Vanuatu, where to stay

[ellen10]

I am thinking of booking a trip to Vanuatu for maybe at least a week, in June.

Any recommendations of where to stay? Ideas of activities. I love snorkelling, swimming etc. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[pjm99au]

We always stay at Eratap. A bit out of town but it will tick all of your boxes and you can go on day trips if you like.

 

[muehli3]

We liked Turtle Bay Lodge on Santo a lot, you can do diving (we din't), SUP, kayaking to the blue holes.

If you like a bit more adventure, you can also take a trip to Tanna Island to go on an active volcano. We made a trip from Port Vila with Air Taxi Vanuatu and stayed the night in Rockwater Resort.

 

[ellen10]

Thanks @pjm99au for your suggestion. I will investigate Eratap. Is it just one resort there?

 

[ellen10]

Thanks for your reply @muehli3 .
Would you stay the whole time there or split between mainland ?

 

[pjm99au]

Thanks @pjm99au for your suggestion. I will investigate Eratap. Is it just one resort there?

Yes. Eratap.com

Vanuatu has unfortunately suffered from poor air connections in the past which has contributed to a pretty distinct lack of re-investment in some of its tourism infrastructure.

Eratap is not cheap but IMO worth it for what you get which is a really well run and maintained small resort with really good food on a beautiful part of the coast. You will see much cheaper properties but you pay for what you get in Vanuatu. If you think you are landing on somewhere else reach out and get some thoughts on it.

Another option is the Havannah of a similar price point

Places to visit on Efate

Blue Lagoon - take a pool noodle from your accomodation

Vanuatu jungle zip line and Mele Cascades

Half day in Port Villa is probably max that you need do.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Iririki Island - we have stayed there 3 times - just perfect - you take the little punt over to Port Vila - so much fun - and island accommodation is fantastic with water views

 

[ellen10]

Thanks @Cruiser Elite I read some reviews about Iririki island. Some good some bad.

I think it is either luxury escapes or Qantas holidays have a deal for there.

What sort of accommodation did you stay in? Some people mentioned lots of up hill walking at the resort. We are both very capable walkers by the way.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

we stayed in one of these - Deluxe Spa Ocean View Studio – Irirki Island Resort

Yes good vigorous walking around a bitumen road that encircles entire island / I think 3 or 4 laps each morn took an hour and you come back in a lather of sweat - views over water spectacular,

We had catered in white linen dining on balcony couple of nights with BYO champs purchased on Port Vila - food was really good - these experiences were spectacular

Did a sunset cruise out of Port Vila with a small group maybe 12 or so and a marriage proposal took place onboard - I was appointed official photographer by groom prior to proposal as he saw taking multiple pics from time we started to board - it was just so wonderful

We truly loved these trips and prolly will go back again

 

[ellen10]

Sounds like you have had some lovely memorable times there @Cruiser Elite

Ok, I have bit the bullet and was able to book some QF award point flights. And they were Classic and not Classic plus.
So now I will investigate the accommodation ideas and activities.

Any further recommendations and ideas appreciated

 

[Cruiser Elite]

There is very little to do on Iririki itself - just sit around 1 pool or a tiny beach - but the little punt over to Port Vila itself is a hoot - we went over to restaurants every night - I hate casinos but we spent a couple nights in there just having drinks and chatting to visitors and locals - it was actually fun - be prepared for total mayhem time wise as no islander had ever owned a watch nor can tell the time - if you order your food may or may not come - but that shrug of their shoulders says it - the whole place is a hoot

Just lovely people all around - open air markets - cheap junk shops - it has it all for an hilarious adventure

 

[ellen10]

There is very little to do on Iririki itself - just sit around 1 pool or a tiny beach - but the little punt over to Port Vila itself is a hoot - we went over to restaurants every night - I hate casinos but we spent a couple nights in there just having drinks and chatting to visitors and locals - it was actually fun - be prepared for total mayhem time wise as no islander had ever owned a watch nor can tell the time - if you order your food may or may not come - but that shrug of their shoulders says it - the whole place is a hoot

Just lovely people all around - open air markets - cheap junk shops - it has it all for an hilarious adventure

Thanks for your insight I’ll be prepared for a layback stay
And I hope to spend a lot of time in or on the water.

 

[Gladstone Tim]

The Ni-Van people are lovely. If the local hotel near Mele village is putting on the cultural show, do it. Dancing, music, fire acts, etc. Market prices go up on cruise ship days. Definitely do Blue Lagoon and the Mele Cascades. Going to a local church is enlightening. Well worth it.

 

[ellen10]

Thank you everyone for your great ideas and information.

To visit places, such as the Blue Lagoon and Mele Cascades. Did you do your own transport or book tours. The sunset cruise also sounds nice.

Markets? are they on the mainland?

We looked at Turtle bay, but my husband was not keen on another flight to get there and back.

Eratap did look nice but it was much more expensive. We have taken @Cruiser Elite's suggestion and staying on Iririki Island and booked an ocean view apartment. It ticked a lot of boxes and had a good special price. And easy to hope on and off the island for other exploring.

Any further ideas greatly appreciated

 

[Cruiser Elite]

The markets we went to are over in Port Vila township itself - we would punt over every day and wander town for an hour or 2 - you will find the markets there - slow casual light lunch then punt back

Sunset cruise I forget how we booked but it will be easy to find - pegs are allocated to each pax which you exchange for a drinks inclusive in cruise price then buy extra as reqd - keep an eye out for a proposal onboard

Check with Iririki restaurant catering to arrange an in room dinner on your balcony overlooking water - buy your champagne in Port Vila and have it chilled in your room rather than buy from restaurant

We taxied out to some alleged super resort / dinner location one night over almost impassable roads for an hour only to be served cough food and be eaten alive by mozzies - stick to Port Vila

Most of all mentally select first gear for entire time you are there - that's the mental frame you need to be in