A boom in Vanuatu resorts is allowing visitors to enjoy the natural charms of the South Pacific in comfort. Vanuatu is the quintessential tropical island paradise (and one of the most romantic places to get married abroad), an archipelago of 83 islands with white-sand beaches, swaying palms and amazing coral.
Vanuatu is more than just a fly-and-flop destination. The Ni-Vanuatu people are happy people with infectious smiles. It’s enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Add ancient village customs into the mix and the island paradise offers more than enough to lure visitors.
Culture and nature-based activities range from village tours to abseiling down a waterfall or flying over a fiery active volcano on Tanna to exploring the shipwreck dive sites on Santo.
In the past, the downside has been a limited choice in upmarket accommodation but in recent times, improved roads and a growing demand for luxury escapes have fuelled a trend.
Vanuatu resorts
Looking for a resort with an enviable waterfront location and city mod-cons such as i-pod docking systems, luxurious bathtubs and private plunge pools?
1- The Havannah
Cate Blanchett owns a waterfront property somewhere around Havannah Harbour and Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted cruising around the bay on a private yacht.
The area might have caught the attention of the rich and famous but so far, as a holiday destination, the former World War II US naval base has managed to fly under the radar.
Port Havannah is on Efate’s northern coast and is a 30-minute drive from Port Vila’s international airport.
You can glimpse a birds-eye view of the picturesque coastline and make a grand entrance by arriving at The Havannah by seaplane or helicopter.
The stylish boutique retreat accommodates 32 guests in three types of villas and has a restaurant that serves top nosh. A cultural experience nearby is a tour to Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, three World Heritage-listed sites including caves on Lelepa Island.
A day tour on Lelepa Island reveals the island’s natural beauty and offers the chance to meet some locals, the villagers of Lelepa Village, where cannibalism was practised up until the 1940s.
A highlight of the tour is snorkelling off the back of a local banana boat over amazing coral gardens.
Book your stay at The Havannah here
2- Trees and Fishes
A few canoe-strokes away from The Havannah is Trees and Fishes Private Retreat, a low-key tropical hideaway at Rana Beach.
The waterfront location is stunning and a favourite spot is a hammock slung between two trees by the water’s edge. The main reason to stay here is for the fishing.
A full-day fishing aboard Azurra, the retreat’s Edgewater boat, is an opportunity to catch dogtooth tuna, yellowfin, wahoo, sailfish, blue marlin or red bass.
The retreat can accommodate up to nine people in three rustic cabins ideal for extended families or groups of friends. Beds are comfortable but the cabins have no television sets or minibars. Their best assets are the trendy designer bathrooms with huge lava bathtubs.
Meals are hearty and prepared with fresh local produce such as organic meat and fruit and vegetables from local farms.
The best thing about dining here is eating the fish you’ve caught from the day’s fishing excursion. Sipping a cocktail in the open-air tropical bar as fresh seafood is prepared for you in your own private waterfront retreat is a special experience.
Check the latest prices for Trees and Fishes here
3- The Terraces Boutique Apartments
The Terraces Boutique Apartments is within walking distance of Port Vila’s main shops. Its 16 studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments have views over Erakor Lagoon.
The design, which is sleek and contemporary, is unique here and a breakaway from the trend towards a barefoot kind of luxury that well suits Vanuatu’s natural assets.
However, if you’re keen to enjoy more of Vanuatu’s natural assets, the Cascades is not far. As its name implies, the cascading waterfall is a lush cool oasis.
A hike through the tropical jungle involves wading through gushing streams and a comfortable climb to refreshing pools near the top of the cascades. The water is cool and there are caves to explore behind the falls.
Book your stay at The Terraces here
4- Eratap Beach Resort
A few years ago, Eratap Beach Resort led the boutique luxury accommodation revolution with 12 thatch-roofed villas right on the beach.
Glass doors lead to timber decks furnished with comfortable deck chairs and banana lounges. The décor is island-chic, with an airy feel and stylish seashell decorations.
With three private beaches, lagoon waterways and islands nearby, the main activities are kayaking and snorkelling.
You can snorkel straight off one of the resort’s three beaches, although, the best spots are a short boat ride away.
There’s an open-air beachfront restaurant and island-style bar, a large tropical swimming pool with a casual bar. The day spa rounds it off to make it a tropical island hideaway you might never want to leave.
Book your stay at Eratap Beach Resort here
5- Vale Vale Beachfront Villas
The bumpy pot-holed road adds to the charm of the recently opened Vale Vale Beachfront Villas. Tucked amongst palm trees, frangipani and wild orchids on the shore of the Pango peninsula, the one- and two-bedroom villas have ringside views of the bay.
At high tide, the lapping water is almost at the steps of your timber deck.
Tall timber doors lead to pretty walled courtyards in front but most of the living is done at the back, where floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors lead onto timber decks with tranquil water views.
Living areas are open plan and have high ceilings.
Bedrooms have king-sized beds swathed with mosquito netting. There is no onsite restaurant and villas have kitchens equipped with gleaming new implements. But if cooking is not your forte, the local bus service will pick you up from your front door and take you anywhere for 150 vatus (around $1.50).
Ecotours Vanuatu picks up guests from the villas for walking, cycling and kayaking adventures off the beaten track. They range from gentle bush walks through coconut plantations to kayaking the Rentabao River where the water is crystal clear.
Book your stay at Vale Vale Beachfront Villas here
Discover South Pacific
Looking for a South Pacific holiday? Read these posts for ideas:
Tonga Whale Swim | Whale Magic in The Kingdom Of Tonga
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