Driftwood Resort

Driftwood Resort

Abel Highway Point King, Alotau 222 Papua New Guinea
View from Kwato hilltop
Traveler (66)
Function/Conference Rooms
Room & Suite (23)
Lobster in crab sauce
Dining (13)

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About

#1 of 1 small hotel in Alotau
Location
4.6
Rooms
4.4
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.5
Driftwood Resort is a boutique resort tucked in a beautiful cove in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. For a romantic getaway, a seaside family vacation, an adventure with friends, or a retreat with colleagues... we provide you a safe haven to rest, reconnect, and refocus. We offer luxurious private bungalows with a spacious decks, airport shuttle, patio restaurant & bar, kayak and paddleboard rental, room service, hot water, laundry, first aid, mobile service coverage, five-minute drive from local markets, and many more. We specialize in letting you discover the natural wonders of this nation dubbed as “The Land of the Unexpected.” Our adventure tours include: 1) Island Hopping – Discover remote palm fringed beaches, trek the forests to find pristine waterfalls, and snorkel around beautiful coral reefs. 2) Blue Water & Estuary Fishing – Hunt for wahoo, tuna, mackerel, barramundi and more. 3) Cultural Tour – Explore remote villages, WWII relics, and colonial sites.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Free breakfast
Beach
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Paid wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Shuttle bus service
Meeting rooms
Spa
Non-smoking hotel
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Room service
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic

Location

Abel Highway Point King, Alotau 222 Papua New Guinea
Traveler rating
  • 57
  • 18
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
Time of year
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Detailed Reviews
Tanya C wrote a review Jan 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited as day trippers from a cruise. We were collected from the Port by the resort transfer vehicle, air-conditioned and welcoming. On arrival at the resort we were made to feel like valued guests by Patricia. After refreshing drinks we organised an excursion across the bay to the small village of Waga Waga were we spent a few hours snorkelling on a local wreck just off shore. Fabulous little reef with lots of fish and a good variety of corals. Some sandwiches and local fruit were a welcome reward once we returned to the beach. Back at the resort we relaxed on the deck with yummy lunch and cold drinks before being returned to Port. A great day excursion that I can highly recommend. Slightly rustic & authentic, but oh so enjoyable. Thanks to all the staff who treated us like specialty guests.
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Date of stay: January 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: The beach is not a typical white sandy beach, but the water is crystal clear, fun snorkelling,...
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 Brendan Coombs, Owner at Driftwood Resort
Responded Oct 27, 2024
Thanks for your lovely review! We're thrilled you had such a fantastic day trip and enjoyed everything from the snorkeling at Waga Waga to our refreshing drinks and lunch. Patricia and the team will be delighted to hear your kind words. Hope to see you again soon!
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Jill L wrote a review Feb 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Upon arrival we were greeted with smiles and ice cold coconuts outfitted with paper straws. I can’t remember ever drinking anything that good. The people were so welcoming and several friendly and extremely polite dogs made us feel like we were home.

The resort is situated on a peaceful beach with island views.

Our cabin was roomy and cool. We didn’t need the AC because we were so close to the beach. We were only able to stay one night because we were leaving on the diving liveaboard MV Oceania the next day.

The restaurant is amazing for such a remote location. My husband is a foodie and loved the lamb shanks and I was thrilled with the lobster. I have read another reviewer complain about the resorts dogs "begging" in the restaurant. I found that to be curious. "Lucky” and his doggy family are extremely well mannered and the sweetest pups you could ever meet. They DO NOT BEG. We loved having them hang around share their joy of life. If anything they are a reason to come back to this wonderful place.
We loved talking with the manager, Marcus. The entire staff were so kind and thoughtful.

I look forward to our next visit
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Ryan M wrote a review Mar 2022
Dili, Timor-Leste
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed only 1 night before getting a boat to outer islands, however we had an amazing stay. The team here are beautifully friendly and welcoming with great service.

The rooms are very comfortable and the food quality was fantastic. My wife is coeliac and they made us a special Thai dinner which was as good as what we have had in Thailand.

Delicious fresh fruit and omelets for breakfast overlooking the bay.

Would highly recommend and will return for longer next time.

