Where to Stay in Vanuatu

The Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu

Not as underdeveloped or crude as Fiji and Tonga, or as contemporary and costly as New Caledonia and Tahiti, Vanuatu is an affordable, obtainable, and authentic slice of Melanesia. Spread across the Y-formed archipelago of 83 islands among 6 territories is everything anticipated in a slice of Pacific paradise: untraveled coastlines, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, and friendly towns. However, Vanuatu can also boast other attractions rarely, or never, found elsewhere in the region: live volcanoes with lava-savoring craters reached on foot, caverns heaving with bats, tribal settlements that rehearsed cannibalism not that long ago, shipwrecks (including the world`s largest and most accessible), rainforests scattered with waterfalls, and plantations of premium coffee.

Situated along a scenic bay dotted with small islands, the compact and amiable capital of Port Vila offers visitors a surprisingly wide range of lodging and dining establishments, some carrying a distinct French influence. Along the sole major roadway and seaside path providing agreeable water views are the produce and handicraft markets, as well as most of Vanuatu`s tourist facilities, including the country`s sole shopping center so far. Elsewhere throughout the main island of Efate are welcoming villages and usable beaches with a handful of attached resorts in areas like Pango, Eratap, Erakor, and Havannah.

Considerably less developed is Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island. Located northwest of Efate, it attracts those in pursuit of adventure experiences like hiking around lofty mountains and world-class diving among wrecks from World War II ships, or more leisurely activities like beaches that could be found in picture postcards. At the farthest south, Tanna Island continues to astonish visitors, with an accessible active volcano, hot springs, coffee plantations, rainforests, waterfalls, and empty beaches that alternate between white and black sands.

Vanuatu’s second biggest island, Malekula is rugged, remote, and undeveloped, with a lack of infrastructure and dearth of tourists ensuring that villages maintain centuries-old customs. Other far-flung islands include Ambrym, with sparsely populated villages clinging to slopes of growling volcanoes; and Pentecost, renowned for the traditional bungee-jumping-style ceremonies celebrating the harvest of the essential crop: yam (like a sweet potato).

Vanuatu suffered a catastrophe when Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, the region’s second-worst ever, swept across the islands in 2015. Many village homes and crops, particularly across the southern islands, such as Efate, were destroyed by winds of up to 280km per hour. Although a few resorts have yet to recover (and may never do so), most of Vanuatu and its tourism industry are now back on their feet.

The Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu

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• Best Boutique Hotels in Vanuatu
  Mangoes Resort • Paradise Cove Resort • CoCo Beach Resort
• Best Budget Hotels in Vanuatu
  Seachange Lodge • Coconut Palms Resort • Golden Port Hotel

• Best Region for Beaches: Tanna Island
  The pleasingly low-level and surprisingly roomy Grand Hyatt offers the kind of shady gardens and attractive resort-style pool usually missing at rival hotels. Spaciousness continues in the brightly tiled lobby, airy guest lounges, and lavish rooms and suites which overlook the street or pool and gardens. With all accommodations suited for three or four people, and a children’s pool, it’s just right for families – and is pet-friendly too. Best of all is the location: close to Taksim Square, a pleasant shopping plaza with a station for the reliable metro to the old town.
• The finest region for underwater activities like diving and snorkeling: The Espiritu Santo Island
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The underwater marvels encircling the island of Espiritu Santo, especially the capital Luganville, are so exceptional that some visitors spend most daylight hours below the sea rather than elsewhere. Marine life is abundant, reefs almost luminous, and unusually for the broader region, there are shipwrecks. SS President Coolidge is viewed as the world’s largest and most accessible wreck, and straightforward to reach with just a mask and fins. Divers also flock to Million Dollar Point, a sunken junkyard of trucks and other WWII debris. Local operators can guide divers around the wrecks, reefs, and caves during day or night, while snorkelers will also relish the crystal-clear freshwater pools at Blue Holes.

• Best Region for Adventure: Tanna Island
  For those with the time and vitality, this small tropical island to the south seems to have everything: segregated towns practicing unusual traditions, diving through submerged caverns, trekking among rainforests sprinkled with waterfalls, and wild steeds roaming across untamed plains. And the cream of the crop is Mount Yasur, regarded as the most accessible active volcano in the world. Visitors can be transported within a 10-minute walk of the crater edge, and watch open-mouthed as lava slurps and rocks hurl into the sky. This is nearly unique: such proximity would not be permitted for safety reasons almost anywhere else on the planet.
• Prime Location for Boating: Port Resolution, Tanna Island
  Among sailors, Vanuatu isn`t as famous as Tonga, renowned for reliable winds, or Tahiti, with its well-established harbors lined with appealing bars. On Vanuatu’s loveliest island lies the extraordinary harbor of Port Resolution. Nestled in a U-shaped cove on the eastern tip, the setting is impressive, with cliffs and waters dominated by the rumbling Mount Yasur volcano. The harbor has deep waters near popular beaches, but lacks many amenities. However, sailors appreciate its convenience, permitting simple exploration around the rest of Vanuatu to the north, New Caledonia to the south, and Fiji across to the east.
• The most desirable region for shopping is Port Vila.

