Where to Stay in Gizo: The Best Overwater Villas & Eco Lodges in the Solomon Islands
Unless you are an avid fisherman, WWII historian or pro diver, you may not have had Gizo on your radar until recently. But now that the South Pacific’s best-kept secret has been revealed, you need to know where to stay in Gizo to make the most of it.
Gizo is your ultimate base for island-hopping adventures, world-class diving and truly escaping into nature, and after two visits, I return with the inside scoop and a full belly of fresh seafood to break down the most unique, underrated and eco-friendly stays scattered across the Western Province
From overwater bungalows surrounded by water clearer than glass to remote island eco-lodges where the biggest decision of the day is whether to snorkel or swing in a hammock, I’ve broken down everywhere I have personally visited to show you the best stays for every budget, traveller and island experience.
Best Areas to Stay in Gizo
Gizo is a small island town, but accommodation options extend beyond the main township to nearby islands and coastal communities. Where you stay depends on whether you want easy access to restaurants and transport or a more secluded island escape.
| Area | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Gizo Town | Convenience and practical stays | Easy access to shops, restaurants, markets and transport |
| Nearby Islands (anywhere near Kennedy is a win) | Overwater bungalows and tropical paradise adventures | Island hopping, cocktails, snorkelling and a unique kind of luxury |
| Outer Islands & Remote Coastlines | Eco-lodges and off-grid adventures | Quiet beaches, nature escapes, local yet fewer facilities |
My experience staying in Gizo, Solomon Islands
Having been twice and already dreaming of a 3rd visit, Gizo is the underrated tropical paradise I won’t shut up about.
Funnily enough, I have only ever stayed in the same resort acorss both of my visits
What to expect from Gizo Hotels
I couldn’t start this post without a very clear disclaimer that the Sollies is not your typical tropical holiday hub. There are no big-name brand resorts, fancy restaurants or even much air-conditioning on offer.
Gizo is unlike anywhere I have ever been, and as long as you come in with realistic expectations that luxury here comes from untouched nature, islands all to yourself, endless supply of the freshest seafood of your life and colours and below and of the water that you didn’t even know were possible, then I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with it too.
Staying in Gizo is for those craving a little more adventure from their tropical paradise.
Best Places to Stay in Gizo
Whether you want to wake up over the water or keep things simple in town, these are the accommodation options to compare when planning your Gizo trip.
Best Overwater Stay in Gizo – Oravae Cottage
There are quite a few overwater or beachfront bungalows to choose from in Gizo, but it is hard to beat the set-up you have on the private Oravae Cottage.
With hammocks, traditional canoes, inflatables to optimise your relaxation on the pristine lagoon and even a fridge to keep your beers cold to enjoy later on said hammock – This is what you picture when you say you need to escape reality for a while. And that’s even before we get into the WWII war relic diving and island banquet feasts!
Although as amazing as the cottage is on its own, it’s Oravae’s extended range of experiences and amenities that snuck it to the top of the list in this category, most notably a large waterslide, rope swing and new hiking trails.
“Whether you’re after a romantic getaway for two or somewhere for a party of 10, Oravae is the perfect escape.”
Oravae Cottage
Where to book Oravae Cottage: The property is listed on Expedia but has more availability across Tourism Solomons booking enquiries and direct with Oravae Cottage
Best Gizo Adventure Stay – Fatboys Resort
Fatboys Resort is the most popular accommodation in the Solomon Islands, and it is not hard to see why – especially after staying TWICE!
You are welcomed in by its large overwater restaurant, already spoilt with the pristine waters and marine life buzzing below (especially when they feed leftovers to sharks each night!). You’ll likely spend a lot of time here sipping cocktails and enjoying delicious feasts. Although I say forget the lobster, I keep coming back for the banana pancakes haha
For a small island resort, it has an impressive variety of accommodation types and amenities across the land and sea. I’m talking rustic cliffside apartments to new deluxe overwater bungalows AND its own dive shop.
Offering sustainable tourism and cultural immersion like no other in the heart of the historic Gizo Islands, Fatboys is the total package that will have you feeling like family!
“At Fatboys Resort, we commit to blending eco-conscious luxury with the raw beauty of the Western Province. Our haven is a testament to sustainable living, offering a sanctuary where memorable experiences and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
Fatboys Resort
Where to book Fatboys Resort: Fatboys is one of the most ‘advanced’ resorts in the Solomon Islands, not only in terms of the updated rooms, but availability to book online via several booking platforms you can browse here.
Best Eco-Lodge in Gizo – Imagination Island
I only had a short afternoon visit and snorkel at Imagination Island and I can confidently say it had the clearest waters and most vibrant direct reef on offer across all of the Gizo resorts I visited.
And I wasn’t the only one impressed, the guest we befriended wouldn’t stop raving about the food, fishing, scenery and their 1 & 2 bedroom bungalows only accessed by private boardwalk that are all handcrafted with love and locally made materials from the inside out. Yes, even the hammocks!
Being a short 5 minute boat ride away from Gizo airport it is no wonder this has become a go-to spot for travellers, mostly in the fishing and surfing communities, so we were told!
“As you sit at your private deck which offer views of the surrounding islands and sunset, you will also be able to spot many species of fish, small black-tip reef sharks and possibly even manta rays and sea turtles, among other marine species in the waters just beyond your bungalow.“
Visit SOlomons
Where to book Imagination Island Resort: Book it here
Best Romantic Accommodation in Gizo – Sanbis Resort
Sanbis Resort sits on the opposite tip of the island from Fatboys Resort yet comes with its own unique experiences and own selection of private waterfront bungalows.
