oceania

solomon islands

The Solomons are what tropical island daydreams are made of. The type of daydream not populated by money and fame but by empty beaches fringed by coconut trees and dense tropical jungle, with some mountains breaking through the canopy behind and crystal blue waters stretching to golden sunsets. And a dugout canoe. And a bamboo hut.

Yep, all this is still just lazing in the breeze on an archipelago located to the east of Australia but a world away. Spear and game fishing, scuba, snorkeling or any other type of water activity is the go, along with fruity cocktails in the evening and the sound of traditional islander Melanesian rhythms to lull you into the sense that you're in paradise. You are.

More macabre but grittily interesting is the history of cannibalism and warfare on the islands, seen in the skull caves or the evidence of clashes in the WWII wrecks that make great diving. Try an outrigger canoe adventure, wander through small, vibrant markets or just enjoy the ever-smiling hospitality of the locals.