Kate Webster Meaning ‘a place where the fish pass through’, Tavanipupu is a five-star Private Island Resort located in Marau Sound, Solomon Islands.
An exciting 25 minutes east by plane from the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara and a short but scenic boat ride, Tavanipupu Private Island Resort is the South Pacific’s best-kept secret.
That was until the Royals – Prince William and Princess Kate came to stay that is. Since the visit, this paradise in the Pacific has scribed its name on the map.
Once a coconut plantation in the 19th century, owned by Norwegian Traders who bought it off the locals for some ammunition, the island holds many secrets. Secret spots to snorkel and swim, secluded beaches to enjoy the going down of the sun at day’s end.
Rooms
There are only a limited number of bungalows at Tavanipupu which keeps the place secluded and private. Each spacey bungalow overlooks the water, with king-size beds protected by a mosquito net and fan-cooled rooms. The bungalows are well-vented and their high roofs built with traditional materials keep them cool night and day. Their newest self-catering bungalow includes a deck built over the crystalline waters of the Coral Sea, complete with a kitchen, and a separate bedroom and bathroom. The Royal Bungalow Suite (yes where the Royals stayed) features a king bed, expansive bathroom, private outdoor deck with shower, and sublime ocean and beachfront view.
Dining
If you love fresh seafood, Tavanipupu is the place for you, with food sourced locally from the nearby villages and the ocean of course. Although they serve a variety of tantalising culinary specialties, their focus is on the exquisite seafood that thrives in the pure waters surrounding Tavanipupu. The dining is mostly communal under the main dining pavilion, however, if you wish to have a private dinner this can be organised at one of the many scenic places around the resort. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the local dancing from the nearby villagers while you enjoy your meal. At the end of the day as the sun is setting, enjoy cocktail hour out on the boardwalk.
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For more information on the Solomon Islands visit www.visitsolomons.com.sb
Kate Webster was a guest at Tavanipupu Private Island Resort with Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. This review is a true account and has not approved nor edited with all words by Kate.
