private dining area on the island’s high point). You can then jump on a Solomon Airlines’ commuter plane for a few days in the Western Province, the Solomons’ most popular (though IN THE still largely untapped) tourist region. A collection of sandy atolls and lush volcanic islands set in a warm torquoise ocean, the Western Province literally bustles honeymoon in the solomon islands with marine life. The unspoilt coral reefs of the region are a snorkeller’s haven, and easily accessed by hiring a speedboat SSolomonserenity and boatman from Gizo, the province’s main commercial hub. Under the water, you’ll see everything from parrot fish, BY JACQUI GIBSON clown fish and electric-blue starfish, through to manta rays and grey-tipped reef sharks. And, for the most part, it will be Not your typical honeymoon destination, the Solomon Islands offers just you in the water – with no one else for miles. plenty of options for couples looking for a unique romantic retreat… Nearly all tourism operators in the Western Province offer accommodation set very near to or over the water, making it When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted time all too easy to plop into the ocean for an afternoon swim or out from their hectic 2012 winter tour of the Pacific, they a day’s kayak across one of the many picturesque lagoons. chose to relax and reconnect at Tavanipupu Private Island A favoured low-tide experience for visitors to the region Resort in the Solomon Islands. No TV, no shops, no traffic – Archipelago of a thousand islands Island hopping – your ultimate itinerary includes snorkelling over a submerged World War II relic no distractions. Just crystal-clear waters, pink-tinged sunsets The Solomons is a stunning archipelago of nearly 1000 Couples keen to explore the best of the Solomons should called ‘Betsy’. By speedboat, it takes about 45 minutes from and balmy temperatures of 30 degrees. islands covering more than 800,000 square kilometres start with a few days at Tavanipupu Private Island Resort. Just Gizo to locate the American fighter plane resting several What the royal couple got after days of high-profile public of ocean. It is home to about 500,000 people of mostly a 25-minute flight from Honiara, the Solomon’s capital city, metres below the water’s surface. Extraordinarily, the US engagements was the picture-perfect, pared-back, romantic Melanesian descent – 75 per cent of whom still make a living it’s the kind of place you can be as active or relaxed as you like. Navy Grumman Hellcat is still visible after being shot down escape. Tavanipupu, a seven-bungalow, one-villa resort located from subsistence farming and fishing. English is widely Roll out of your king-size, four-poster bed into an in a US-Japanese scuffle more than half a century ago. On a in the Marau Sound of Guadalcanal, is the Solomon Islands’ spoken, alongside dozens of local dialects, with Pidgin the outdoor hammock for a mid-morning nap. When you’re turning tide, the plane literally rises to the surface. only luxury resort. Yet, in many ways, it pretty much typifies language that binds them. feeling more active, the island’s coral reef lagoon will provide Hiking, village and heritage tours, surfing and diving what any couple can expect from the Solomons, regardless The country is possibly best known for its world-class plenty of opportunity for swimming and snorkelling – and are also extremely popular in the Western Province. Top of budget or timeframe. It’s here – in a country located diving and as one of the battle grounds of the Second World there’s paddle boarding and kayaking, too. Walk the island, dive spots include Gizo, Munda and Marovo Lagoon, with approximately 3500km north-west of New Zealand – you can War. These days, however, the Solomons is also attracting visit a nearby village or enjoy a romantic dinner on your Uepi Resort (in the Marovo Lagoon) considered the ultimate completely break away from modern existence and immerse adventurous honeymooners wanting a Pacific paradise that’s own private jetty (if you take the supreme bungalow where base for couples wanting to balance time together with time yourself in the tranquility of island life. both idyllic and off the beaten track. Photos by Jacqui Gibson and Bureau The Solomon Islands Tourism William and Kate stayed) or at honeymooner’s lookout (a exploring the ocean’s extraordinary wildlife. cont:- 160 www.brideandgroom.co.nz www.brideandgroom.co.nz 161 What’s on the menu Food in the Solomons is typically basic but fresh and delicious. Fresh fish, seasonal fruit (coconut, mango, banana and papaya) and vegetables are staples. Crayfish is especially popular. Where to stay At Tavanipupu Private Island Resort you can stay in the supreme bungalow where William and Kate stayed or choose from another of the seven bungalows (the resort takes a maximum of 18 guests). Located in Guadalcanal Province, prices start from NZ$190. Uepi Resort is a stunning eco, dive getaway in the Western Province for couples who love the water. At Uepi all the food is home-grown and locally sourced. Uepi’s many dive activities make this a place couples love to return to (Australian owners Jill and Grant Kelly say one couple has been back every year for nearly 20 years). There are special deals available to honeymooners – just contact them for Explore the hidden paradise of the South Pacifi c, an archipelago more on prices. comprising a vast group of 992 breathtaking tropical islands. Getting there Oravae Cottage is an open-plan wooden bungalow located Feel the spirit of adventure and enjoy your own special piece of 20 minutes’ boat ride from Gizo in the Western Province. To get to the Solomons, visitors must first fly to Brisbane paradise - dive, fi sh, surf, hike, kayak or simply relax and discover Run by Patson and Naomi Baea, the cottage is ideal for (about a three-hour flight) and then transit to the city of a culture with a welcoming smile. newlyweds wanting total seclusion in a rustic island getaway. Honiara (which takes another three hours). From Honiara Oravae Cottage is low budget but perfectly positioned for International Airport it’s possible to take a comfortable FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: air-conditioned coach to the domestic terminal and jump Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau great snorkelling, delicious home-cooked food, and views of PO Box 321, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands the lagoon and the occasional local fisherman in a dugout straight on the local carrier, Solomon Airlines, for the final call (677) 22442 or email [email protected] Photos by Jacqui Gibson and Bureau The Solomon Islands Tourism honeymoon in the solomon islands canoe passing by. Prices start from NZ$140. leg of your journey. www.visitsolomons.com.sb www.facebook.com/VisitSolomonIslands 162 www.brideandgroom.co.nz www.brideandgroom.co.nz 163.