November 26, 2025

Champagne Beach, on the island of Santo, Solomon Islands has to be on the list of top 10 beaches in the World! Oddly, we had it all to ourselves on Monday, November 24th! Below are drone shots by another resident that show the spectacular blue water and powdery white sand!

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Champagne beach got its name from this cool effect that happens at low tide, around the rocky reef edges. The coral gets cascading water pushed through it at low tide from the neighboring blue hole and when this cool fresh water mixes with the sea water, as it gushes over the coral reef - tons of bubbles form and the water actually goes cloudy, then clear with each surf surge. We were snorkeling this area trying to figure out it something was off with our googles and then got mesmerized by the bubble! Our friends and fellow ship mates had been here the 2 days before, but none of them mentioned this when telling us what we should see on the island. So we were stumped as to what was going on. Turns out they were there at high tide and saw none of this. Below are my photo's from beach. Wish I could have captured underwater shots to show how cool - will just have to visit again!

Before heading to Champagne Beach we canoed into one of the three Blue Holes on the island. Riri Blue Hole  is the only one with entry by canoe offered. Our driver dropped us upstream on the Crystal River and a oarsman got us situated and did all the work.. It was a very tranquil ride into the lush landscape. I went with Memo and Sue; we were the only ones from our getaway trip, who had the energy to go out and explore today.

Along the way we stopped for fresh coconuts and almonds - which are amazing fresh - first time I have ever had, Yummy!!

BA NA HILLS - Part 3

By Pat Patrick • August 24, 2026
I had dubbed this the Fun Tour of Vietnam! We could have gone to all the historic war memorials and museums, and I totally respect and am grateful to All those who gave so much. I just didn't want that, to be my only insight into Vietnam and it's lovely people. In the morning, we again explored more of the village and our room stay included a huge buffet breakfast. We checked out by 10:30 am and took the cable car back down by 11 am to meet our driver and head to our next stop.

BA NA HILLS - Part 2

By Pat Patrick • August 24, 2026
Ba Na Hills was so special, I took so many photo's! Here's more from the Golden Bridge or Cau Vang. One of the perks of staying at the Resort is that the last cable rides down for day visitors is 6pm and the first cable rides don't start back up till 7 am. So hotel guest get to explore the park without tons of guest. We could have gotten up at 6am to see bridge at sunrise, but directionally it's off and I took so many pictures at sunset, I didn't see the need for more!

BA NA HILLS, DA NANG, VIETNAM - Part 1

By Pat Patrick • August 24, 2026
Ba Na Hills is Bananas WoW, in the best way!! Let me try and explain. There is n o way you imaging a place like this, when you think about travel to Vietnam! A resort atop a Mountain, high in the clouds/fog, far above the city limits of Da Nang . Accessible only by cable cars, on stretches so long, it's in the Guinness World Records . Built to look like a French Medieval Village complete with Versailles style fountains and the Louvre pyramid and a Golden Bridge suspended by Giant Hands hanging off the side and carved Mount Rushmore like sculptures into the supporting rock faces. It's an Instagram wonder!