Accommodation at the Tetepare Island Ecolodge is provided in traditional Melanesian leaf houses with twin or double beds. The leaf-houses are set on the edge of the rainforest, close to the shores of a sparkling lagoon. Presently, we have four bungalows, each sleeping between 2 and 6 people, and we can accommodate up to 14 visitors. Families and children are welcome. Bedding, towels and mosquito-nets are provided. To ensure guests experience the true tranquillity of the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, we usually limit visitor numbers to a maximum of 14 guests at any one time (larger group bookings may be accommodated on request).
Shared shower and toilet facilities are basic and clean. They are situated a short walk (20m) from your bungalow. The water supply is rainwater and we have flush toilets and cold showers. Showers are outdoors but separate and private, allowing you to enjoy the rainforest whilst cooling off. There is limited electricity on Tetepare. Solar energy is used to provide lighting in the eating area, the field station and the ecolodge. Phone reception is very patchy and so we suggest you use your time on Tetepare to unwind and relax. However, there are some areas of the ecolodge where reception is reliable if required. Charging batteries or phones depends on the solar and sunny weather, so please bear this in mind before coming to Tetepare and bring portable chargers if you need. We also ask that you take any batteries that you bring with you off the island when you leave.
Meals are prepared by our specially-trained local cooks using fresh organic local ingredients, including vegetables grown in village gardens on nearby Rendova Island, and seafood caught fresh from the waters around Tetepare. Meals are a mixture of western and local dishes. We can cater for vegetarians and vegans. Please let us know in advance if there are any dietary requirements.
We would always prefer it if no alcohol comes onto Tetepare, alcohol is the cause of significant social problems amongst local people. If you do bring any with you (there is none available on Tetepare), please be sensitive to local customs and drink it only in your room or on your balcony. Do not offer alcohol to staff whilst on the island and take your empty bottles with you when you leave.
When visiting the local villages, please wear knee length shorts or skirts. For getting in and out of our boats, female guests may also find it appropriate to wear some shorts beneath their skirts. Boardshorts can be worn over bathers when swimming.
We are happy to offer a clothes-washing service for guests for a small additional fee. Please be aware that weather conditions mean that clothes may not come back dry for 24 hours or more. Babysitters can be hired to assist with child-minding on request. If you can, please let us know when making your booking if you are likely to require child-minding services. Arrangements can be made at short notice, but we do prefer to plan this service ahead of time so we can be sure to have the most experienced people ready to look after your children for you.