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Vanuatu

By Leesa Carney

I have just been on my first (and fun filled) visit to Vanuatu. I found it to be an island with a great climate, very friendly locals, outstanding food and an ideal destination for anyone who wants to “escape from it all”.

Being very laid back and tropical, Vanuatu is a great destination for couples/honeymooners - you can even plan to have your actual wedding ceremony on the island!

Although some of the bigger resorts cater for children, most of the smaller properties are not suitable for children (no kids facilities, and many do not allow kids under 12, so you can be assured of a quiet, relaxed holiday. Some properties are situated on the northern end of the lagoon and swimming or diving is limited, but the more southern properties are oceanfront and have small beaches where you can swim or snorkel. I visited a number of hotels/resorts during my stay and below are my personal impressions:

Le Meridien:
A large, sprawling property complete with golf course, with lots of facilities for most travellers. Very child friendly as they have a kids club. The resort is located on Erakor lagoon, although it’s not really suitable to swim in. Perfect for honey mooners as their over water bungalows are gorgeous, and plenty of lovely locations to hold a wedding ceremony. Rooms are standard (Melanesian décor). A 5-minute drive to Port Vila

Iririki Island Resort:
Located on its own island just a 5-minute boat ride from port Vila. This is a very quiet resort especially since kids under 12 are not allowed. The lead in Garden Bungalows are quite basic (Melanesian décor) but a refurb is underway, while the waterfront suite bungalows are very nice and complete with 4 poster beds. Good conference facilities for corporate groups, but unsuitable for elderly or less mobile travellers as there are a few steep walkways. The resort is also perfect for honeymooners/couples and there are several great locations to hold a wedding ceremony. The boat transfer is available 24 hours – just ring the bell!

Chantillys on the Bay:
Modern, fully self-contained apartments. Great location on the bay (where you can swim) and 3 minutes from the town center of Port Vila. Good for corporate groups as they also have conference facilities and a very reputable restaurant. They also have 2 sun lover rooms with a big sundeck. Not really suitable for less mobile travellers as they do not have a lift and you must climb stairs to access all rooms. They also have a gift shop and beauty parlor.

Fatamaru:
This is a small, basic property with only 8 fares. The decor of the rooms is lovely (Melanesian style) with all fares having absolute waterfront views. Only 5 minutes drive to town center. However, no real restaurant, a very small pool and outdoor BBQ area.

The Melanesian:
A good hotel for budget travellers. They have both self-contained units & hotel rooms. A good location not far from town, The Melanesian is also home to a popular club/bar (for locals & guests), and small casino. Good facilities – pool, bar and restaurant. They have traditional entertainment around the pool at night, including Kava tasting.

Tamanu on the Beach:
Tamanu is an intimate, isolated hotel. Located approx 30 mins from Port Vila, with nothing to do except relax by the ocean, though they do have a large DVD collection from which you may rent. They is also transport available. No kids allowed and no conference groups, this is strictly for couples & honeymooners. The food in the restaurant is outstanding. . There is no pool, but who needs a pool, when you’re absolute oceanfront?

Mangoes:
Mangoes is set in gardens and has great views overlooking the lagoon. It is not located on the waterfront, however they do however have 2 swimming pools. The rooms are nice. Once again no kids allowed to ensure a quiet stay.

Tradewinds:
Budget rooms all fully self-contained, also located above the lagoon, so not absolute waterfront. The property has a small pool and BBQ area. I wouldn't’t recommend this to elderly or less mobile travellers as it is a steep walk down to the lagoon. Hotel has own minivan for airport pick up

Poppys on the Lagoon:
Poppys offers deluxe self-contained accommodation and a great location being absolute waterfront (on the lagoon). They also offer a range of water sports. The property is child friendly with babysitting facilities and shallow areas in the pool for kids. Nice BBQ area with local Melanesian entertainment weekly. Only 10 minutes form port Vila. Highly recommended for all travellers

Le Lagon:
Another sprawling resort. Excellent location on the waterfront, swimming and snorkeling is possible. Lead in rooms are basic (refurb underway though), but the waterfront bungalows are beautiful. Very child friendly. Also perfect for conferences as they have good facilities. Directly opposite Erakor Island Resort where you can go to the beach across on the island. Swimming pool, bar & restaurants (outstanding food).

Paradise Cove:
Paradise Cove is a secluded property set in gardens with access to its own small private beach (great for snorkelling). Fares are bright & fun (self contained), the restaurant (Italian), bar and pool area is small but very nice. A perfect location for wedding ceremonies. No television or phone facilities in rooms. Located 10 minutes form Port Vila.

Breakas:
A boutique hotel, with absolute beachfront location (the swimming pools excellent) and all facilities being on the waterfront. All fares are Melanesian style (lovely rooms). The hotel offers a big range of water sports. Children under 12 are not allowed. One of the nicest locations I saw while in Vanuatu,

Pacific Lagoon Apartments:
A budget, motel style property, with small self contained apartments. Nice location on the lagoon, but with limited facilities. Free kayaks are available for guests.

Erakor Island Resort (my personal favourite!)
Located on its own island, it has a nice beach and is perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The rooms are beautiful, and a great location for wedding ceremonies as they have their own outdoor chapel. The restaurant and bar is located over the water. Transfer by boat is available and is directly opposite Le Lagon resort.