Solomon Islands: Anyone stayed at Sanbis Resort or Tavanipupu?

Hi all! Jenny here from Melb, Aus.

I'm currently trying to throw together an itinerary for a honeymoon in November, and I was wondering if anyone has been to either the Sanbis Resort (Giza) or the Tavanipupu Resort (Marau)? Any thoughts/opinions on them? I know they're so far away from each other, but I'm actually trying to figure out which one would be: 1) cheaper to get to and 2) cheaper to stay at.

I've never been to the Solomons before, so I'm not really familiar with transport costs & etc. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated :)

You have probably chosen the two most upmarket places in the whole country. Howevcer, for a honeymoon, ths would be worth it.
There seems to be no online information about the price of Tavanipupu - you would need to contact them directly. However, as it is much closer to the International airport, as it is on the same island as Honiara, it is considerably cheaper to get to. (You have the option of light plane plus boat or boat all the way)
Sanbis is close to Gizo, the capital of the Western province.There are flights ever day from Honiara, or if you time it right, you could get a fast boat (they leave earl Sunday morning, so do not fit in with international flights).
Solomon Airlines lists return flights to Gizo at $427 AUD, and return flights to Marau as $215.
Both resorts will probably also add something for boat transfers.
While these are the two most idyllic resorts, there are others that could suit your needs at a less fancy price, if price is an issue.

Tuvanipupu is roughly around $AU600 for a weekend plus travel costs..

This gets you an amazing bungalow and food is included in the price. I would say it's definately more suited towards a romantic honeymoon than the busy Gizo resorts.

Gizo is admittedly more picturesque, but Marau Sound has a untouched feel about it (though Tuvanipupu is completely manicured)

Thanks for the information, Sunnypacific. I might even be able to afford it one of these days. Does that include food?

Tavanipupu would be the perfect place for a honeymoon.
Me and my partner went in March for our anniversary.
It is $285AUS per person (for non SI residents) per night which includes three yummy fresh gourmet meals a day.
Flights are about $200AUS per person return from Honiara.
We loved it- definitely worth it.
But we haven't yet made it to Sanbis.

Edited by: ale15ha

If you can get yourself to Gizo, then go for it.
Generally, our experience with Pacific Islands - get to an outer island, it makes the trip memorable.
Ours was a package, so not sure of the individual breakdown, but we flew with flysolomons BNE -> Honiaro, then connected to flight to Gizo (stopping at two islands en route, which is great experience too).

We just got back from Gizo (May 2011) and stayed at fatboys. It's on same island as Sanbis - just at the other end, so same logistics apply.
Fatboys have snorkelling and kayak facilities, great location for snorkelling there directly off pier. Also some sandy beaches within kayaking range. Restaurant has fresh seafood, more expensive than in gizo town, but convenient. You can arrange with the staff to travel into gizo town on the staff boat or charter your own boat (for market or to buy own supplies).
They have a honeymoon bungalow (although we stayed in 'lovers retreat' which was also nice).
There is a self-contained bungalow you could request. Trip into Gizo on a monday or friday to stock up on items from market or the various little shops along the main street. That would be an option if you're staying for a number of days and want to keep the cost down.

Another option is Oravae which again is on its own island off gizo. They cook for you too, using local ingredients and cooking techniques. You'll be the only visitors on the island, your hosts stay on the island and will look after you.