Loloata means many things to many people...

In the Motu language, Loloata has a literal meaning created from the words "loloa" and "ta" which translates to "one hill."

Many of our overseas guests find Loloata Island Resort a tranquil and more natural alternative to the bustling capital city of Port Moresby, New Guinea. For locals, Loloata Island is a welcome getaway - a chance to unwind, commune with nature and enjoy true Melanesian hospitality.

To scuba divers, Loloata Island Resort means great diving, and a chance to observe some of the world's greatest coral reefs and meet a myriad of marine animals in their natural habitat. Underwater photo enthusiasts find a dazzling array of great fish, corals and invertebrate subjects only minutes away from the dock aboard our new deluxe dive boat. Everyone enjoys the meals - from the morning breakfast cooked to order to the hearty lunch and dinner buffets - combining the best local produce and Melanesian specialties with a menu designed for the discriminating palate.

What will Loloata mean to you? Words cannot accurately describe the sensation of being in such a magical place. You'll have to experience it for yourself.

When visiting New Guinea, stay with Loloata Island Resort instead of a hotel in Port Moresby. We're only minutes away from Moresby's new international and domestic terminals in our air-conditioned vans and well-equipped boats - but you'll feel as though you're in another world.

A Brief History The name Loloata is made from two Motu words, "loloa" and "ta" which mean "hill" and "one." So literally the name means "one hill."

The main house was built as a private residence in the early 60s and, at one stage, chicken farming was attempted. In 1970, Loloata was established as a weekend resort, and in 1978 was run as a licensed full-time resort catering to holiday makers, diving and water enthusiasts and a wide range of government and private enterprise conference groups.

A Divers World Needless to say, in such an aquatic wonderland, there is a world of discovery for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Local divers, island guests and our scuba schools enjoy escorted trips to nearby reefs and Lion Island, which is famous for its many species or hard corals.

And for the initiated, Loloata's world class scuba services offer adventurous wreck dives throughout Bootless Bay, night dives and superb diving excursions to nearby Horshoe Reef Marine Park.

Loloata's dive operation operates two dive boats. "Dive Loloata" is a purpose-built 9 metre aluminium monohull, designed to cater for ten divers and three crew. "Dive Loloata" features a cruise speed of 20 knots, comfortable seating and tank racks, hot shower, camera rinsing facilities and dual re-entry ladders. GPS, depth sounder, plotter and radios complete the navigation equipment. "Dive Loloata" operates to more than 30 moored dive sites all within 10 to 30 minutes of the resort. The second boat is a 7 metre fiberglass banana boat powered by a diesel outboard, able to carry 5 divers plus crew at 15 knots.

Where Fun and Relaxation Go Hand In Hand If you're the type who likes to play "on water", Loloata offers facilities to help you fish, swim, kayak, windsurf - even surfski!

Of course, for those who prefer their activities well and truly beached, you could power your way through a game of volleyball, work up a thirst over a game of deck tennis or table tennis for one of our famous Bootless Bay Thirst Quenchers. Or challenge your friends to a good old fashioned game of darts.

However, when you're left feeling physically exhausted and in need of more cerebral pursuits, it's comforting to know that playing cards are available together with a variety of board games and an interesting library of videos on Papua New Guinea.

Early morning and late afternoon are also ideal times to go bushwalking or stroll along the beach and foreshore. It is possible to course the whole island in about an hour.

Dining

True Melanesian Hospitality And Traditional Flavours As we like to encourage a more welcoming club-like atmosphere for our guests, hors d'oeuvre are served on the patio beside the bar every evening promptly at six o'clock.

Even dining on Loloata is a more relaxed, a la natural event offering a selection of international cuisine superbly influenced by more traditional flavours. This is followed by a desert, an abundance of freshly roasted Highland Coffee, which is also complimentary any time of the day or night.

Special diets and vegetarian dishes can be accommodated with advance notice. Children's meals can also be served earlier if adults wish to dine alone.

Accommodations

A short walk away beside the foreshore, your colonial-style elevated unit offers superb facilities and features a wide verandah where you can lounge and take in uninterrupted ocean views. Or simply stretch out and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the foreshore.

Mix Business With Pleasure As well as catering for holiday makers, diving enthusiasts and those who have perfected the art of relaxation, Loloata knows how to mix business with pleasure by providing excellent conference, seminar and work group facilities. So, whether you're breaking your journey in Port Moresby, getting away from it all, taking care of business or looking for that special holiday experience, come and enjoy all the treasures of Loloata Island Resort.