Located on a private island just of the south-eastern coastline of Guadalcanal, in Marau Sound, Tavanipupu Island Resort is only 25 minutes by Solomon Airlines 8-seater Islander aircraft from Honiara to Marau Island airport and the International airport, or 3 hours by scenic boat cruise around the coast.

In 2012, Tavanipupu Island Resort played host to Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, as part of their South Pacific tour in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and although they could only stay the one night, we are sure they would have loved to stay a bit longer in this private island paradise!

Previously a 19th century Norwegian traders coconut plantation, it was bought in the 1970's by British interior designer Dennis Bellote and his partner, who spent a lot of time, money and hard work to convert the very overgrown island into a lush tropical garden paradise it is today.  Some of the original coconut trees can still be found around the island and dotted around some of the manicured lawns and gardens in the Resort.

Tavanipupu offers private, individual accommodation in just 8 detached bungalows, all with a King or a Double (in 1 Bungalow) four-poster bed and ocean views, and some also have private outdoor rainforest showers, private decks, private beach or over-water jetties.  They all have ensuite bathroom with indoor, and some times outdoor showers, twin vanities and complimentary toiletries, a sitting area with sofas and chairs, and a private deck with your own large hammock to relax and enjoy the view of the turquiose lagoon.

Breakfast is delivered each morning to your verandah and the 2-course lunch and 3-course dinner is served in the open air dining pavillion.  Most of the food served is grown in their own gardens, including fresh eggs and chickens, along with a variety of fresh fish and seafood that is caught right on the doorstep, in the blue lagoon.  Although the meals are not included in the room rate, (it is an additional extra cost of $165.00AUD per person per day), because of this resorts' location, it would be very difficult to eat anywhere else, so this would need to be added to your budget.

There is a small spa in the Resort, offering a limited range of treatments and a great massage, complete with an ocean view.  There is no TV's, no radio and limited Wi-Fi and internet access, but this is a place you come to to escape the technological world!

They have snorkel equipment available to guests and the lagoon is teeming with hundreds of fish, and multi-coloured corals.  They also have 2 sea-kayaks and a few stand-up paddle boards, and if you want to travel a bit further afield, they can arrange village visits, church visits, boat excursions, chartered fishing tours, bike tours on the mainland and scuba diving (for certified divers) in some of the most stunning waters in the world.  Surfers can also bring their own boards and surf the swells beyond the reef.

Although the Tavanipupu Island Resort offers exceptional personal service, and a good standard of  essential amenities and confort, it is definitely off the beaten track, the sort of property that allows you to totally chill out and be at one with yourself and nature.

So, if you are the type of person who likes their gadgets, technology and a buzzing nightlife, this might not be the place for you.  But if you are happy relaxing with your own or your partners' company, and want to totally leave the rest of the world behind, then Tavanipupu could possibly be just what you are looking for.

Click HERE to visit the hotel's own website