charming beachside bungalows and simple cabins tucked up in the rainforest, all united by a focus on sustainability and a simply spectacular setting. Oh, and the best part, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself!
The Solomon Islands are not the place to come expecting extravagant luxury. They’ve put their very own spin on the all-inclusive ideal, pushing aside pretentious cookiecutter vacations in favour of adventure, cultural immersion and much-needed relaxation, and honestly, it’s one of the things that makes a trip here quite so special.
So if it’s an escape to nature that you crave, where you can truly disconnect, then you’ll be more than satisfied. These are some of the best options for accommodation in the Solomon Islands for any budget ranging from luxury city hotels to beautiful waterfront hideaways.
* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *
Heritage Park Hotel
The 4-star Heritage Park Hotel is the height of luxury in the Solomon Islands and if you’ve spent your time on a remote far-flung isle, the creature comforts on offer will be a welcome treat. Located in the heart of Honiara, all rooms some with a private balcony overlooking the beautiful Iron Bottom Sound, perfectly situated to catch the sunrise.
Facilities include a gym, pool and bar, as well as several onsite restaurants, of which my favourite was GG’s which offers a fantastic selection of local seafood dishes alongside Asian and European cuisine. Be sure to leave room for dessert though because they serve up one of the most scrumptious brownie’s I’ve ever eaten. Decent wifi is also available, though free usage is limited.
For rates and reviews, check:
Coral Sea Resort
This contemporary resort occupies a sprawling garden area right along the waterfront and boasts a collection of bright, ocean-facing rooms and luxury villas. The restaurants receive great reviews, but the bar is the main draw for locals and foreigners alike when live music brings the place to life each evening.
For rates and reviews, check:
Qua Roviana
Qua Roviana is a comfortable budget-friendly option set just a 2-minute walk from the airport and around the corner from the waterfront. Wifi is available, albeit snail-paced, and the large lounge area provides a comfortable place to chill out and meet other guests.
For rates and reviews, check:
Titiro Eco Lodge
Rustic, friendly and beautifully situated amongst the mangroves, Titiru Eco Lodge was one of my favourite places to stay in the Solomon Islands.
Double or family-sized bungalows sit between the trees backing onto an enormous organic garden which supplies all the fresh produce for your meals and is a wonderful place to get lost for an hour or two. They aspire to only serve what can be grown or caught locally so expect plenty of hand-picked treats and fresh seafood with a local twist. The remote location also provides plenty of opportunities to explore with snorkelling, hiking, kayaking and local village excursions all on offer.
For rates and reviews, check:
Agnes Gateway Lodge
Agnes’ enormous property houses a wide range of simple rooms catering to everyone from singles through to families and large groups. It’s a reliable budget option but the best feature is really its fantastic location right on the waterfront.
The onsite restaurant is the best place to eat in town, while Dive Munda, the area’s premier dive operator, is also based in house. A number of half and full-day tour options are also available for guests looking to explore further afield.
For rates and reviews, check:
Zipolo Habu Resort
Located on Lola Island just 20-minutes from Munda, Zipolo Habu is a self-confessed quintessential island paradise.
All bungalows are constructed from traditional materials and are self-contained with kitchen facilities and creature comforts like hot water. For those keen to kick back, there’s an onsite restaurant and bar that is rumoured to serve the coldest beer in the region.
For rates and reviews, check:
Found the perfect place to stay? Now start planning the perfect trip!
17 Essential Things To Know Before Visiting The Solomon Islands
Fatboy’s Resort
The name may raise a few eyebrows, conjuring up images of a greasy diner frequented by rotund, red-faced men, but is in fact inspired by the character Joe of Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers whose sole aim was to drink, eat and escape work. Set on a protected beach of Mbambanga Island just 10 minutes from Gizo, there simply couldn’t be a more picturesque place to do just that.
A handful of charming bungalows line the beachfront with a central overwater bar and restaurant that serves up fresh and completely delicious, mainly seafood-based, meals. You’ll find plenty of equipment available for guests, including SUPs, snorkel gear, kayaks and a small motorboat, as well as a number of tours on offer. Think fantastic snorkelling spots, paradisical island lunches and sunset ‘wine downs’ which are always a hit.
For rates and reviews, check:
Urilolo Lodge
Set in the village of Saeraghi on the far northern point of Ghizo Island, Urilolo offers a homestay style experience perfect for those on a tighter budget. The simple cabins are located right on the beach and guests can choose to self-cater, picking up their supplies on arrival in Gizo, or have meals prepared by the family for a very reasonable price.
Friendly and knowledgable owner William will pick you up directly from the airport and can help organise a bunch of fun activities around the nearby islands, including snorkelling, fishing and hiking. Prices start at €30/A$50 with special rates available for additional guests and children.
For rates and reviews, check:
Oravae Cottages
Perched above the water on a tiny island off the north-west coast of Ghizo, Oravae Cottages offers simple lodgings in a sublime setting. The main cottage is perfect for a family or group and opens up onto a sundrenched verandah complete with hammocks and deck chairs perfect for enjoying the sunset. There are also two additional smaller bungalows available.
The island itself is tiny, but the lovely host family can organise a full suite of activities for you – snorkelling, surfing and diving are the main draws – or you can simply put your feet up and enjoy the wonderfully tranquil surrounds.
For rates and reviews, check:
Imagination Island
Nestled around a tiny tree-clad island, Imagination sure is a dreamy place to while away your days in the Solomons. Waterfront cabins are simple and spacious with a large communal dining area set over the water. Fantastic snorkelling is available right around the property with opportunities available for many more activities.
For rates and reviews, check:
Uepi Island Resort
Set in a tranquil corner off the eastern shelf of New Georgia Island, Uepi is one of few resorts that is fully equipped for diving and came highly recommended to me from a couple who has been visiting these shores for decades.
Located amidst the lush rainforest and with a beautiful outlook across the Marovo Lagoon and its islands, Uepi is a great choice for those looking to get away from it all and focus on the world-class diving on offer. All produce for meals is locally sourced from nearby villages or the onsite garden. Access is via Seghe which has daily flight connections with Honiara via Suavanao.
For rates and reviews, check:
Evis Resort
Located off the coast of Vangunu Island, Evis Resort offers spacious modern cabins right on the beach. Enjoy snorkelling right from your doorstep, indulge at the excellent onsite restaurant or organise a fun excursion to the many nearby islands. Access is also via Seghe airstrip.
For rates and reviews, check:
A big thanks to Tourism Solomon Islands for hosting me during my stay. As always, all opinions are my own.
