Mota Lava Gateway Lodge

Mota Lava Gateway Lodge was created as a vision of Madeline’s for which she was a Manager and Founder. Prior to living on Mota Lava, Madeline worked for Solace Hotel in Port Vila (Efate Island), where she had gained a lot of skills and knowledge of the hospitality industry and working with tourism. When Madeline and Franklyn returned to live on the family property in Mota Lava, she knew that beach bungalows could help generate additional income to support the family. Mota Lava Gateway Lodge that was created in the early 2000’s.

Madeline’s vision was to see lots of tourists staying in well-built accommodation on the property. Madeline believed that services to the property such as good water and electricity were important. The Beach Bungalows had multiple uses as a guest house for travellers (an example is archaeologists and travellers) and a caring home for the sick. Then, with Madeline’s leadership, it became Mota Lava Gateway Lodge. Madeline was able to help support school fees and education for her children with the extra income.

Mota Lava Gateway Lodge now attracts all kinds of people, especially tourists from overseas. Anyone who comes to Mota Lava has a home. Tourists give feedback that helps the family to continue improving the accommodation. Madeline created a positive environment at the Lodge, and this generated a lot of referrals for people wanting to stay.

After Madeline’s passing, the family are committed to improving and keeping the standard of the Lodge high as she would have expected, including hands-on maintenance to keep the property clean and tidy. Marketing is also something that George has studied to help bring in new and creative ideas to help the Lodge to continue to grow as a family business. As a businessperson, Madeline reminded her family that they need to creative in many aspects, something they continue to strive to do.