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I'm a tropical weather kind of girl. So naturally when the time came to ditch the chilly winter of Sydney and escape to the South Pacific, I couldn't have been happier.

First Impressions
My first glimpse of the Solomon Islands was breathtaking. A maze of luscious green treetops, white sandy shores and crystal clear waters greeted me as we began our slow decent into the capital city, Honiara. It looked untouched and completely peaceful.

When we landed it was like stepping into a different world. Where had that peaceful land gone? Suddenly I was stepping off the plane into the sweltering hot, bustling city of Honiara - just as fascinating but not at all expected after the paradise I had just witnessed from above.

Driving through the city was an eye-opening experience in itself. Passing through the small town and observing the locals through the dusty car window, I felt like I had travelled back through time. It became instantly clear that this wouldn't just be the 'lazing on the beach' holiday I was expecting. It turned out to be so much more.

Sometimes referred to as the South Pacific's 'Melting Pot', it's not only a country of breathtaking natural beauty, but the people are amazingly friendly and beautiful, inside and out. Most of the population live in small villages, following traditional cultures and are only too happy to share a smile, a wave or even a life-story.

Click here to find competitive prices on airfares to the Solomon Islands.

Flooded with History
With over 900 islands to explore, there is no shortage of marine life to marvel at, but it's not just the tropical fish that attract divers from around the world.

During World War II the Solomon Islands became a key turning point in the struggle to repel the Japanese advance in the South Pacific.

With the very fitting name of Iron Bottom Sound, the waters off Honiara are the resting place of hundreds of ships and aircraft that litter the ocean floor.

These machines and war relics now form spectacular, artificial reefs that attract masses of fish and an incredible variety of coral life, beckoning divers and snorkellers to enter the water and discover the mystery and wonder that lies just beneath the surface.

Open-air War Museum
If snorkelling or diving doesn't interest you, there are other options for exploring the rich culture and history of the Islands.

On the outskirts of Honiara you'll find an amazing open-air war museum. Tanks, aircraft and other war relics have been salvaged and brought to this area for visitors to come and stand in awe and pay their respects.

Not like any museum I have ever encountered, you can literally walk up to the shells of the relics from WWII and even touch them! I must admit that I didn't actually touch anything. I was cautious, engulfed in the intense atmosphere. It was as though I had discovered some forbidden location, untouched and unseen for years.

Botanical Gardens
If you want to see some of the lush rainforest that make up the majority of the Islands, you cannot go past the Honiara Botanical Gardens. The native orchid house is one of the main attractions of the gardens, but here you'll discover much more than plants and flowers.

There are a number of different walking tracks to choose from, whether you want a leisurely stroll or an advanced hiking trip. Not being a very experienced hiker, I opted for the easiest path.

The thing I enjoyed most about the walk was the opportunity to gain some insight into the local culture, customs and traditions by walking through the authentic lived-in cultural village. Here you can meet the families that live in the village and witness their day-to-day activities first-hand.

You can also visit the site of the Old Hanging House, where capital punishment was handed out in the past. There is a rumour that the site is haunted by the ghosts of the brothers who were the last to be hung here.

Honiara Markets
The people of the Solomon Islands make their money mostly from agriculture, fishing and forestry. The Honiara Markets are a testament to that.

Situated in the middle of town, the markets are a diverse and fascinating place to wander around. You'll find everything here, from the freshest fruit and vegetables and live seafood, to the latest trends in island clothing and hand-made jewellery. It's a must-see, if you can overcome the smell.

Accommodation
There aren't too many hotels and resorts in Honiara, but there are a couple that stand out from the crowd.

The King Solomon Hotel reminded me of a modern tree house, built on a steep hillside with rooms nestled amidst lush, green gardens.

The rooms themselves are nothing special, but it's conveniently located in the very centre of town, within easy walking distance of the Honiara Markets, Cultural Museum, Tourism Bureau, banks, shops and restaurants. It also has a great tropical swimming pool, which I definitely appreciated after a day of experiencing the sweltering island humidity!

I had to wait until the evening to experience the best part of the King Solomon Hotel. The 'Leaf Haus' style restaurant provides a fresh seafood buffet that attracts guests and locals alike. I found myself returning for seconds (even thirds, if you count dessert), so if you do go, make sure you arrive prepared with an empty stomach.

After dinner we treated to some traditional entertainment. Talented dancers, singers and pan-pipers 'wowed' us with their extraordinary talent, and after experiencing the performance, I was definitely in island-mode.

The Honiara Hotel is another stand-out hotel in Honiara. Also set on a lush hillside, a little further out of town, this hotel offers amazing views of Honiara and the historic Iron Bottom Sound.

Again, while the rooms may not be 5-star luxury, the resort has a lot to offer. Their entertainment area rivals the King Solomon's, featuring a massive pool complete with poolside bar and one of their many restaurants. That's right; the hotel is home to not one, but three restaurants, fulfilling any craving guests may have.

The 'Oasis,' is situated on the hilltop with spectacular views features international cuisine. The Club Havana Restaurant features open air dining in tropical surrounding and features Pacific, Italian and French Cuisine, and by the entrance to the hotel there is a traditional Chinese restaurant with some of the best Chinese food you will ever taste!

Find your island paradise
From the centre of the sweltering hustle and bustle that is Honiara, you may find it hard to believe that there are hundreds of little island paradises within reach.

Don't get me wrong, Honiara is an amazing and fascinating place, but the best way to see the Solomon Islands, in my opinion, is to spend a day or two in the Honiara when you arrive, and a day or two before you leave. The rest of your holiday I highly recommend island hopping!

Read my story about the island paradise I discovered - Tavanipupu!

Leaving paradise behind
I never did get my cliched fishbowl cocktail, but this just reinforces the fact that this is not a place that consumerism and tourism has devoured. You'll find no tourist-cliches here.

The thing I kept hearing from resort owners, tour guides and even locals is how a lot of tourists choose to visit places like Fiji and Vanuatu over the Solomon Islands because it is 'easier' and 'more commercial'. And they are exactly right.

But if you want an authentic experience, if you wish to be submerged amongst culture and tradition, if you want to feel a connection and sense of community, and if you want to escape to a truly private and paradisiacal location like no other, then look no further than the Solomon Islands.

Click here to find competitive prices on airfares to the Solomon Islands.