excellent new accommodation just outside Sola, Vanua Lava

After checking out two other accommodation options on our arrival in Sola, Vanua Lava, Banks Islands, Vanuatu in May this year, we were delighted to discover the attractive new accommodation just east of Sola, around the bay at Kerepua. It opened a year or two ago and is called “Karen and Captain Ian’s” (Phone: 008821423402, Email: 008821423402@msg.iridium.com) It was set up by an Australian (ex-Navy) and his wife, Karen, who is from nearby Ra. The two younger staff are relatives of Karen also from Ra. There are three double and three twin bungalows (prices: 3500 vt bed and breakfast, 4500 vt all meals.) The bungalow we stayed in was very attractive, comfortable and spacious. Our private facilities were close by – a pit toilet and bush shower in an attractive small building which was perfectly maintained. Excellent and varied meals from fresh local produce are served in the cyclone proof wooden building with a beautiful view where Karen and Ian also live. Karen worked for many years at the Café du Village restaurant in Vila. There is electricity at night in the main building, comfortable seating, music and books. In the large, attractive garden there is a beach house where lunch can be served.

A few minutes easy walk at low tide from the white sand beach is a very good snorkelling spot. Ian has a 19ft sports boat which could not be used when we were there because the sea was too rough. Ian regularly visits Chief Desmond’s nakamal 10 minutes walk away and guests are invited to share kava there or with the family and neighbours in the picnic shelter in the garden. The town is an easy twenty minutes walk around the bay.

It is important to book ahead so that transport from the airport can be arranged. As with a good deal of Vanuatu, wet airfields often disrupt plane schedules so it is important to have flexible plans. We intended to be there for four days but were there for a week. Karen and Ian were very generous with their time in talking to us about the area and its people and we thoroughly enjoyed our week there.