The tradition of shell money can be traced back to this lagoon 16 to 17 generations ago.

The unspoilt tropical island that still uses shell money

On this remote Solomon island,tradition is etched as deeply as tribal tattoos,and ancient shell money holds more value than any paper or plastic.

  • byChristine Retschlag
The Mundi Mundi Bash.

Insider intel:Traveller’s writers share their 22 top discoveries

Our roaming reporters check their notepads,sharing secret addresses and perennial favourites from their past year of travel.

  • byTraveller team
The aircraft cabin.

Airline review:Excess baggage causes dramas on this flight

Upon arrival we are informed that 100 bags were offloaded prior to departure,including mine.

  • byChristine Retschlag
Santa Isobel islands in the Solomon Islands.

In an age where we’ve discovered it all,this paradise shouldn’t exist

Papatura Retreat in the Solomon Islands isn’t for everyone. But for 82-year-old Pete Blanche and his wife Marg,it was love at first sight.

  • byCraig Tansley
Snorkelling along Tanna's untouched north coast in Vanuatu.

Pacific islands guide:Five of the best islands for a holiday

When it comes to paradise,there are few prettier places than the islands of the Pacific. Craig Tansley journeys among them to pick the highlights.

  • byCraig Tansley
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Water world ... a beach bungalow at Sanbis resort on Gizo Island.

Solomon Islands:A call from the headhunters

There's a dark history among these beautiful islands in the Pacific.

  • byGraham Simmons
Water world ... a beach bungalow at Sanbis resort on Gizo Island.

Solomon Islands:What lies beneath

In this charming archipelago,planes are underwater and the schedules are rubbery.

  • byEmma Quayle
Dazzling ... the blues and greens of the Pacific surrounding the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Island:War and peace in the Pacific

Richard Rogers explores island battlegrounds that have become eco-tourism havens.

  • byRichard Rogers
Idyll ... Uepi Island Resort on Marovo Lagoon.

The Solomon Islands:Quiet slice of the sea

The Solomons are attracting travellers seeking unique,remote experiences.

  • byRichard Rogers
Princess Kate in Tavainpupu

Kate who? The island retreat where the royals were anonymous (almost)

Mary Raboul-Manu has never seen a gossip magazine or a television,so it's not surprising that when Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the resort where she works;others had to explain who they were before she served them their meals

  • byAleisha Orr