It has been a few years since I visited Nusa Island Resort, but it has left a lasting impression. There are 11 overwater bungalows at the resort in New Ireland, perched over crystal-blue water with views of Kavieng Harbour.
The bungalows are made from local traditional materials but with modern amenities inside.
Each bungalow has a verandah with a hammock, so you could be excused for lying back with a favourite book instead of venturing further afield.
But if you hop out of that hammock, a world of discovery awaits. Surfing, diving, snorkelling, fishing and village visits are on the cards.
Often, it’s not just how a place looks or what it offers. It’s also the ambience. Well, Nusa Island Resort comes up trumps in this department, too, with its laidback barefoot vibe. Oh, and don’t forget the food. Fresh, local and delicious.
The resort is featured in a special ‘Weekend Inspirations’ travel section of the April–June issue of Paradise. Local writer Mary Tao has selected 10 stunning Papua New Guinean getaways. Each getaway can be done in a weekend from Port Moresby, but all the better if you can make it a long weekend.
Alongside Nusa Island Resort, she includes country clubs, lodges and resorts from across the country.
In this travel special, we also reveal weekend activities that give you good reason to linger in Port Moresby. Among the attractions are the Port Moresby Nature Park and the National Museum and Art Gallery.
While in POM, you may want to try the Thai restaurant Lucky Lucky. In our food review section, our writer declares the menu offerings are of international standard and the crying tiger beef (charcoal grilled sirloin with crushed chilli) is a dish not to miss.
Meanwhile, one of the capital’s newest places to eat and drink is the stylish Host Deli, Bar and Restaurant at the newly opened Hilton Residences.
“There’s a cool vibe in the urban style lounge, open from breakfast to dinner,” our writer says.
PNG’s property folio is getting a whole lot better, and in another special section of the magazine we look at some of the new apartments that are opening up, including the Hilton Residences and the Marriott Executive Apartments at Harbourside South.
There’s a lot more in the magazine too, including our regulars such as books, gadgets, wine, business, sport and hotel reviews.
Robert Upe, Editor