situated on a coral lagoon by Peava village, Gatokae Island, at the southeastern tip of the Solomons' Western Province, the wilderness lodge features traditional construction using sago palm leaf, wild bitalnat palm and village-sawn hardwood with exotic timber and pandanus mat interior. Catering for a maximum of 12 guests Wilderness has been designed to meld the atmosphere of the Gatokae rainforest and ocean with the lifestyle of the neighbouring small village whilst retaining Western comforts and convenience. enjoy real Melanesian hospitality with your Marovo hosts Waelinah and Vaelathy and unique local experiences & genuine adventure with the Wilderness guides. Our all Solomon Island staff has been trained here in Peava, and years of experience and integration have created a unique example of culturally- and environmentally sensitive tourism.

two private oceanfront bungalows each offer two queen size beds with privacy curtains for two couples, and a foldout sofabed for families. Traditional sago palm leaf roofs created by local artisans and hardwood floors combine with timber and glass louvered walls and sliding glass doors to provide the ultimate in cool tropical living. Exotic hardwood interiors feature ensuite vanity & toilet and kitchenette, and solar arrays provide AC power for the personal fans and laptop and camera charging. Comfortable canvas and timber deck and steamer chairs enjoy epic ocean views from the the wide open timber beachfront verandahs and decking. Outdoor hot water showers in stonework enclosures provide an unforgettable way to cool down after long days in the sun, sea and rainforest. Lodge accomodation comprises a large sleeping area with two double and four single beds, perfect for families, scientific and student groups, and diving and fishing clients.

tariff is inclusive of all meals which feature local organic produce from the village gardens, fresh hand-caught seafood, and traditional and Pacific themes with an accent on health. Satellite telephone is available 24/7 should you need to stay in touch. The lodge has a solar power system with AC power inverter for charging cameras and laptops etc and running ceiling fans. A deepwater jetty provides walk-in boat access, easy swimming and snorkelling access with large, safe swim steps, and tandem snorkelling kayak and dugout canoe available for your use.

the world's best coral reefs and most prolific and varied fishlife, lush tropical rainforest, and spectacular scenery are right on your doorstep. The lodge has prime access to the three wild and uninhabited islands of Bulo, MaleMale, and Kicha, the 2900 foot jungle-clad peak of Mt Mariu, and ancient fortified villages and ceremonial sites. The reef and rainforest scenery represents a photographers dream. Hornbills, eclectus parrots and megapodes coexist with frigate birds, terns, herons, and sea eagles - refer to our 'hiking' and 'birding' pages for information. The surrounding reefs and islands have provided unique opportunities to the world's best underwater photographers and appeared in leading journals and books.

the surrounding ocean provides scuba, freediving and snorkelling opportunities unsurpassed anywhere on Earth - pristine unexplored reefs with caves, swim-throughs, abyssal dropoffs and an extraordinary array of life from the tiniest exotics and crustaceans to wahoo, sailfish, and tuna, with a species list of 720 and counting. Resident schools of barracuda and electric blue fusileers are a fixture on the points and walls, and the deep channel between Peava and Bulo Island has a resident school of spinner dolphins. Refer to our 'snorkeling', and 'freediving' pages for info and images.

incredibly diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems and the fascinating old culture of ritual headhunting which persisted into the twentieth century are yet to be studied. Scientists relate - "The Solomon Islands comprise one of the most culturally, linguistically, and biologically diverse places on Earth" ;" The Western and Central Solomons present the largest knowledge gap in the prehistory of the Pacific". The Lodge concept encompasses the direct and ongoing involvement of the scientific community, and it is envisaged that field work and research form an integral part of the lodge's operation as well as increasing the knowledge and awareness of the islands' natural wealth and biodiversity. Refer to our 'tours' and 'hiking & bushwalks' and 'biodiversity & conservation' pages for more.

Kavachi, one of the world's only visible submarine volcanos, lies 30 kilometres to the southwest and can be seen erupting periodically from the weather coast. Just to the north are the 400-plus coral, rainforest and mangrove islands of Marovo Lagoon, one of the richest biological areas on Earth.........people of all ages, walks of life, levels of fitness, and interests will find a week or two spent relaxing at Wilderness and exploring the ocean, rainforest, and culture a rich, cleansing, and memorable experience.

See you here!