island escape
Choose YourmEscapade s n o o l o S
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ast a net somewhere remote and watch the sun’s flickering rays do the dawn dance, scuba dive amongst colourful darting sea critters after a breakfast of fresh papaya, explore secret islands and sprawling valleys in the afternoon, and come nightfall laze and eat to the sweet serenade of the rustling wind. A holiday in the Solomon Islands can be anything you want it to be. Life is simple and experiences are driven by what the local people and natural surroundings have to offer. Showy hotels, fancy five-star restaurants and snobby concierges have no place here. Instead life is about laughter, adventure and being at one with the people and land.
For water addicts
The Solomons are defined by the ocean that surrounds them, and if you could, you would spend months (or even years) exploring the magnificent underwater haven mottled with vibrant reefs and coral cays. Snorkeling opportunities are abundant and most locals will vouch that wherever you jump in, you’ll see something spectacular. One of the most renowned environs for spotting perennially remarkable sea life is Uepi Island in the Western Province. Wade in from almost any spot off the Marovo Lagoon (the longest saltwater lagoon in the world) and plunge into an
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underwater sanctuary where giant clams totter, reef sharks sashay and thickets of bright-coloured fish zip all around. The scuba diving, of course, is spectacular too. Uepi Island Resort (uepi.com), the most luxurious accommodation on the lagoon, has a dive shop and SSI training facility, so avid divers can explore terrains ranging from easy lagoonal coral patches to advanced sheer drop-offs Another snorkeling and scuba diving hotspot, also in the Western Province, Njari Island claims title to the most diverse range of fish in the Solomons (and second in the world). Former expats (now residents) and founders of Dive Gizo (divegizo.com), Danny and Kerry Kennedy, purchased the island in 2002 and in 2004 The Nature Conservancy (TNC), counted 279 different species of fish in the waters surrounding the island (the only other location in the world where the fish count is higher is in Raja Ampat in Indonesia). Take an expedition with Dive Gizo and enter an underwater realm that will astound in a way like no other.
For history buffs
The waters surrounding the Solomons are home to a profusion of relics and ruins because during WWII the Solomon Islands played an important role in the struggle by allies against the advancing Japanese forces. Some of the severest fighting
PICTURES: Tatanya Leonov, Craig Osment and SIVB
Whether you’re a lounge lizard or an adventure junkie, the Solomon Islands is sure to please, writes Tatyana Leonov who found laughter, a little luxury and a lot to love in this Pacific paradise.