Sanctuary Hotel, Port Moresby

BY LEMACH LAVARI

HOTEL REVIEW: SANCTUARY, PORT MORESBY

Tel +675 303 7400, see @the_sanctuary_hotel_resort_spa on Instagram.

WHO sTaYs? International tourists, business travellers, walk-in guests. HOW BiG? 64 rooms

COsT From PGK400 + GST per night to PGK650 + GST per night. CHeCK in 2pm CHeCK OUT 11am

HiGHLiGHTs The hotel is set in a tropical garden, which provides an oasis from Port Moresby’s humidity. Take in the sound of birds from the hotel’s bird sanctuary, and feed the hotel’s tree kangaroos. nearBY It’s five minutes’ drive to the National Museum and Art Gallery and 15 minutes’ drive to the Port Moresby Nature Park.

Wi-Fi in rooms/public areas: TV: Air conditioning in room: Room service: Swimming pool: Free airport transfers: Gym: Business centre: Hotel arranges tours: Breakfast included in standard charge:

LOCaTiOn The Sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa is in Waigani, the administrative, commercial and educational heart of Port Moresby. It’s at Section 276, Lot 60 Pitpit Street, about 10 minutes from Jacksons International Airport. The central location allows easy access to other parts of the city. The Sanctuary also offers complimentary shuttles for guests to the Vision City and Stop & Shop shopping malls. the place The Sanctuary offers a comfortable and affordable stay. The hotel’s locally inspired dishes ensure an authentic PNG experience. The Lingzhi Serenity Spa was closed for renovations when Paradise went to press, but you can relax by the pool or catch up on some fitness in the gym. For meetings, there is a conference room that comes with IT support and can fit 20 people. rOOMs The rooms range from single to twin share and deluxe. Deluxe twin rooms provide two separate sleeping areas connected by a lounge area. All rooms have free in-room Wi-Fi and views of gardens and shady trees that provide a tropical vibe to the hotel. Some rooms have balconies with a bonus pool view. FOOd and drinK The in-house restaurant, the Gold Palm, opens at 6am and closes at 10pm. The menu includes western-style dishes, pizza (pictured) and locally inspired dishes. On the local menu, the whole grilled red emperor fish served with taro cooked in coconut cream is recommended. WHaT GUesTs LiKe “The Sanctuary is a great small hotel set in rainforest gardens. The staff are caring and friendly.” – TripAdvisor “I’ve been here several times and I’ve always been extremely impressed. The staff are friendly and professional and the food is always delicious. It’s located in a safe neighbourhood.” – TripAdvisor