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Solomon Islands

Uepi Island Resort

Uepi Island ResortImagine yourself on a small tropical island perched on the edge of the largest lagoon in the world. At Uepi Island Resort, situated on one of the barrier reef islands which defines the edge of the magnificent Marovo Lagoon, you need share this unique experience of paradise with only a few other people.

This area of the Western Province, Solomon Islands offers opportunities for visitors to experience the culture of local people whilst relaxing in a quietly intimate resort. Six bungalows, two units, one guest room and a six bed lodge offer clean, comfortable accommodation and the 36 bed maximum capacity ensures that all guests enjoy privacy and the intimacy of a small group of people. The food is based around fresh local seafood, fruits and vegetables, prepared by talented local chefs.

The Ultimate Escape
Uepi IslandUepi Island is approximately 2.5 km long and up to 600 metres wide, and the whole area aside from the resort's cultivated tropical gardens is covered with traversable lowland tropical rainforest. Guests can participate in a variety of activities or simply relax. The lagoon side of the island has a sandy beach, with clear shallow water suitable for swimming, sail and paddle boarding and canoeing. The seaward edge of the island drops into 2,000 metres of water where 'The Slot', a deep sea trench meets Charapoana Passage, one of the few deep water passages from the lagoon.

Diving and snorkeling are popular activities along the fringing reef area with sites close to the Resort which are well-populated with marine life and always exciting because of the pelagic species which move along Charapoana Passage. A variety of excursions for both diving and snorkeling are also offered. Guests can book trips to the nearby villages and rivers at the Resort.

Uepi Island Resort, so remote that it may be forgotten by the rest of the world, will always be remembered by those who have experienced a stay there.

Getting There
Uepi Island ResortFrom Honiara, visitors to Uepi travel by light plane (70 minute flight) to Seghe on the southeast tip of New Georgia. Visitors should be prepared for the fact that Seghe is a small airstrip with only a few private houses on the edge of the strip. On arrival at Seghe, visitors will be transported approximately 12km across the lagoon in open 22 foot outboard engine powered canoes; standard transport in the area. Be prepared for the chance of getting a little wet from spray on the way to the island!

 
  Accomodation
 

BUNGALOWS
There are six timber bungalows set in tropical gardens. Four of these are on the beachfront of the lagoon. Two are set back a little, but there is still easy access to the beach.

AccomodationAll bungalows have:

  • 1 double bed
  • 1 double bunk
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Fridge
  • Private shower and toilet
  • Easy chairs and coffee table
  • Verandah

 

DUAL UNITS
The 2 new units share a common wall but are completely private in all other respects. Each unit has one open space room, a bathroom and separate toilet. In the large room is a sleeping area with either a king-sized bed or two singles depending if the requirement is for single, twin or double occupancy. Along one wall is a wet area including a sink, tea & coffee making facilities and a bench. There is also a luggage rack and a clothing storage space. Cane chairs and a small table complete these self contained airy units. The windows are louvers to allow maximum air flow and they are covered with Austrian blinds to provide privacy at night. An overhead fan is positioned to allow continuous airflow. The units are positioned on a raised area close to the beach (but not beach front) which affords an excellent view of the Marovo Lagoon. An outside shaded decking area provides another space for storage or living.

GUEST ROOMS (known as 7A & 7B)
7A/7B are 2 accommodation units sharing a common wall. 7A is as large as a bungalow, with ensuite shower & separate toilet. It has a spacious kitchenette area (refrigerator, sink, tea/coffee making facilities), a King Size bed and a deck out from the front door. It is not beachfront but has excellent views over the Marovo. Because it is on a slight rise it gets very good breezes & the cross ventilation makes it a cool room. It has an overhead fan. An extra bed can easily be put in this room.

