Andrew Granger’s Pioneering Journey with Evis Resort in Western Province
BY CHRIS ALEX
IN Western Australia, Andrew Granger, an experienced automotive industry professional and part-time author, found himself at a crossroads in 2014. Born in Leeds, England, Andrew’s career had taken him across continents—Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Yet, a chance meeting in Perth would set him on a path that was as unexpected as it was transformative, leading him from the world of engineering to the shores of the Solomon Islands, where he would start on a pioneering venture: the creation of Evis Resort, an eco-friendly resort situated on Nggatirana—a stunning, privately owned coral island—surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Nono and Marovo lagoons in the Western Province.
Andrew’s journey began with the late Gerbera Maqiti, a Solomon Islander, completing her Associate Degree in Business in Perth. Their initial conversation revolved around her home in the Solomons and her family’s ownership of Nggatirana Island, off the coast of Vangunu Island, Marovo Lagoon.
“Gerbera was a remarkable woman. There can be no doubting it. A mother, professional auditor, perpetual student, and a wonderful partner. Gerbera passed away in July 2021, in the middle of the Global COVID-19 crisis,” Andrew told TOURISM MEDIA.
Fascinated by the possibilities, Andrew proposed the idea of building an eco-resort—a venture that would soon become a reality.
Despite never having visited the Solomon Islands, Andrew’s engineering background proved invaluable. By August 2014, he had drafted a fully costed business plan and begun the initial computer-aided design (CAD) of the resort’s bungalows.
The project took shape quickly; Andrew landed in Honiara in January 2015, ready to transform his vision into reality. With the help of local carpenters and a modular timber construction system, the first bungalows began to rise from the island’s sandy shores.
The official opening of Evis Resort in July 2016 marked a significant milestone, but it was only the beginning of a challenging journey. “It’s all very difficult, but rewarding,” Andrew reflects, recounting the numerous hurdles faced during the resort’s development.
From the logistical nightmare of sourcing timber from 30 kilometers away and transporting materials 200 kilometers from Honiara, Andrew’s resolve was tested at every turn.
As the main investor, Andrew poured millions of Solomon Islands dollars (SDB) into the project, fully aware that a financial return was unlikely. Yet his motivations extended beyond profit. “One of the aims of the project from the start was to provide sustainable employment for local residents of Vangunu in an effort to reduce dependency on logging,” he explains.
This vision for the resort as a catalyst for positive change in the community has been a guiding force throughout its development.
However, the global COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to Evis Resort, as it did to too many other tourism operators worldwide. For nearly three years, the resort saw almost no customers.
The New Zealand government provided some financial assistance for maintenance during this period, but the impact was profound. Low occupancy forced Andrew to scale back operations, and staff were only able to work on a casual basis.
Despite these setbacks, the reopening of nearby Seghe airfield, now with an all-weather surface, offers a glimmer of hope. Increased flight availability should help address the resort’s most persistent challenge: its remote location and the high cost of air travel, both from Australia and within the Solomon Islands.
“The biggest challenge we have faced is the remoteness of the resort and the high cost of air travel,” Andrew notes, adding that low occupancy has been a persistent headache.
Evis Resort, named in homage to the late Gerbera’s mother, prides itself on offering modern facilities in a rustic, natural setting. The bungalows, spacious and comfortable, are designed to cater to international travelers seeking a high-quality experience.
Each unit features pumped water for showers and WCs, a luxury in such a remote location.
The resort’s facilities are complemented by the dedication of its local staff, who have received glowing reviews from guests for their exceptional service.
The resort’s location offers guests a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Nggatirana Island is surrounded by a vibrant reef, perfect for snorkeling, and a nature trail encircles the island, offering glimpses of the local vegetation and wildlife.
Visitors can also explore the island’s tabu site, a collapsed volcanic vent that holds historical and cultural significance for the local community.
Beyond the island, bush walks to prehistoric rock carvings and local villages, as well as trips to the nearby Mount Vangunu volcano, provide guests with an immersive experience of the Solomon Islands’ rich heritage.
Looking ahead, Andrew envisions the completion of the fourth and fifth bungalows as critical to the resort’s future.
He is also exploring the possibility of offering scuba diving, though he acknowledges the significant investment required to ensure safety and maintain high standards.
While the challenges are daunting, Andrew remains optimistic about the potential for tourism in the Western Province. He advocates for improved travel infrastructure, suggesting that daily circuit flights linking Munda to local airfields could revolutionize tourism in the Western province.
“The ease of island-hopping would be in the interests of all tourism operators,” he argues, reflecting on the many visitors who have struggled to transit from Munda to Seghe, Western province.
Today, Andrew manages the resort remotely from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, where he has taken on a full-time job to support the resort financially.
His days in Australia are a far cry from the hands-on work of building and running the resort, but his commitment to Evis Resort remains firm. He handles bookings, marketing, and the many administrative tasks required to keep the resort operational, all from thousands of miles away.
