Nusa Island Retreat has a style and charm that is a fresh and a welcome change from your conventional holiday destination.
Located on the outer reaches of the Niugini Islands, New Ireland is considered one of the safest and most relaxed provinces in Papua New Guinea with welcoming Melanesian hospitality. The Retreat is situated only a couple of minutes boat ride from the capital of Kavieng, making it perfectly positioned to the conveniences of town, yet far enough to be a world away!
The Retreat is set on a sheltered white sandy point which offers safe swimming and encompasses picturesque views back across the aqua blues of Kavieng Harbour. It exudes a relaxed and easy going feel from the moment you set foot on the beach and bury your toes in the sand.
SURF
Kavieng is located just a couple of degrees south of the equator. During the northern hemisphere monsoon, the north coast and the string of islands leading to the west enjoy uninterrupted North Pacific ocean swells. This makes for a generally consistent surf season for the region running from November through to April each year.
The nature of the waves are typically 2-4ft over reef at varying levels of difficulty. Most of the reefs will handle larger swells of up to 6-8ft, with lefts and rights, some challenging and others more forgiving. There is a reasonable selection of waves in relatively close proximity and all located within the Kavieng Surf Management Area.
Surf Management Plan
In an effort to promote sustainable development of this growing sport, the Kavieng Surf Club (KSC) manage and oversee the Kavieng Area Surf Management Plan. Essentially, the management plan is a surf quota system which limits the number of visiting surfers to 20 per day. This limit is for the whole Kavieng area, regardless of where the surfers stay, with prescribed base fees generated and dispersed within the resident communities adjacent the surfing resources
FISHING
Kavieng has rewarded many a sport fisherman’s expectations. The area boasts a great range of fishing, from estuarine mangrove systems to reefs and blue water fishing. Pelagics have proved to be the most popular pursuit, from the razor gang & GT's, through to tuna and billfish. Although traditionally the domain of trolling, casting poppers and jigging has grown in popularity with good reason. Casting light to medium gear in the estuaries can also be rewarding with jacks, trevally & cod.
Nusa operates a range of 'open' Yamaha longboats that are primarily set-up for trolling the reefs edges, casting in the mangrove estuaries and around inshore bombies. For anglers looking for something a bit more serious, we also have a Bluewater 2550 Centre Console Sportsfisher powered by 2 x 200Hp Yamaha HDPI outboards - she'll get you where you want to go in comfort & style.
SNORKELING AND DIVING
The Kavieng area is renowned for its diversity & has rapidly become highly regarded amongst the diving community. From encounters with big pelagics to drifting along plunging coral encrusted walls, exploring WWII wrecks or muck diving, you can do it all. Those suitably experienced also have the option to dive or snorkel the freshwater sinkholes and caves which are located on the New Ireland mainland.
For those who prefer being on the surface, the shoaly reefs within Kavieng Harbour also make for great snorkelling. There is an Asian style long-line ship wreck that lies just to the North of the Retreat and WWII 'Jake' sunken off a shallow reef inside the harbour. Both are within easy reach - grab a canoe or kayak and paddle yourself out to these easily accessible snorkeling sites.
RESTAURANT
The retreat is serviced by a centrally located, large open plan beachfront restaurant (hauswin style), with a fully licensed and well stocked bar. For those wanting a little more separation, there's an upper level loft & library for relaxing, reading, board-games and AV.
The beachfront restaurant / bar is the focal point of the Retreat and is used to exhibit a range of traditional and contemporary PNG art. The overall tone is simple and informal, with an emphasis on the relaxed 'no shoes required' feel.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch dishes offer a variety of options that range in price pending on the specific dish. The evening 3 course buffet boasts a selection of innovative & upbeat dishes, featuring an abundance of fresh local seafood and healthy, organically farmed produce.