7B is a smaller room with ensuite shower/toilet. Its entrance opens onto a deck but is private from 7A entrance. Currently has a double bed and a single bed. It has an overhead fan and also has good breezes and a beautiful view. It has a small tea/coffee area but no sink. There is a hand basin in the bathroom. This complex is perfect for a family, where the parents want some privacy but want to be near their children.

POWER
240v from generators. Australian style power points.

MEALS
Meals are served in the main dining room (breakfast and the evening meal), while lunches are provided in baskets.

     
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  Activities
 

The unique cultural and geographical environment of Uepi Island enables varied and interesting leisure activities.

JUNGLE TRAILS
The Island itself is covered in rainforest right down to the high water mark. There is a system of well-prepared and mapped out walking trails which are signposted at strategic points.

Uepi Island ResortSNORKELING
Fringing reef, steep drop-offs, lagoonal coral bommies ..... all teeming with colorful tropical fish and invertebrate life. Plenty of sites for snorkelers of varying ability.

SWIMMING
A very safe sandy beach is only meters away from the bungalow accommodation. Situated on the inner lagoon it is ideal for young children and for energetic adults.

CANOE PADDLING
Paddle your own canoe! These are the real thing, local dugout canoes. Watch the local people use tide and wind to travel long distances over the lagoon with incredible skill and economy. Paddle boards and sailboards are also available for use.

BEACH PICNICS
The picturesque Landoro and Ko Pi Tu Pi beaches are a must to relax on. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Take your snorkeling gear too. We warn you, it's very, very romantic. LIBRARY An extensive library comprising local interests, marine and terrestrial natural history, periodicals, fiction and board games.

PHOTOGRAPHY
The Marovo Lagoon and Uepi are a photographers delight. A camera is a must. Subjects abound ... hand feeding the coral fish, tropical sunsets, palm trees and white beaches, tropical rainforests.

FISHING
The Marovan waters teem with fish life. Motorized canoes are used to fish from and conventional tackle for trolling and reef fishing are available. Should you be an ultra keen fisherman then it is advisable to bring some personal gear. Check out the open waters for signs of feeding birds and Yellow-Fin Tuna, try for a Mackerel or Barracuda along the drop-offs and passages, pick up a Red Emperor or Coral Trout on the reefs. For those who wish to casually fish, evening trips of about an hour's duration with equipment supplied are available.

COCONUT CRAB WALKS
The baits are set ... a short canoe trip at night and into the jungle by torchlight to see a threatened species. You will be intrigued by these large and spectacular creatures.

DiversDIVING
Uepi has an established reputation for world class diving. All dive sites along the Uepi Island passage, barrier reef drop-offs and bays are intensive coral reef ecosystems. The diving is extraordinarily varied with many and differing reef structures and bioassemblages.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Without a doubt one of the reasons for traveling to other countries is to experience the culture of the indigenous occupants. In this regard Uepi considers itself privileged to be able to offer trips to local villages. The Marovo people still predominantly rely on traditional housing, food sources, traveling, as well as a family and communal organization. This experience is offered to you by way of river trips, carving village tours and custom dancing.

RIVER TRIPS
Glide across the lagoon waters and then enjoy the dense tropical rainforest as you meander up the river to the crystal clear coolness of the swimming holes in one of the several New Georgia Rivers. Visit an adjacent village as you return. CARVING

VILLAGE TOURS
The carvers of the Marovo are renowned for their quality carvings. Most carvings are of custom subjects or reflect the natural history of the area. Examples are simple or exotic `spirit' wildlife carvings, traditional `Nuzu-Nuzu' war or peace sculptures. Materials include kerosene wood, shell-inlay, black coral, queen ebony and king ebony. By visiting the carvers at their villages you see them working in their environment. Some wonderful and unique purchases may be made.

CUSTOM DANCING
Enjoy the hospitality of the Chumbikopi people and be entertained by these natural artists. Pacific Island voices, children's songs, war dances. An excellent opportunity to learn first hand about life in Marovo society as you are shown the village.

   
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