Tawali Resort, PNG

A new PNG resort has just opened. Perched on a cliff overlooking the reefs on the north side of the north peninsula of Milne Bay and located less than a mile from famous sites like “Dinah’s Beach,” this exquisite facility is a collaboration between PNG veteran live-aboard operator Rob van der Loos and Bob Hollis, founder of Oceanic Products. Reachable only by boat, it’s a special preserve in the midst of the jungle that boasts ten air-conditioned private rooms with twin queen beds, large bathrooms, and private balconies with superb views. A great house serves as both a hotel office, lounge, bar, and restaurant. All the buildings blend with the natural setting. When I visited in November, 2004, Tawali had just opened, and construction was just wrapping up.

The location allows access to virtually the same diving the Paradise Sport visits. A twin diesel 42-foot vessel takes divers to distant locations, while two 22-foot outboard skiffs can carry four divers each to nearby walls and macro sites. Head divemaster Sebastian knows the sites well and is a superb “critter finder.” Rob’s wife Peo is a charming hostess. Visitors can travel by boat to several villages or hike to two fascinating “skull caves,” burial grounds dating back hundreds of years. Rob’s live-aboard, the 65-foot Chertan, is based at the resort and offers threeand four-night excursions to outlying islands.

Tawali is special and should be in full operation by the time this issue is published. It will no doubt make a name for itself, but you heard it here first. Contact info: Tawali Resort, P.O. Box 585, Alameda, CA 94501, Ph: 800- 684-9480, e-mail reservations@tawali.com, website www.tawali.com