Oravae Cottage

Oravae cottages has a lovely secluded island feel, with rustic charm and a warm family-run welcome. I loved sitting on the over-water verandah, snorkelling from the deck, and eating delicious home-cooked meals. It’s a peaceful Pacific escape that would suit couples or small groups looking for somewhere private and different.

After staying in Honiara, we arrived at Oravae and fell for it straight away. The photos show it as it is: a cottage right on the water, with amazing fish, corals, and giant clams below. You can jump straight off the deck. There’s a second cottage, and even a third, and we were welcome to use more than one, so our 19 y.o. claimed one immediately. The meals were amazing. Both kids said they were the best they’d had in the Solomons, even compared with our three nights at Fatboys after Oravae. You don’t know in advance what will be served, which we loved. There was lots of super fresh fish, including sashimi made from tuna we caught on an organized fishing trip. The kids tried scurfing, and we went snorkelling on a day trip and into Gizo town. All of us had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying the peaceful island life. We’d love to come back.

The way Nagarita and her family have cared for their islands over decades comes through everywhere, from the lovely plants around the cottage to giant clams and huge coral heads right by the porch. Some of those coral heads were bigger than what we saw on scuba dives. The Aunties’ daily meals were heavenly, the best we had in the Solomon Islands. We didn’t eat elsewhere because we didn’t want to miss whatever fresh, local dish they’d come up with. Oravae only hosts one group at a time, so it feels like being friends of the family. Nagarita and her family are also involved in local efforts to create opportunities for young people, including surf camp for girls, which makes it a place to connect beyond simply visiting. Weather can change quickly on islands, so come ready to slow down and be flexible, especially if you’re planning to scuba dive. Dive Gizo is highly recommended. If you want quiet time reading in a hammock, snorkelling just steps away, and watching sunrise and sunset to mark the day, Oravae is a beautiful place for a once-in-a-lifetime island stay.

The water and setting are beautiful, and it’s great to snorkel right off the deck. You can fall asleep to the waves lapping below. The family are lovely and hospitable. I recommend it.