The Sanctuary Hotel & Spa in Port Moresby is 10 minutes from the airport, five minutes from the National Convention Centre, and close to government offices in Waigani.

The Sanctuary Hotel Resort & Spa in Port Moresby.

The place

The Sanctuary opened two years ago and is the sister hotel of the Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo. For business travellers, it has a business centre and two conference rooms. It also has rooms and facilities with ramps for people with disabilities. For a bit of pampering, the Lingzhi Serenity Spa has a good range of treatments.

The room

Air conditioning, room safe, bathroom amenities, coffee and tea-making facilities, a mini-bar, fridge and a free-standing fan are among the standard inclusions. There’s also in-room dining and 24-hour housekeeping.

Food and drink

The restaurant has an open kitchen and a traditional PNG menu with a contemporary edge. Ingredients are locally sourced, including herbs that come from the Sanctuary’s own herb garden. Freshly made juices are popular; be sure to try the kulau (green coconut juice).

What’s guests like

‘There is nowhere else in town that offers the same mix of warm decor, greenery, wildlife and genuine friendliness.’ — TripAdvisor

‘Our room was sparkling clean and air conditioner, with a view of the pool. The leafy green outlook was a bonus. Best thing was the Balinese massage at the spa.’ — TripAdvisor

The Sanctury Hotel Resort & Spa in brief

Who stays? Business and leisure travellers.

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How big? 64 keys

Cost Standard rooms from K400.

Check in & out 2pm & 11am

Highlights The hotel makes the effort to showcase Papua New Guinean products. Local craftsmen have been employed to produce all of the hotel’s furniture. Tables, chairs and beds are custom-made to suit each room. The hotel’s aviary includes the bird of paradise.

Nearby Close to Parliament House, the National Museum and Art Gallery, the Port Moresby Golf Course, the airport, Vision City Shopping Mall, Sir John Guise Stadium and the University of PNG.

Wi-Fi in rooms/public areas Yes

Fee for Wi-Fi No

Free airport transfers Yes

Address Section 276, 60 Pitpit Street, North Waigani, Port Moresby

Tel. + 675 303 7400

This review first appeared in the July-August issue of Paradise, the in-flight magazine of Air Niugini.