Some of the facilities listed here offer a similar standard of accommodation to village stays (ie separate sleeping bungalow, outdoor shower, village-style meals) while others are slightly more upscale. The major difference between village stays and other ecotourism accommodation in the Solomons is in the level of contact with the village. Village stay bungalows are typically located next to the hosts' family home in the village proper and guests become part of the family during their stay. This provides for a "warts-and-all" village experience (including roosters crowing under your bungalow at the crack of dawn!). Lodges and guest houses tend to be situated outside the village, offering more privacy but less intimate interaction with the local culture. Guests are treated a little more like tourists and visits to the village are arranged in advance which means you may only see what they choose to show you rather than observing the day to day goings-on in the village.

1 Intending guests are advised that these properties offer very basic or "rustic" accommodation which is generally clean and comfortable but not luxurious. The properties generally feature local-style bungalows which are built with local and/or imported materials and provided with basic furniture, bedding, mosquito nets, soap and towel.

2 Most properties do not have electricity. They use kerosine pressure lamps for lighting and gas stoves and fridges in the kitchen.

3 Water in village lodges is usually from rain catchment or underground springs and is generally safe to drink. Private overhead showers are provided but no hot water.

Toilets are generally of the sit-down flush type. Facilities are usually shared, but most of these properties only have small numbers of guests at a time.

4 "Village-style" meals are cooked by villagers over an open fire or under hot stones, using fresh local produce and little or no processed or imported ingredients.

"Island-style" meals are prepared over a gas stove, also using local produce but supplemented by imported or canned food. There are no bar facilities but BYO is generally acceptable for private consumption within the lodge area.

5 Activities such as village tours, bushwalking and learning crafts are generally charged for at lodges and guest houses, but not at village stays. Visits to cultural sites or areas owned by private landowners always involve payment of access fees. Activities which involve motorised canoe transport always involve extra charge for canoe hire and fuel - ask first.

6 Intending guests are advised that these properties are located in or near traditional village areas, and certain norms or expectations must be observed. In particular the wearing of brief clothing or swimwear in village areas is not permitted. Some activities may not be available on Saturdays or Sundays according to village religious observance.

7 Transfers to the above destinations are provided by the village people and usually involve travel in motorised canoes which may not be carrying safety equipment.

8 There is a minimum booking of 2 nights for each of the properties listed here. Bookings must be finalised and prepaid 30 days before travel.

9 Accommodation rates and transfer charges are correct at time of advertising but are subject to change without notice.