Solomon Islands/Accommodation/Oravae Cottage
Oravae Cottage
Your own Robinson Crusoe-style islet, 20 minutes from Gizo — nothing to distract you here but the sound of the waves.
Perched on the edge of its own islet, Oravae is about escaping properly — days spent on the wooden verandah, swimming pristine lagoons, diving or snorkelling WWII Japanese war relics, feasting on traditional island banquets, or sinking a cold beer as the sun goes down and the rest of the world fades out.
Accommodation
Oravae Cottage is an open-plan wooden bungalow built from local materials, with one bedroom (double bed) plus four single beds in the spacious living area, a kitchenette, an indoor shower and toilet, and an outdoor shower. Its standout feature is the over-water verandah reaching out over a beautiful blue lagoon, complete with hammocks and deck chairs (sleeps 6).
Two more cottages now accommodate larger groups of up to 10 — book the whole island for a $100/day surcharge. The Penthouse, an over-water bungalow next to the Cottage, has a double bed, indoor toilet, outside shower and a huge wooden deck catching the sea breeze across the lagoon (sleeps 2). The Treehouse sits on stilts in the trees at the water's edge, with two wooden decks — the main one facing Kolombangara Volcano — a double bed, and bathroom facilities shared with the Cottage and Penthouse (sleeps 2). Hosts Patson and Naomi Baea look after every stay personally.
Amenities
Gas lighting, fridge and stove; the over-water verandah; a local canoe; meals on request; linen and towels; cutlery and kitchen supplies; tea and coffee.
Getting there
The Solomons are a three-hour flight from Brisbane, with daily flights to Honiara then on to Gizo — Oravae is a 20-minute boat ride from there.
Activities
Scuba diving and snorkelling, fishing, surfing, hiking on Kolombangara Island, visiting local villages, staying with local families, and exploring the many nearby islets.
Ready to stay at Oravae?
Tell us your dates and party size and we'll build it into your Solomons itinerary.