Solomon Islands: in pictures

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One of the Pacific Islands best kept secrets, the Solomon Islands are blessed with natural beauty and strong cultural traditions. Fly to the capital Honiara from Brisbane with Solomon Airlines. An island archipelago, visitors mostly travel around by small aircraft, landing on grass-covered airstrips that may occupy the entire island.  From there it’s usually a hike to the coast where you’ll likely board a small boat to reach your island destination.

The journey is all part of the adventure on a Solomon Islands holiday!

Accommodation ranges from well-equipped island resorts like Fatboys or Tavanipupu, or, in Honiara, the Heritage Park Hotel. Once you move around the islands accommodation options such as simple bungalows or homestay options, where you’ll live with a family, sharing their home, in a village. This is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself into local life, getting to know the wonderful Sollies people.

I photographed these shy young children on Santa Catalina Island while visiting the island for the annual Wogasia Spear Festival

This young boy waited patiently on the beach all night for dawn for the first of two spear fights of Wogasia Spear Festival, Santa Catalina Island

Checking into the Royal Suite (the same one that Kate and William stayed in), Tavanipupu Island Resort is arguably the best resort in the Solomon Islands

Having the self-proclaimed ‘best beach in the Solomon Islands’ it was hard to argue with Saeragi Villagers!

Rent the whole island where Oravea Cottages are located (not far from Gizo) for the ultimate romantic digital detox getaway

There are plenty of dreamy little atolls just like this one for travellers to truly escape from the civilised world

Fatboys Resort is a favourite amongst travellers – call in for lunch in the overwater restaurant or check in for a few days of blissful waterfront relaxation.

Tavanipupu Island Resort – it’s every bit as special as it looks!

Grab one of the resorts mountain bikes and take a leisurely ride around the island – it will take all of 15 minutes!

Water with the clarity of gin and thriving coral gardens thanks to warm water currents make for some pretty special snorkelling opportunities off the jetty at Tavanipupu Island Resort.

Crayfish and fish make up the menu choices at Fatboys – expect lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re up to it…

The water clarity is so intense that fishermen can almost handpick their catch.

Tropical sunrise viewed from a waterfront bungalow at Fatboys Resort

Traditional village life hasn’t changed much for generations on Santa Catalina Island – these ladies are collecting yams to help celebrate Wogasia Spear Festival.
Fiona Harper was a guest of Solomon Islands Visitor Bureau