Tikitouring in a fabulous part of the world: Page 8

 

Richard Moore's article continues ...

Getting there is a bit of an effort, a half-hour flight in a small Twin Otter aircraft down to the delightful airstrip of Seghe, then an hour boat journey to Uepi Island just off the coast of New Georgia.

But Uepi Island Resort is fantastic.

It is picture-postcard stuff with terrific diving and snorkeling spots, wonderful accommodation and a very friendly atmosphere.

It is also the perfect place to get away from it all. Guests can pretty much do as they like: Sit around and read, take part in dive trips, snorkel around the small jetty.

I would recommend going snorkeling as the waters are very clear, the coral and fish colourful, and the waters warm.

We got our fins going at the Landolo Gardens, Roma and then again off the jetty.

It was amazing and other guests who scuba dived were fair raving about the quality of what they were seeing.

Jill and Grant Kelly own Uepi Resort and they see themselves more as custodians of the island and it surrounds more than mere owners.

The resort is eco friendly and they make sure the benefits of tourism are shared with the local villages in the lagoon – mainly jobs and helping to educate the children.

Wandering around in the heat of the day you can run into large monitor lizards – striking creatures that come out to enjoy the sun – or at other times see land crabs moving about in their many holes that pockmark the walkways.

We had two-hand-a-half days on Uepi Island and not only left the most relaxed I have been in years, but also with quite a bit of regret.

Continued ...