Leleana Resort

Why Leleana

Such is the relaxed style of this natural slice of largely uninhabited paradise — or, for the more adventurous, endless hiking options can take you to waterfalls or even a volcano.

So, if you long to get back to peacefulness and natural beauty, wish to embrace real Melanesian life without all the lashings of larger resorts, base yourself on the renowned Kolombangara Island and entwine romance with adventure, or seek an island all to yourselves to get married or reconnect. Your journey starts at Leleana Resort — the only resort on Kolombangara Island.

Accommodation

Find your island sanctuary at Leleana, and unwind in a hidden paradise surrounded by butterflies, beaches and beauty, with a choice of one of three stunning oceanfront timber bungalows.

Couples bungalows — each bungalow has a queen-sized bed with a private bathroom, luggage rack and clothing storage, and is solar powered. Your private deck has expansive ocean views from Gizo to Double Island, with the bluest water you have ever seen in between.

Family residence — Leleana has a two-bedroom option for families, with wide verandas on the oceanside as well as on the lakeside with mountain views. Any bedding configuration is possible for you and your whole family, and the private bathroom has a shower or bath option.

Meals

Leleana Resort offers a dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the ‘Vinarpoha Restaurant’ — a magnificent high, timber-vaulted ceiling and featured carvings, showcasing the wonderful natural timber varieties of Kolombangara Island.

Lily and her team adhere to the true meaning of ‘Vinarpoha’ — a place of gathering — and with a large open-plan kitchen, guests are welcome anytime. Quality local food is Lily’s speciality.

Snorkelling and diving

Discover the underwater wonders just steps from your bungalow. The resort’s location boasts vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, making it a snorkeller’s and diver’s paradise. Explore colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and perhaps even spot a shy octopus. Whether you bring your own gear or rent locally, you’ll have an unforgettable underwater experience — don’t forget your underwater camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of the reef.

Leleana Resort is in one of the major areas for diving in the Western Province, including around Gizo and Munda. The resort offers exclusive access to the sunken American warplane, the ‘Hellcat’, in shallow waters at Double Island, right in front of Leleana. In conjunction with ‘Fatboys’, the resort can arrange all your necessary dive gear, your choice of dive sites and transportation.

Fishing

One of the main attractions at Leleana Resort is fishing. Why? It is all about location. Strategically placed between the alluring ocean and the lakes of Kolombangara, the resort offers excellent surface fishing, right at your bungalow’s doorstep. You can witness first-hand the giant trevally raids on the waiting baitfish that swarm in the shallows of the resort.

Head out towards Double Island, over the coral reefs and lagoons, to experience catching a bluefin trevally, red bass, a coral trout or the Māori wrasse.

The island’s history

Journey back in time and discover the fascinating history of the island. Explore remnants of World War II, offering a unique and poignant perspective of the past, and learn about the island’s rich heritage and the stories behind these significant historical sites. Several marked trails provide easy access to these historical landmarks, allowing you to explore at your own pace — or book a guided tour for a more detailed experience.

Bird watching and hiking

Bird watchers, or ‘twitchers’ as they are nicknamed, enjoy a high concentration of endemic birds throughout the Solomon Islands, but specifically Guadalcanal, Kolombangara and Tetepare. Leleana Resort hosts annual visitations from Heritage Expeditions, where upwards of 70 birdwatchers enjoy the resort location as their base for specific rare bird sightings, like the Roviana rail/grassbird. Bird watchers can see the Roviana grassbirds at Kongu Kovuru village.

Adventure and romance getaways

Disconnect from the grid and reconnect with your partner. Leleana Resort offers a get-away-from-it-all isolation, ideal for a honeymoon or amorous retreat. Just jump on one of Fly Solomons’ commuter planes and head to the Western Province, where the sunsets are to die for.

Swimming and snorkelling are great year-round, and there are hundreds of tiny islands to explore during the day or to visit for special photos at dusk.