Vella Lavella

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 Tranquil, Warm, Authentic

Vella Lavella is a peaceful island where everything slows down in the best way possible. Located northwest of Gizo, it’s known for its clear blue waters, friendly coastal villages, and a gentle pace of life that invites people to pause and reconnect. If you’re planning an event that’s all about simplicity, sincerity, and meaningful exchange, this island delivers beautifully.

 

There are no large hotels or flashy venues here, but that’s the charm. Events tend to unfold in open village spaces, beside the beach, or in small community halls. A wedding on the shoreline at sunset, with a floral arch made by local women and a canoe procession instead of a limousine, fits perfectly in the landscape. Or imagine a wellness retreat with guests lying on woven mats, enjoying herbal teas prepared using island plants, surrounded by the sound of waves and birdsong.

 

The island is deeply rooted in tradition. Visitors are often welcomed with a customary song or food offering, and there are plenty of ways to involve the community in your event. You might organise a cultural immersion retreat, where guests learn to weave pandanus mats, prepare food in an earth oven, or sit in on story circles led by elders. These experiences aren’t just beautiful – they’re transformative.

 

To get to Vella Lavella, you’ll typically arrive by boat from Gizo, the regional hub. Accommodation is mostly in guesthouses and homestays, often hosted by local families who also help organise catering, decor, or transport. There’s no high-speed internet or big event staging, so events here work best when they embrace the natural setting and the slower rhythm of island life.

 

The island is a great fit for intimate weddings, women’s wellness circles, artist or writer retreats, and community-led cultural gatherings. It’s not about complex logistics or big tech setups. It’s about people coming together in a place that feels honest, peaceful, and entirely unique.

 

Perhaps the most valuable part of hosting an event here is how naturally it aligns with community goals. Many villages on Vella Lavella are eager to preserve and celebrate their traditions, and your event – if done respectfully – can help support this. That might mean hiring local performers, buying locally made decorations, or contributing to a community cause. In return, you’re gifted an experience your guests will remember forever — one that’s deeply human and rooted in the spirit of place.