The founders
Pete and Marg Blanche
After visiting the Solomon Islands back in the 80s, Marg and Pete — originally from the Gold Coast — fell in love with this amazing country and its people.
After 20 years and countless trips looking for that special spot that ticked all the boxes, Papatura was found and the journey began.
Pete is a retired builder who designed and supervised the entire construction of Papatura. He was 68 when he started, and lived on site with a single worker for the first three months.
Photo credit: Mitya Ku
The people who look after you
Our local crew
The local staff are mainly from Santa Isabel, with a few from other provinces.
Our boatmen are all from Isabel, and most from the local area, so they know the area and the waterways backwards. Whether it's surfing or fishing, we guarantee they'll take you to the best spots on the day.
They're also the people who'll show you which plants you can eat, teach your kids to weave coconut leaf, clean your fish, and stay up too late talking at the bar. Guests name them in almost every review we get.
“
Pete and Marg are absolutely amazing, down to earth and full of stories. Their hospitality and friendliness goes far beyond words.
Sam Guest, 2019