It is no surprise that the capital offers the greatest variety and quality of places to spend money, containing the sole location (thus far) across the entire country that could be called a shopping center: Tana Russet Plaza. The Vila Outdoor Market, also known as Mama`s Market, is just as imagined: rough-around-the-edges, sizable, and fascinating, with all sorts of tropical fruits and vegetables under cover in a central position. A few handicraft stalls are sparsely situated around the market; otherwise, enthusiasts of shopping may choose to catch a minibus to the Handicraft Market south of the city center. pleasingly, nearly everything in the capital is spread along one main road parallel to the harbor, making shopping easy and relaxing.

• Preferred Region for a Variety of Quality Eateries: Port Vila
  The central area is compact, with nearly everything along a primary thoroughfare beside the scenic harbor. Among numerous spots selling less healthy fried foods are various welcoming eating places: from casual western-style bistros, as popular for Wi-Fi as for the wraps and pizzas, to French-style cafés serving crêpes, baguettes, and croissants. Vanuatu is likely the least multicultural island nation in the South Pacific, but it remains possible to find authentic restaurants providing Chinese, Thai, and of course, French cuisine. And don’t forget to try some traditional fare, such as coconut crab and lap lap (grated sweet potato).
• Most Suitable Region for Families: Erakor and Eratap on Efate Island
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Unlike Tahiti and Fiji, Vanuatu does not have many family-oriented resorts that offer kids` clubs, package deals, and playgrounds. Staying on the main island of Efate avoids expensive flights between islands, and inevitably, extended waits at airports. Erakor and Eratap are adjoining peninsulas near the east side of Port Vila. Pleasant mid-range resorts face lagoons (which resemble rivers), while a few feature narrow artificial beaches better suited for kayaking and snorkeling than swimming. Erakor is only a 10-minute trip from the capital by public bus, while Eratap is a bit more isolated: only accessible by chartered bus, or those provided by the resorts. €› Item: Best Region for Nightlife: Port Vila
.€� Nightlife does not constitute a major attraction, but a few after-dark options exist in the capital. Families can enjoy films at the sole cinema in Tana Russet Plaza, or complimentary showings in cafés like Nambawan. Several resorts offer conventional performances sometimes with fire and dancing. Some visitors will be content sipping coffee alongside Mediterranean harborside cafés, cocktails at beach resorts, or striving to conquer odds in casinos. But once the sun fully sets, many trendy locals and tourists flock to nightclubs providing hip DJs and colorful cocktails – and even the chance to also dip in the pool or harbor.

• Best Region for Culture & Atmosphere: Malekula Island
• The second largest island also remains one of the least developed. While visitors flock to Tanna for adventure and Espiritu Santo for beaches, Malekula seems forgotten. The scarcity of tourists and rugged terrain ensure villages maintain authenticity (yet welcome visitors alike), often continuing traditions unchanged for centuries. Most locals belong to 2 rival tribes (named after dress ornaments), both engaging in distinctive ceremonies involving spirituality, trances, fire-walking, and body artwork. With cannibalism abolished only recently, tourists can view somber burial sites from when it was practiced.
• Best Area for Romantic Vacations: Havannah on Efate Island
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Unlike Fiji and Tahiti, Vanuatu has not really embraced the growing customer base for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Very few resorts offer intimate over-the-water bungalows but several, even in the suburbs of Port Vila, do provide secluded villas with private pools. One of Vanuatu’s finest spots for a romantic trip is The Havannah. This award-winning adults-only resort along the scenic bay of the same name is only 30km from the capital, home to many amenities and the airport. Havannah bay is also the departure point for day excursions to the idyllic islands of Lelepa and Moso just offshore.

The Best Regions in Vanuatu for Tourists

Port Vila – Town Center

More appealing than the administrative hubs of Fiji and Tonga, yet not as refined as Noumea, Port Vila exhibits a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere while offering many of the nation`s amenities. Situated on a scenic harbor framed by peninsulas and small islands, the town is best observed photogenically from the seaside walkway. The primary street seems to perpetually have vehicular congestion, though still enjoyable to stroll along. Points of interest incorporate cafes, casinos and nightclubs, and markets selling crafts and produce. Just outside of the urban center but still within an easy amble, several hotels provide bay perspectives and distance from much of the traffic commotion.