Unfortunately, it was closed on our recent visit after the large hurricane took out its jetty but it is back and better than ever, inviting you in for a secluded romantic stay like no other.
The main three-level lodge boasts a large entertainment space, dining area, more lounging and a mind-blowing sun deck with BBQ facilities and a 6-person spa bath. What more could you want!
Where to book Sanbis Resort: Best booked via Toursim Solomons or Stayz
Best Gizo Town Hotel – Zaru Hotel
Zaru Hotel is the brand-new modern stay in the middle of Gizo Town. Right across the road from the markets and docks, you may not be on the private islands, but you have them all at your fingertips here.
Don’t be alarmed if you are stalking their website and see prices well in the thousands per night… the tourism industry here is still very new, with a few kinks to be worked out in their online booking system. These prices are set in Solomon Islands Dollar yet it glitches to show it without conversion in other $.
We didn’t get a chance to visit here but had heard great things from both locals and travellers with a general excitement surrounding the new opening, particularly about their very comfortable beds.
Where to book Zaru Hotel: Book it here.
My Pick for the Best Resort in Gizo – Fatboys Resort
Yes, Fatboys Resort truly has my heart and it only gets better and better every time I visit, especially now that they have their own Dive Shop on site!
Despite a devastating cyclone hitting the week before our recent 2026 visit, the way the community all came together to rebuild in record time solidified my love for this unique stay. Not to mention, the updated bungalows were a nice touch.
I describe Fatboys as the heart of Gizo, given it is really the best hub for all of your tropical paradise adventures and certainly a must-add to your Solomon Islands Itinerary.
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Gizo
- Booking Platforms are limited: Again, the Sols are very new in the tourism landscape and setting up their online travel booking systems is a long and slow process. Meaning you may need to search a little harder than usual to find accommodation (unless you are reading this because I do all the hard work for you!)
- Check what’s included: Many resorts offer a range of packages and inclusions from meals, snorkelling equipment and transfers, that may be charged separately or all-inclusive. Best to sort out beforehand so you don’t have to stress once in paradise.
- Boat Transfers are essential: deserving of a point on its own. Given the airport is on its own small coral island, you need a boat transfer no matter where you stay. Some are included in your hotel price, others are booked seperately, whatever works best for you jsut make sure it is booked before you land.
- Plan around your activities: Sure the resorts are incredible but there is so much of Gizo to explore. To avoid being overwhelmed by choice or even worse, missing out on a dream day trip, this is worth a little extra research. Each resort usually has a full list!
- Don’t assume every property has resort-style facilities: Some remote stays are deliberately simple, with limited electricity, Wi-Fi or dining options.
- Weather can be unpredictable: Coming from personal cyclone experience… Like any tropical destination, it comes with tropical storms so you really need to be ready to work on Island time when some sunsets may fizzle or some dives may get moved and just go with the flow.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Gizo
What is the best place to stay in Gizo?
The best place depends on your travel style. Gizo Town is practical for restaurants, shops and transport, while nearby islands offer more secluded accommodation and tropical scenery. For a special stay, look at overwater bungalows and island eco-lodges.
Are there overwater bungalows in Gizo, Solomon Islands?
Yes but these are not the mega luxury villas you may be thinking like in the Maldives or Bora Bora. The overwater bungalows in the Sollies are unique eco-lodges, and they are scattered all across the country in many shapes and sizes.
Is Gizo expensive to visit?
Due to the limited (yet growing) tourism infrastructure, the Solomon Islands isn’t the ulitmate budget destination but Gizo in particular still remains up there are home to the cheapest oevrwater bungalows in the world.
Even the diving in Gizo is generally cheaper than most other premier destinations in the South Pacific, especially given its quality and quantity of unique, world-renowned diving sites.
Overall, Gizo is not expensive, but it is not cheap.
How many nights should you stay in Gizo?
Despite my previous visits and ultimate Solomon Islands first-timers itinerary, dedicating only 3 days for Gizo. If you have the flexibility to extend or simply want one spot to base for the whole trip, you could easily spend 5-7 days in Gizo and explore more remote adventures around Western Province.
Is it better to stay in Gizo Town or on a nearby island?
Gizo Town is great if you are on a budget and simply look to spend most of your days out diving and island hopping. Yet the ultimate tropical paradise experience I will not shut up about is out on those nearby islands.
The nearby islands win for me every time. The bonus with these island resorts is that they usually already include your airport transfer (yes, the airport is simply one island landing strip so you will need a boat transfer regardless of where you stay).
What I really think about Where to Stay in Gizo
Honestly, it is hard to go wrong with any stay in Gizo because most of the magic comes from its unbelievable island hopping experiences. From overwater bungalows, hiking hotspots and dive shops to eco lodges and floating bars, you are spoilt for choice with where to stay in Gizo and what to do while you’re there.
As cliche as it is, Gizo is the South Pacific’s best kept secret and I can not wait for you to fall in love with it too. Sure, it isn’t ultra-luxury like the Maldives but the unique, untouched nature of these eco stays in Gizo is a true rarity I highly encourage you to experience while you can as I have no doubt this destination will boom.
Keep planning your dream Solomon Island trip
The Best Solomon Islands Itinerary: 10 days in this Underrated Paradise
Unique Things to do in the Solomon Islands: Everything you need to do
Solomon Islands Survival Guide: Is it really worth visting?
