SOLOMAN ISLANDS: Paradise found at Olotsara Retreat

Honiara, a thriving city and the capital of the Solomon Islands is home to over 107,000 people. That’s about 14% of the country’s total population. People from all over the country live and work in this bustling place, with government offices, businesses, and expats making it their base.

But there’s something missing from this busy city – a way for people to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work. They crave a place to escape, find peace, and recharge their spirit.

That’s where Olotsara Retreat Center in Hulavu Village, West Guadalcanal, comes in. It may take just an hour and a half to drive there, but this coastal rural haven is a world away from Honiara. It’s a hidden gem that is becoming popular with Honiara locals. It’s like a second home, offering great accommodation and all the comforts you’d find in the city. At Olotsara, you can go hiking, explore the beautiful bush, camp with a fantastic view, and even swim and surf at the nearby beach.

Last year, Olotsara Retreat Center was awarded a BLP Business Support Grant. This grant allowed them to improve their place with more rooms, better water supply, and other improvements. Fred Conning, the owner, was overjoyed with the support. He started Olotsara as a family business in 2016, and it has grown steadily. The BLP Grant couldn’t have come at a better time, and Fred believes it will help the business grow even more.

Fred found out about the BLP program online and completed the application himself. BLP’s Business Support Grant was established to develop five areas for futureproofing businesses in the Pacific. These match the categories established for the Business Support Grant, and businesses applying must satisfy at least one of these. The categories are growth, innovation, access to finance, climate, and inclusion. 

Inclusion is broadly described as any activity which benefits under-served populations such as women, youth, rural or indigenous groups, and the disabled. Based in a remote rural area and employing local people, Olotsara Retreat Centre qualifies for the Grant under the growth category. 

So, close to the bustle of Honiara, Olotsara Retreat Center provides a peaceful escape for anyone who needs it. As word spreads, more people from Honiara city and beyond discover the happiness of taking a break from their daily routine. They find comfort and excitement in getting away from it all and soaking up the beauty of nature.

If you think your business could be doing better but are not sure what to change, try one of the business diagnostic tools online at https://businesslinkpacific.com/#business-toolkit. Support is always at hand.