Kosrae part 2: where to stay. Ecotourism and relaxation

July 9, 2:21 AMInternational Travel ExaminerDiane LeBow

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Sleeping Lady (Photo/John Montgomery)

Kosrae is one of the loveliest and least discovered of all the Micronesian islands.

There are several places to stay on Kosrae.

The Kosrae Nautilus Resort, run by hospitable Australian owners, Doug and Sally. This friendly and modern complex offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms, television, wireless internet and even a swimming pool. www.kosraenautilus.com.

Just up the road, the Kosrae Village Resort run by former Californians, Katrina Adams and her husband Bruce Brandt. They created this complex of thatched cottages, or “lohms,” which are modeled after ancient Kosraean architecture. The structures are nestled among the indigenous trees, affording natural air-conditioning and an eco and traditional experience. They serve a delicious fresh mangrove crab salad as well as indigenous tangerines at the resort’s excellent Imu Restaurant, and offer well run diving and snorkeling facilities. In February 2007, Project AWARE honored Kosrae Village Resort with the 2006 Environmental Achievement Award, and recently National Geographic Adventure magazine selected it as one of the 50 top Ecolodges in the world.

Kosrae is just beginning to awaken to its tourism potential, and plans to do so carefully, incorporating ecotourism and conservation programs. Katrina and Bruce sponsor the coral restoration project which grows and exports healthy coral around the world to aquariums and marine centers. Equally significant is the giant clam project and museum, which aims at restoring a healthy population of 100 pound clams, which were decimated before the current ecology and restoration projects were developed.

Another lodging possibility is the Pacific Treehouse Resort www.DiveKosrae.com which features a sunset cruise and expat gathering night at its Bully’s Restaurant. From its deck watch the sun set behind Sleeping Lady Mountain, whose shapely form testifies to the local creation myth—that a lovely woman lay down and the island was formed.

Kosrae Village (Photo/John Montgomery)

IF YOU GO:
Continental Airlines fly from mainland USA via Honolulu and Guam to Kosrae on their Island Hopper.
Kosrae Visitors Bureau,
Activities: diving, snorkeling, hiking, ancient ruins, kayaking, local cultural events, including annual Kosraean Festival in early September and special marching and singing throughout the month of December.