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A tranquil, traditionally styled resort set on a white sandy point. We offer a well stocked licensed bar and restaurant, serving great food using local produce. Only a 3 minute boat ride to town, and from there, a 5 minute drive to Kavieng airport, Nusa Island is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. We specialize in a variety of activities, such as snorkelling, diving, surfing and fishing, as well as tours throughout surrounding islands and along the New Ireland coast. Experience the best of the PNG Islands with our extensive local knowledge and network.
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Excellent service, from friendly staff. Beds comfy... food was incredible, especially the Yellow Thai curry lobster, plenty to do and see, including snorkelling, paddleboarding, charters, relaxing... wifi was available at the bar, but it was great to get off the grid for as couple of weeks. Kavieng locals were friendly. Hosts were helpful, informative, and event went the extra mile once or twice. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Some friendly local pets: birds & dogs & even a goose, (never too far from the kitchen door)....
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nusa Island Retreat is the gold standard of accomodation and food in the Kavieng area. It's run by an Aussie brother and sister team together with a bunch of very freindly locals. There is no aircon or hotwater but you don't need it - beautifully built cabins sit over the water with plenty of fans and bug nets. Great kitchen with one lady of Chinese extraction on the staff who knows how to make perfect seafood (mud crabs, etc), cold beers, and terrific camaraderie. We surfed most days (3 or 4 excellent reef breaks via short speed boat ride), caught fish and generally chilled.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 6 nights at Nusa Island Retreat. The bungalows are fantastic with everything you would need. The food was great and they have wonderful staff. The location is a perfect base for exploring the islands or they can arrange land tours from Kavieng town. It's a short 5 minute boat ride across to the markets. Thanks Shaun, Shannon and all the crew for making our stay so enjoyable.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been to Nusa Island Retreat twice now. Best get away holiday each time.
Relaxing, clean, great food, good surf, friendly people. Action packed or sleepy whatever you wish. Over water premium cabins have a beautiful view , private ensuite, cool water showers and eco toilets.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nusa_Island, General Manager at Nusa Island Retreat
Responded 18 Jan 2020
Hi, Thank you very much for your kind review of Nusa Island Retreat. We're pleased to hear you were able to find time to fit in all of the activities you were after, while also relaxing in one of our premium over-water bungalows. We hope to have you back again in the near future.
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Nusa Island Retreat is possibly the best holiday location we have ever ben to, with great surf, snorkelling and comfortable surrounds to keep us very happy for the 8 days we stayed in early January 2020.
We have been looking at staying here for a few years and took the plunge and booked for a post christmas reset in the tropical paradise.
We stayed in the over water bungalows, three of us, my wife and daughter, very comfortable in the spacious rooms, mosquito nets and on premise bathroom and wc facilities.
Surfing was perfect for our level, consistant 2-3 foot for the whole week, nothing too extreme, just super fun. Add in some of the best snorkelling and local wilod life experiences (insert turtles and flying fish sightings here) and we were well catered for.
But where Nusa excels is in the food stakes, staying at the Nusa Island resort sampling their menu for breakfast lunch and dinner each day. What can I say? Not a bad meal in any of the foods that were provided. The breakfast menu was great, pancakes, omlettes and the best eggs just south of the equator. They even had an espresso machine to whip up a quick latte or flat white. Lunch was varied choices of fish burgers, salads and tasty sandwiches, some great quick refuel options for the surfed out individual. The highlight for me for lunch was the cajun fish, absolutley delicious. But where this restaurant excels is evening meals. Lets start with the soups. If these soups arent world famous, they soon will be. Curried vegetable, chicken sweet corn, plus many more options, not sure we had the same one over 7-8 nights. The smorgasbord of mains we had every evening were outstanding, with fresh fish, amazing curries and the salads were the best I have ever tasted, lots of local produce, simply amazing For sweets there was always a nice surprise with deep fried banana being our stand out fave
If you are in the hood up Kavieng way, make sure you get over to Nusa Island Resort to hang out with Kurt and his team! has been the perfect reset button for us
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â stay in an over water bungalow for that true Nusa Island experience
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nusa_Island, General Manager at Nusa Island Retreat
Responded 22 Jan 2020
Hi Dave, Thanks for your detailed review of Nusa Island Retreat. We're very pleased to hear that your time with us made such lasting memories. We were glad that the waves were working for you and your family and that your dining experience here was one to remember. We hope you and your lovely ladies can make a trip back here again sometime in the future.
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Took a Day Trip with my Bestie with her family who lives in Kavieng.
Would have given a 5 if they had pizzas on their menu.
However their beef burgers are the best.
Boat Pick up service from the Mainland was fast and quick after we called their reception to arrange.
