This guide briefly covers the day-to-day essentials of the property, including power, water, internet, transport, and general house use. It’s designed to help you understand how everything works so your stay runs smoothly.
For more in depth information please visit the Quick links If anything seems unclear or not working as expected, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact us for assistance.
Housekeeping and laundry
We want you to relax and enjoy your time on Aore Island, so our local team is here to help keep the house comfortable throughout your stay. Housekeeping, fresh linen, laundry assistance and basic maintenance can all be arranged when needed.
๐งน Housekeeping
Housekeeping is available Monday to Friday and includes general cleaning, light tidying and the usual tasks needed to keep the house comfortable during your stay.
If you'd like the house serviced, or there's something in particular you need help with, simply contact your host and we'll arrange it with the local team.
Need housekeeping? → CONTACT YOUR HOST
๐๏ธ Towels & Linen
Fresh towels and bed linen are provided for your stay.
Living off-grid means both water and electricity are valuable resources, so we encourage guests to reuse towels where practical rather than having them replaced every day.
If you need fresh towels or linen during your stay, just let us know and we'll arrange them for you.
๐ Laundry Service
There isn't a conventional guest laundry at the house, but we can still take care of your washing.
Small amounts of laundry can be hand washed by our local house team on request. Larger loads can be collected and taken to the main house for a full wash and dry service.
If you'd like laundry done, contact your host and we'll organise the most suitable option for you.
Need some washing done? → CONTACT YOUR HOST
๐ง Maintenance & Repairs
Living on a tropical island occasionally means something needs a little attention. Basic maintenance and minor repairs are generally available Monday to Friday, with urgent problems prioritised as required.
If you notice something that isn't working properly, please let us know as soon as possible rather than waiting until the end of your stay. Often a small issue can be sorted out very quickly.
For problems involving power, water, hot water, internet or other house systems, check the Troubleshooting section first for a quick solution.
POWER, WATER & GAS
Life on Aore Island is a little different from life on the mainland. The house operates primarily on solar power, fresh spring water and gas, with systems designed to make island living comfortable while using resources responsibly.
Everything should work quietly in the background during your stay. There are just a few things worth knowing.
โ๏ธ Solar Power
The house is powered primarily by solar energy, with a generator available for backup. The system is monitored and designed to comfortably provide power throughout the day and evening when electricity is used sensibly.
Because we're living off-grid, electricity isn't unlimited. Heavy or unnecessary power use can drain the batteries, particularly overnight.
Please Don't Use High-Power Appliances
Hair dryers, toasters and electric kettles must not be used at the property.
These appliances draw a very large amount of electricity and can overload or rapidly drain the solar system.
If you're unsure whether an electrical appliance is suitable to use, simply ask your host first.
โฑ๏ธ Automatic Power Timers
Some services around the property operate on automatic timers to conserve battery power overnight.
Internet switches off overnight and comes back on at approximately 7:30am.
Outdoor spotlights switch off at approximately 1:00am and come back on at 6:00pm.
These are normal settings and don't indicate a problem with the house.
๐ฆ Backup Lights
Battery-powered backup lights are provided around the house in case they're needed overnight.
The stair light can operate as a motion-sensor light or be switched on manually. If left continuously on, the battery lasts approximately four hours.
The bedside lights are operated by remote control and include a 30-minute timer. When used continuously, they provide approximately six hours of light.
The green lights also operate as insect zappers and can be switched on and off using the button on the unit. Battery life is approximately four hours when used continuously.
To conserve their batteries, please switch backup lights off when they're not required.
๐ง Fresh Spring Water
The property is supplied with fresh water pumped from the island's underground water source into a holding tank.
Aore Island relies largely on groundwater and collected rainwater, so please use water thoughtfully, particularly during extended dry periods.
The local water naturally contains minerals from the island's geology, so it may taste or feel a little different from the water you're accustomed to at home.
๐ฟ Gas Hot Water
Hot water is provided by a gas hot-water system.
Island systems can sometimes take a little longer to respond than conventional mains systems, so allow the water a moment to warm after turning on the tap or shower.
Please use hot water thoughtfully and make sure taps are completely turned off when you've finished.
If the water doesn't become hot after a reasonable time, don't start adjusting the gas equipment yourself
๐ฅ Gas Stove & Cooktop
The kitchen cooktop operates on gas, giving you reliable cooking without placing additional demand on the solar system.
Because it uses an open flame, never leave the cooktop unattended while it's operating. Make sure all burners are completely turned off when you've finished cooking.
If a burner doesn't ignite normally or you smell gas, turn everything off immediately and contact your host rather than attempting to fix it yourself.