In 2022, artists Nansi Bielanski Gallup and David Gallup purchased a five acre island on a private coral reef in Vanuatu, a small island nation in the Coral Sea. Here, the two can work fresh from memory on paintings inspired by the morning's swim. Because they don't like to rely on photography for their work, having this studio to record immediate impressions of life on the reef gives them the opportunity to paint directly from their diving and snorkeling experiences without accidentally mimicking a camera lens.
Nansi and David work both in California and in Vanuatu, leaving the opportunity to invite guests to stay on Molono Island when it's not in use as a studio. When upgrades to the residence and studio are complete, the island will be available as a boutique resort where adventurous, romantic couples can immerse themselves in the experience of a luxury getaway on an island to themselves, with attentive staff on the nearby mainland who can provide housekeeping and meals, arrange outings and diving adventures, or simply ensure that the privacy of guests is completely undisturbed.
"The citizens of Vanuatu are among the most kind, beautiful, and hospitable people I have ever met. Their understanding of their natural environment and respect for all people was a major consideration when we were looking for our tropical island home. Add to that the fact that the reefs in Vanuatu are among the healthiest and most unspoiled in the world, Molono Island managed to check every box on our wish list for a second studio."
-Nansi Bielanski Gallup
"At night on Molono, you have only the lights of the stars. With calm, 85 degree lagoon waters on all sides and a swimming beach as the main entrance to the water, floating in the sea at night and watching the clouds move under the stars feels comfortable and irresistible. In the morning, taking a stroll around the island to collect fresh bananas, coconuts and papayas from the trees for breakfast starts your day. A morning snorkel is obligatory, and kayaks are available for exploring the lagoon or the famous Blue Hole nearby. Because Vanuatu has no venomous snakes or dangerous animals and is one of the last places on earth where no plastic washes up on the beach, it's hard to resist using that most overused word, "Paradise."
-David Gallup
To learn more about visiting Molono Island, please visit MolonoIsland.com, or send them a message via the contact link on this website.
Nansi and David work both in California and in Vanuatu, leaving the opportunity to invite guests to stay on Molono Island when it's not in use as a studio. When upgrades to the residence and studio are complete, the island will be available as a boutique resort where adventurous, romantic couples can immerse themselves in the experience of a luxury getaway on an island to themselves, with attentive staff on the nearby mainland who can provide housekeeping and meals, arrange outings and diving adventures, or simply ensure that the privacy of guests is completely undisturbed.
"The citizens of Vanuatu are among the most kind, beautiful, and hospitable people I have ever met. Their understanding of their natural environment and respect for all people was a major consideration when we were looking for our tropical island home. Add to that the fact that the reefs in Vanuatu are among the healthiest and most unspoiled in the world, Molono Island managed to check every box on our wish list for a second studio."
-Nansi Bielanski Gallup
"At night on Molono, you have only the lights of the stars. With calm, 85 degree lagoon waters on all sides and a swimming beach as the main entrance to the water, floating in the sea at night and watching the clouds move under the stars feels comfortable and irresistible. In the morning, taking a stroll around the island to collect fresh bananas, coconuts and papayas from the trees for breakfast starts your day. A morning snorkel is obligatory, and kayaks are available for exploring the lagoon or the famous Blue Hole nearby. Because Vanuatu has no venomous snakes or dangerous animals and is one of the last places on earth where no plastic washes up on the beach, it's hard to resist using that most overused word, "Paradise."
-David Gallup
To learn more about visiting Molono Island, please visit MolonoIsland.com, or send them a message via the contact link on this website.