10 Luxury Hotels In Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a unique blend of diverse landscapes and ancient traditions / Pixabay
Papua New Guinea is a unique blend of diverse landscapes and ancient traditions / Pixabay
A. J. Samuels

Papua New Guinea is a unique blend of diverse landscapes and ancient traditions. Its tangled rain forests, sweeping beaches, and clear waters are home to a plethora of tropical birds and a wealth of marine life. These luxury hotels focus on the culture, traditions and natural wonders found in Papua New Guinea and offer their guests an experience akin to no other.

1. In Wewak Boutique Hotel, Wewak

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Wewak
© David Bacon/Flickr

This luxury boutique hotel is situated on the Wewak Hill and boasts spectacular views of the Bismarck Sea. Renowned for its friendly staff, a stay at the Wewak Boutique Hotel will be both peaceful and welcoming. The bedrooms include modern facilities such as air conditioning – a necessity in the humid summer months. Drink in the views while lazing on the verandas or while cooling off in the swimming pool.

2. Rondon Ridge

Independent Hotel

Rondon Ridge can be found off the beaten track nestled in the Wahgi Valley. The rural setting and uninterrupted views of the valley bring a sense of wonder to the hotel. The identity of the area is uniquely rooted in the cultures and traditions of the native people, who have been cultivating the land for thousands of years. The hotel provides a mixture of incredible experiences which cater for every individual, including rainforest tours led by local tour guides. However, the highlight of staying at Rondon Ridge is the tour visiting the Melpa people and Papua New Guinea Mud Men.
Waghi valley

3. Tufi Dive Resort, Tufi

Independent Hotel, Hotel

Tufi Resort is not only known for its luxury accommodation and laid back atmosphere but for its incredible scuba diving. Visitors can dive among World War II wreckage while sharing the tropical fjords with an eclectic mix of marine life including reef sharks and manta rays. The rain forests surrounding the reefs ensure divers explore uncharted waters in peace, providing a truly unique diving experience.
Sea Life, Papua New Guinea

4. Driftwood Resort, Alotau

Boutique Hotel, Resort

Driftwood is an exclusive boutique resort which provides an intimate and personal stay. Each of its seven private bungalows has an en suite, decking area and unparalleled views of Milne Bay. Tranquility is found in abundance here, as is adrenaline! Guests can choose from an unlimited number of activities, ranging from island hopping adventure tours to Barramundi harbor fishing. The resort restaurant overlooks the bay and serves freshly caught seafood with special culinary twists. A visit to Driftwood is not complete without sampling their seafood laksa.

5. Walindi Plantation Resort, Kimbe

Resort, Hotel

Walindi Resort is one of the most established diving centers in the world
© Courtesy of Walindi Resort

Kimbie Bay is an important site of natural wonder as it is home to 420 species of coral, or in other words, over half the world’s species in this one bay alone. Therefore it comes as no surprise Walindi Resort is one of the most established diving centers in the world. The resort tailors each dive to the specifications of their guests and the knowledge of their staff is unbeatable. The private bungalows, fitted with individual kitchenettes and decking areas, allows guests to unwind and recharge on their own schedule. Due to the high visibility of the water and the incredibly diverse marine life, the resort often accommodates photographers. It is advised guests bring cameras to document the amazing natural surroundings.

6. Jais Aben Resort, Madang Province

Resort

Jais Aben Resort is a slice of paradise, as it straddles both the Bismarck Sea and Nagrada Harbour. The name of the resort translates to ‘resting place’, and it truly lives up to this due to panoramic views and breathtakingly clear waters. Bungalows are dotted along the former coconut plantation, delivering a friendly yet private stay. Jais Aben Resort provides numerous tours, which focus on the culture and nature of the local area. The Sulphur Springs tour, in particular, takes guests to the unique sulfur springs rumored to possess magical healing powers.

7. Bensbach Wildlife Resort

Resort

Bensbach Wildlife Resort offers an alternative glimpse of Papua New Guinea where wide flood plains dominate the landscape. These floodplains are a frenzy of wildlife and guests can watch migratory birds rest, predatory birds hunt and deer wander. The resort facilitates guided tours headed by experienced locals who understand this unique natural environment. The resort holds up to 16 guests and serves food from the land, sustaining the connection between people and surroundings.

8. Karawari Lodge

Resort, Hotel, Lodge

8. Karawari Lodge
© Roderick Eime/Flickr
Karawari Lodge provides their guests with an experience which prioritizes the land and subsistence living. Completely removed from any modern interference there are no roads or shops nearby, and canoes are relied upon for transportation purposes. The resort organizes tours to local villages, offering a glimpse into the traditions, ceremonies, and beliefs of the Sepik people.

9. Karawari Lodge

Resort, Hotel, Lodge

9. Karawari Lodge
© Roderick Eime/Flickr

Situated in the clouds is the award winning eco-friendly Ambua Lodge. The Tari Vallery, which stretches out beyond it, is home to the Huli Wigmen who remain committed to their tribal and ancestral traditions. The lodge is comprised of forty huts which are surrounded by exotic fauna and flora as they snuggle to the hillside. Ambua Lodge provides guests with an authentic experience where they can explore the rainforest as well as understand the extraordinary Huli Wigmen.

10. Malolo Plantation Lodge

Resort

Malolo Plantation Lodge works alongside the local people to provide their guests with a truly memorable stay. The surrounding landscape is abundant with tropical birds, animals, plants and especially marine life – most of which the local people rely on for survival. The lodge organizes daily cultural trips to various villages giving a hands-on insight into this traditional method of living. Guests can snorkel, dive, explore and relax to their heart content at Malolo Plantation Lodge.

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