Karen
United Kingdom · Couple · September 2024
“An idealic quiet jungle island retreat with lots to do and eat!”
+We had an amazing stay at Vanua Kino. I had read the only other review about this resort (homestay) and I decided to take a chance, and I’m so glad I did!! The review we read was 100% correct, the cabin was amazing, I love falling asleep hearing the waves; the family are truely beautiful people, Juliet an amazing cook, Terry so knowledgeable about the area (historically the head-hunting region) and very willing to do all activities with you. Their kids were also so involved in making our stay so comfortable and relaxing (with the right mix of activities) and we ended up extending our stay. Terry and Juliet picked us up from the ferry dock, we had come down from Munda (6 hours) because I had heard about the lagoon and diving, and they managed to organise diving for me with a local resort (I was very lucky as the resort don’t usually take outsiders unless they have less people diving from their own resort, but they said how much they respect Vanua Kino). Juliet and Terry will bend over backwards to accommodate your requests. The snorkelling outside our cabin/bungalow was really good (you’d never guess when you look at the water just how much life there is right outside, and how colou
−There was nothing to dislike.
Nansi
Australia · Solo · July 2024
“Exceptional”
+This was my third stay at Vanua Kino, since 2011, and every time is just as special! It's such a beautiful place and so relaxing - watching sunsets from your private deck, hearing the water lapping under the bungalow while you sleep, cooling off in the outdoor bush shower, or reading a book in the breezy 'win-win' house. There's loads to see and do - excellent snorkelling (fish AND coral), river swims, crocodile spotting, kayaking and deserted island beaches, all just short boat rides away. I particularly enjoyed exploring a cave full of flying foxes! It's a great base from which to explore beautiful Marovo Lagoon. The location is also super handy - right opposite Seghe port (if arriving by sea) and the fancy new airport (if you fly). Once there, various members of the host family very cheerfully and skillfully get you out and about in their boat. The food is excellent local, seasonal fare. I also got a lot out of tagging along for trips to the market - seeing how food is grown and traded in the Solomon's is very humbling. Most importantly, perhaps, the host family is delightful - friendly, funny, full of local knowledge to share, quick to put you at ease. I highly recommend initia
−I love the whole package at Vanua Kino! Note however, that there's VERY little infrastructure outside of major towns in the Solomon's (including Marovo). There are no ATMs, for instance, so you need to take cash to last your whole stay in the area. Wifi is VERY rare but you can set yourself up with a local mobile data and phone service. Charging your phone/camera at this accommodation is no problem as they have a solar power set up. Not all places have this, however. For me, this just provides the opportunity for a genuine digital detox / extreme diet. Vanua Kino is delightfully rustic and provides an authentic insight into family life in the Solomons today. Everything for the comfort of guests involves so much more labour than you can imagine when you first arrive. This always really makes me appreciate my life and, for me, that's a gift that lasts long after my holiday. This kind of travelling won't be for everyone. It's exactly what I was looking for, though!