• Top Accommodation: Iririki Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu

Port Vila – Seaside

Along the eastern side of the peninsula on which Port Vila is located is an area known as Seaside which faces Erakor and Second lagoons. The main street, Captain Cook Avenue, is home to several low-key lodges, and a couple of sassy villa complexes. The main advantage is the genuine suburban feel, in contrast to the comparative bustle of downtown Port Vila, which is still only a pleasant 10- to 20-minute stroll (and a lot quicker on the very frequent minibuses). There are a handful of places to stay, eat, drink, and shop along or just off Captain Cook Avenue, and the side-streets are crowded with friendly families and reminders of everyday Vanuatu.

• Top Accommodation: Mangoes Resort

Around Efate Island

Pango Peninsula

The main road from Port Vila heads south for various kilometers along a peninsula known casually as Pango, after the village of an equivalent name. Drawn by the splendid seaside resorts, acceptable road, and ample minibuses, the southern fringe of the peninsula is home to different upmarket lodgings and stylish coffee shops. The northern coast of the peninsula is inadequately joined and the roads are rough, yet in any case, a few lodgings are sprouting in the face of its disengagement and nonattendance of beaches.

• Best Hotel: Breakas Beach Resort

Erakor & Eratap

Neigbhoring landmasses approximately 5-15 kilometers east of Port Vila that are locally known as Erakor and Eratap are home to several charming mid-priced resorts overlooking lagoons, which while scenic, do not equal the beauty of those found in Fiji and Tahiti. The shorelines supporting narrow beaches are perhaps man-made and better suited to kayaking and snorkeling than swimming. Notable perks of Erakor include a massive Au Bon Marché supermarket, sports complex along the primary roadway, and regular minibus transport for the 10 minute journey to the capital city. Eratap conveys a wonderfully secluded atmosphere despite remaining conveniently accessible, around 25 minutes away from Port Vila via hired minivan

• Best Hotel: Aquana Beach Resort

Havannah

Along the northwest edge of the primary island of Efate, Havannah is an unofficial term for a stretch of coast that includes Tanoliu and Sema villages. It is an increasingly well-liked alternative to Port Vila, which is easily accessible by public minibus only 30km away. A few campsites and budget-priced lodgings are sprinkled along the picturesque bay, which is dominated by The Havannah, an adults-only resort. The area is also a jumping-off point for islands just offshore: Lelepa (with an amazing cave for diving), and Moso (with a turtle sanctuary).

• Café Indochine – $$-$$$ – Romantic, Royal Khmer fine dining in a traditional Khmer villa.

Tanna Island

A 40-minute flight from Port Vila lies Tanna, a crescent-shaped island arguably holding the most appealing scenery in the nation. It offers the usual friendly hamlets and empty coastlines, but also other rarer sights seldom viewed elsewhere: hot springs; rainforests containing waterfalls; plains of wild horses; and Mount Yasur, an energetic volcano with a crater easily accessible. And wonders continue below the sea, with vivid reefs and immense caves. The island is also renowned for its coffee, which can be bought at the Tanna Coffee Central factory at Mele, not far west of Port Vila. Most resorts on Tanna are just north of the airport and main town, Lenakel, with a handful of other options only accessible by rough roads or boat.

• Best Hotel: White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa

Espiritu Santo Island

Informally known to locals as Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island is less developed than Efate but retains more authenticity, with villages untouched by tourism. The primary attractions are threefold: exceptional diving and snorkeling, such as among sunken World War II ships; snow-white beaches bordered by angled palms that ought to grace postcards; and trekking up and around the nation’s 4 tallest mountains. Luganville, the unattractive capital (and Vanuatu’s second-largest town), serves as a commercial and transportation hub approximately 50 minutes’ flight from Port Vila, with direct flights also from Australia.

• Highest rated Hotel: Aore Island Resort

Malekula Island

The largest island outside of Espiritu Santo has experienced lesser progression and maintains significant diversity, permitting visitors to experience an authentic tribal lifestyle rather than one confined to villages. The two primary groups, the Small Nambas and Big Nambas, are denominated in light of the coverings they traditionally wear upon their genitals, while cannibalism was evident in times nearer the past. The addition of rough roadways and paths rendering trekking more demanding implies this location is mostly suitable for the more daring. A few resorts exist safely clustered within and surrounding the main community of Lakatoro and the nearby airport. Divers may have fortunate chances to discover some of the black pearls which the island is renowned for.

• Best Hotel: Lakatoro Palm Lodge