Getting to Sanbis Resort

On arrival at Gizo Airstrip, the Sanbis Resort boat will be waiting to transfer you across the lagoon to the resort, just a short 7 minute boat ride away.

Amenities at Sanbis Resort

The resort boasts the best stocked bar in the west. The public, over-the-water SB Bar can be found at the end of the resort’s jetty, offering a pub style menu and genuine wood fire pizzas with fantastic views overlooking the lagoon.

There is a beachfront restaurant/bar exclusively for Sanbis guests on the beach beside the jetty. Sanbis Resort’s internationally trained chef creates exotic seafood delicacies, spicy island BBQ’s and a wide variety of western style meals with an island touch, helping to create a relaxing and memorable experience.

Wireless internet access is available at the SB Bar (bring your own laptop) and batteries for cameras, computers etc can be charged anytime at the Resort bar/restaurant or the SB Bar.

Solomon Watersport at Sanbis Resort Dive Centre will look after all your diving, snorkelling and other watersports requirements. The Resort also offers a fast and reliable boat charter service.

Accommodation at Sanbis Resort

The resort has 6 beautifully appointed bungalows, limiting the number of guests at any one time. Each bungalow is made from local materials with its own secluded beach and is totally separated from the others. Fresh drinking water is provided daily, hot water for tea and coffee is available in thermos bottles, which are replaced twice a day. All bungalows have a small iPod speaker system, insect screens on the windows and a large mosquito net over the Queen sized bed, modern ensuite bathroom with hot water, bath and beach towels, solar powered lighting, ceiling fans which run 24 hours a day and a terrace with stunning views across the lagoon. Two bungalows are a little larger than the other four – ideal to share between 3-4 divers, a small fishing group or a family with up to 2 older children (over 12 years).

THE LODGE is an exclusively private complex located at the very end of the island, about a 250 metre walk from the Bar/Restaurant. The sunrise and sunset can be viewed from the same vantage point with an approximately 300 degree view! The main building has three split levels with a living/entertainment area with TV screen, Hi-Fi and wireless internet. On a level lower is a “mini kitchen” with dining area. A level further down, there is a lounge and a sun deck with BBQ facilities and a 6 person spa bath. A fridge with ice maker is restocked daily like a mini bar. Next to the main house, to ensure total privacy, are two fully air-conditioned bungalows with ensuite hot water bathroom and small veranda overlooking the lagoon and several islands. The Lodge has a private jetty and a private boat is provided with the rental, for exclusive use of the guests to explore the Gizo lagoon. This is an absolutely idyllic option for two couples or a family with two elder children or a small group – the bungalows are big enough to add a few single beds.

Activities at Sanbis Resort

Swimming and Snorkelling

Snorkeling gear is provided for in-house guests free of charge. The water right in front of your bungalow on the house reef are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Alternatively, Sanbis Resort has a lease on a beautiful nearby island to guarantee you privacy and a great day out. The Olasana Island Snorkel Trip for up to 6 people includes a BBQ lunch to cook on the island. There is a fantastic reef to explore with a beautiful white sandy beach.

A day trip can also be organised to snorkel on a WWII Hellcat Fighter Plane near Munda.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is organised with the in-house dive centre which offers guided single or double tank dives including scuba gear rental (dive computers are additional). The diving is relaxed and does not operate on a set schedule – the dive boat will depart once you are ready! Dive on WWII wrecks, planes and ships. The warm, gin clear water opens up an amazing display of sea whips, giant gorgonian fans and an immense display of hard and soft corals.

Surfing

There are three usually good breaks: Titiana – a left hander about 13 minutes by boat, Paelongge – a right hander about 20 minutes by boat and Outside Naru – a right hander about 7 minutes by boat from Sanbis Resort.

There is also a very long but unreliable break at Skull Island which is usually only good if Paelongge and Titiana are huge.

Sanbis Resort can fit 8 surfers in one boat on a surf transfer for in-house guests only.

The best time for surf is during the Australian cyclone season but best is between November and end of April when Gizo has north/northwest winds.

Fishing

Boats can be hired for reef fishing or deep sea fishing excursions. Tackle is included (lost lures are charged at cost plus 20%). For casting, please bring your own favourite gear.

Other watersports

Sanbis Resort offers all sorts of other exciting watersport activities including windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking (free for in-house guests), stand up paddle boarding, water-skiing and knee-boarding. Boat charters for up to 8 people per boat can also be booked.

Skull Island Day Trip

A leisurely full day boat trip through the peaceful waters of the spectacular, island studded Vona Vona Lagoon to Skull Island. Skull Island is a sacred island where numerous warrior skulls have been placed with shell money, in a stone tomb. A guide will recount the tales behind the headhunting era skulls and graves that can be found there.

After the Skull Island tour, make a stop for lunch and unwind right on the beach at a small nearby resort on Lola Island.

SimboVolcano Island Day trip

This is a full day boat cruise to Simbo Island, which is dominated by two young volcanic cones. A two hour walk through jungle, past headhunting shrines and boiling lakes will take you to the top of the Simbo Volcano.This island is host to the Megapode bird, which lays its eggs into small burrows on the side of the Volcano – no need for nesting!