Thanks Marcus and team
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled 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.
Dave Munaga wrote a review Jul 2024
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Situated at a beachfront with beautiful views to the sea. Friendly staff with an open restaurant. There are bungalows with comfortable beds and rooms. Ample parking space. A generator for back due to blackouts. Security onsite and lovely food. Various drinks to chose.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled 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 Brendan Coombs, Owner at Driftwood Resort
Responded Oct 27, 2024
Thanks, David, for the lovely review! Hope to see you back at Driftwood Resort soon. :)
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Marion A wrote a review Feb 2017
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Driftwood took us on an amazing half day snorkelling trip... during our 1 day stopover on our recent cruise to PNG. It was the most amazingly pristine environment in which to snorkel.. coral and fish we have not seen before in our numerous previous snorkelling adventures.. Just loved the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff.. will be back on our next trip.
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Traveled 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 DriftwoodResortPNG, Owner at Driftwood Resort
Responded Mar 25, 2017
Thank you Marion. We very much appreciate you taking the time to let us know how much you enjoyed Killerton Island. It has a lot of history and the local villagers have done a fantastic job in making guests comfortable. We really look forward to you returning to our beautiful part of the world.
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Marion A wrote a review Mar 2018
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had such a great cruise to PNG and esp our day trip to Kiliton Island last year... that we went back again with all our kids and grandkids.. 13 in total. Driftwood organised our day trip to Kiliton. We went by bus part way then were ferried to Kiliton Island by a small boat. They had life jackets, but we took for the 1 and 2 year old. Same amazing snorkelling in the clearest water I have ever seen. Jenny was amazing; she decided we needed lunch so rather than a packed lunch she did a BBQ. We are very cautious about eating ashore when travelling but the fresh fish on the BBQ with other meat and fabulous fresh fruit...and coconuts for liquid refreshment along with softdrinks...were all great and kept us refreshed to enjoy the day. The waters are very calm.. we had 4 teenagers who have never snorkelled, 2 toddlers and a bunch of adults who had not snorkelled before as well. All are now addicted snorkellers..( maybe not the 1 year old)
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
Kevin S wrote a review Mar 2015
Brisbane, Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
It isn’t 5 stars but what a great place to spend a relaxing time with very friendly and accommodating staff. Everything was on PNG time, but that adds to the experience.
The view out to the bay from the restaurant was tranquil and soothing with the nights being magical. Loved it!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2015
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled 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.
GMA1950 wrote a review Aug 2014
Adelaide, South Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We had passed the entrance to this property while on our way from Tawali Resort to Alotau Airport. Once we had checked in at the airport it quickly became obvious that there would be little to see and do in the 2 hours we needed to wait for our flight.

Optimistically we phoned the Driftwood and asked if they would be able to provide coffee and cake in the middle of the day and they immediately volunteered to send a vehicle to collect us from the airport. When we arrived at Driftwood and saw the whole establishment (not at all obvious from the road) we were quite impressed by how well presented and maintained it was. After a look at the menu we decided to have lunch instead of just coffee and we were very glad that we did. The food whilst simple was well prepared and presented and the service was excellent.

Apparently, according to the driver who took us back to the airport, the accommodation is used a lot by people who are interested in using it as a base for fishing charters. Obviously our experience was limited but it looked like a place worthy of further patronage.
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Date of stay: July 2014
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: We only ate at the restaurant so can't comment on the rooms.
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.
BrynNomad wrote a review Jul 2018
Winmalee, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Best located property in Alotau right on the beach just 10 mins drive from town. The rooms are airy, spacious, comfortable and clean. The buffet style food was always varied, delicious and well-cooked. Staff were friendly and helpful and went out of their way to ensure a great stay. If you do swim in the ocean take care to wear a rash shirt or similar as there are stingers especially after rain. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: June 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled 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.
Ogslpash wrote a review Nov 2016
Gerringong, Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
My son and I stayed at Driftwood and through the great staff there, had a wonderful experience exploring this part of PNG. The accommodations are comfortable (although hot water seems to be a challenge sometimes) and the food is very good. Brendan (the owner) and his management (Will and Laraun - not sure if that's how her name is spelt) were great hosts. The location is ideal and Driftwood have boats/crews you can hire for day trips to the islands which I highly recommend. Deka Deka Island coral and fish is as good if not better than the Great Barrier Reef and it is literally a step off the beach and you're among it all. People here are friendly and engaging.
We will be back next year!
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Date of stay: November 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: The bungalows are very comfy and if you sleep well to the sound of water, get the waterfront option.
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 DriftwoodResortPNG, Manager at Driftwood Resort
Responded Nov 9, 2016
Hello Mark and Rhys! Thank you so much for your review straight after your departure and for choosing Driftwood Resort!! It was a pleasure for all of us to have you guys stay with us and to take you around. Thank you for pointing out at the hot water system our maintenance team is looking at it and solar is definitely on our list ;) We would love to see you here again!! Take care and see you soon
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Tanya C wrote a tip Jan 2023
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The beach is not a typical white sandy beach, but the water is crystal clear, fun snorkelling, and fabulous deck with view fir food and drinks"
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Sue H wrote a tip Nov 2017
Denver, Colorado1,514 contribution393 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Try to get an ocean facing room"
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mommadoc1 wrote a tip Sep 2017
NYC183 contributions82 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for water pressure!!"
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AndipandiBrisbane wrote a tip Feb 2017
Brisbane, Australia29 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Great tours or place to have a lunch or dinner. The cabins on the bay looked pretty amazing too."
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Ogslpash wrote a tip Nov 2016
Gerringong, Australia80 contributions66 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The bungalows are very comfy and if you sleep well to the sound of water, get the waterfront option."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Alotau area.
LOCATION
Papua New GuineaPapua RegionAlotau
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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DRIFTWOOD RESORT

Frequently Asked Questions about Driftwood Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Driftwood Resort?
Nearby attractions include Massim Museum (2.4 miles), Milne Bay Memorial (1.9 miles), and Alotau's best bar (2.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Driftwood Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Driftwood Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Driftwood Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Driftwood Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Masurina Lodge, By the Bay Restaurant, and Daisies.
Does Driftwood Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Driftwood Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Driftwood Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Driftwood Resort offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Does Driftwood Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lagoon view available here.
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