The decks built over the sea provided a great place to sit and enjoy a beer and meals while the sea breeze provided cool air.
They also provide kayaks for hire. In our next visit we will definitely opt to kayak around the island if allowed.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Gave a 3 for service as there was only one person serving us and was abit slow. Recommend two...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a number of days at Nusa Island Retreat passing through on the way to a fishing charter. The Resort is fantastic. Bungalows built over the sea, fantastic food, snorkeling, fishing, exploring WW2 wrecks and exploring Kavieng are activities that can be arranged. Hosts Sean and Shannon are very friendly and helped organize the necessary logistics. If relaxation is more your thing - hammocks, beautiful views and quiet surrounds are in abundance. The Restaurant at the Retreat is highly recommended - it serves high quality seasonal food mixing both local and western cuisines. Memories of the beautifully prepared local seafood will stay with me for a long time!
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After 4 months working on a nearby island, Nusa was a great spot with amazing food. They had three course dinners and it was really great quality with mud crab and curries and the best desserts.
It was a chilled vibe and the hammock on the deck was beautiful and relaxing. The room was nice however probably wasn’t expecting cold showers but added to the ambience coupled with the shell handbasin.
No aircon but not really needed - they have mozzie bets and ceiling fans and I over looking the water was very relaxing
BUT...
B6 is not a premium room and you should avoid this at all cost. As another review wrote, boats start leaving at 5am and it is very close to the bar where people sit and talk until 1am and it was awful in this regard. You hear everything. Behind the villa is where pots from the kitchen get washed at 2am which was also unpleasant but did only hear this on my last night thankfully.
Co-workers had overwater bungalows and these were lovely. Out of the 4 rooms we had, mine was definitely the worst... which was a shame as I was so looking forward to sleeping past my normal waking time of 5am at the mine.
Would like to stay again but only if overwater bungalows are available!!!
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kurt Diercke, General Manager at Nusa Island Retreat
Responded 21 Sept 2020
Hi Belinda, Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that the location of your accommodation did not meet your expectations this time around and I hope that we can host you once more in the future in an overwater bungalow. The limited setting which we have does make that particular room a little noisier than others, and I again apologise. I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the meals here. I'll ensure that your next trip here sees you stay in an overwater bungalow. Thanks again
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Located in an absolutely beautiful part of the world, Nusa retreat makes the most of its surrounds. The crystal clear and warm water makes for excellent swimming, snorkelling and kayaking at your doorstep. The waterfront bungalows and dining areas are tasteful, low impact and peaceful. The team (including the local adopted birds) are friendly and helpful, with thoughtful extras included. Food is wonderful. Am looking forward to returning soon.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nusa_Island, General Manager at Nusa Island Retreat
Responded 21 Feb 2020
HI Ali, Thank you for your kind review of Nusa Island Retreat. We are very lucky with our natural surrounds which makes for a very memorable experience. We hope to see you again soon.
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The moment we arrived at Nusa Island Retreat we felt so welcome and relaxed. From the stunning over water bungalows to the fantastic service at the restaurant and bar, to the team who organised any activity we could dream of. The week we spent at this resort was 'just incredible'.
One particular thing that simply blew me away was the way Kurt, Lucie and the team accommodated my food allergy. I am a severe coeliac, so eating out is not just a challenge but also a major risk, which is why I usually take a lot of food with me. But I did not need to worry about that here! They had bought new cooking equipment and utensils, organised a separate area in the kitchen for my food to be prepared, and educated the team on how and why they needed to be vigilant when preparing my food. Every day I was treated to a literal smorgasbord of amazing food – basically all the food that was being made for the rest of the guests was modified and cooked separately for me. From mud crab to bolognese (done with vermicelli noodles) to chicken and prawn skewers, meat patties and incredible salads - I was absolutely SPOILT.
So to Kurt, Lucie and the team, you were amazing and gave me one of the best weeks away I can remember. I felt so safe and looked after I cannot wait to come and stay with you all again.
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Date of stay: January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Robyn - most bungalows have private ensuite & classed as premium room type. There are a couple of standard garden rooms which access shared facilities - conveniently located directly adjacent. Shared bathrooms are unisex. Feel free to email us for a detailed info pack. Regards Nusa Island Retreat
Hi Erin,
Thanks for the above enquires.
Our surf season runs typically from November through to early-April.
Diving is noted as some of the best in the world and the feedback we get from tourists matches the reputation.
As for shared bathroom facilities, everything is shared and all are kept to high standards of cleanliness. They are located very close to rooms who require use, but far enough away that they are not a disturbance.
Kind regards,
Nusa Island Retreat
There are more places to choose from in the Kavieng area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
nusa island retreat hotel kavieng
LOCATION
Papua New GuineaIslands RegionKavieng
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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