Zipolo resort

Hi,
I will be in the Solomons in late October and was thinking of staying at Zipolo Resort. It looks like a cheaper (and perhaps quieter) stay than Uepi. Has anyone stayed there? I was after a pretty quiet holiday with a bit of fishing/snorkelling/swimming. I'm going for about 5-6 days. Is it worth the trip?

If you are only going there for 5-6 days, you might find one of the resorts in Guadalcanal or Central Province is wiser, as you can have problems with air travel to the more distant or smaller airports, such as Seghe, which serves Uepi.
Look at Visit Solomons, Central Province especially Maravagi Resort (but note, you have to pay extra for meals, and they are quite expensive), or Tavanipupu for a more upmarket resort.
Both of these have their own private boat transport out of Honiara.

I love staying at Lola (Zipolo Habu)! Its my fave place in the Sol's and I try and get there about once a month, even if its just for a toasted crayfish sandwich for lunch... Its easy to get to as there are daily flights to Munda from Honiara and then its only 15/20 mins by boat. There is some excellent snorkeling (although I prefer the surf!) and the owner, Joe, is an old professional fisherman so he'll be more than happy to help you cast your line. At the end of the day, the food is excellent, the showers hot and the rooms basic but perfect for an island getaway... did I mention there was cold beer?

I know, it almost sounds as if I work there, but really I just love it to bits! That said, I haven't been to Uepi, but there's no surf there and its more expensive so I'll probably give it a miss...

Thanks to both of you for your reports. It sounds like a good option at the moment. I'll be sure to let you know how I get on.

I haven't stayed at Uepi but have been there, and it's really lovely. I've heard good reports about food, booze etc.

Zipolo is very much about fishing rather than snorkelling or swimming. You can swim, but it's not as good as elsewhere due to the weed. That didn't phase us when we were there, we were quite happy to laze about and read, go for a walk across the (small) island, and eat and drink a ridiculous amount. The food is great, and it's very good value.

I agree with ozziegiraffe that if you only have a total of 5-6 days in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal or Central Province might be a better option.

I have stayed at both and can't recommend one over the other!!!

Zipolo is more rustic but the location and diving is superb. Uepi is more upmarket, food spectacular and diving superb and very convenient i think Uepi is more diving orientated compared to Zipolo. Both places are awesome and i would not hesitate to do them both again.
Both are very quiet and both involve a bit of an expedition to get there. Snorkelling would be better at Uepi - although we were diving and doing boat trips etc.

I think the choice is going to come down to your budget - vast difference between the two places.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/81955811TUaRJA?start=0

here is link to my webshots album - a few pictures from both places to give you a bit of an idea. Lola Island/Zipolo are the same place

Edited by: nzbananacorp