If I had to use just one word to describe Vanuatu, it would be ‘more’, as it’s so much more than expected, in the very best sense of the word. We literally only scratched the surface of all that is Vanuatu; nevertheless here is a soupçon of our visit to this tropical paradise.
Beautiful People
Spread across 83 islands and divided into six provinces, Vanuatu is as exciting as it is diverse, and populated by a friendly resilient people deeply passionate and proud of their nation. Not a day passed when we weren’t struck by their warmth, hospitality and happy smiles.
Stunning scenery
Vanuatu is all that you would expect a tropical paradise to be: plenty of sunshine, dazzling beaches, and crystal clear, fluorescent blue seas. Below the azure surface, a watery world, rich in coral, throngs with tropical fish in all shapes, sizes, and hues.
Efate and Espiritu Santo are known for their beautiful blue holes, where crystal-clear water bubbles up from freshwater springs through layers of limestone in brilliant blue hues. Islands boast lush inland countryside, dotted with tiny villages that have changed little over the years, overlooked by towering mountains.
Mention must be given to the copious and stunning array of trees, plants, shrubs and colourful flowers that abound: think coconut, ginger, hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani and heaps more.
World-class accommodation
Reflections Retreat, Efate
If you love a wellness retreat, and the opportunity to relax your mind and treat your body right, then look no further than Reflections Retreat Vanuatu, where all details from your lodging to meals and activities, are taken care of for you. Here you’ll have plenty of opportunity to exercise, eat well, self-care, and disconnect from your devices. At Reflections, you’re the master of your own programme and can do as little or as much as you wish.
Vanuatu’s very own health retreat is the brainchild of Gillian Lewis and Brad Casey, who together own and operate this stunning retreat – which they developed on the shores of Havannah Harbour, on the island of Efate, 25-minute drive from Port Vila airport.
The pristine, self-contained accommodation, situated a stone’s throw from the swimming pool and private beach front, will tick all boxes, as will the lush well-tended tropical gardens.
Naturopath Gillian (she is also an energetic healer and meditation facilitator) takes care of the catering. Her Her plant-based food is fabulous, tasty, moreish and bursts with healthgiving properties. Brad (qualified yoga instructor and martial arts teacher) takes care of yoga side of things and every morning, just after sunrise, guides a session in a purpose-built open-air yoga pavilion situated on the beach. There’s little that can beat this energising start to the day.
Aore Island Resort, Espiritu Santo
Nothing quite prepares one for the authentic island feel that is Aore Island Resort. And yes it took a while, and quite a bit of planning, to get there, the journey ending in a 10-minute boat ride from Luganville Harbour to Aore Island. Stepping off that flatbottomed skiff onto the jetty it literally felt as if we were stepping into another world, a joyful, more relaxing version of the hustle and bustle left behind. When checking out a few days later, i could honestly say that Aore Island Resort delivered on a Pacific Island dream, in every way possible.
Our private bungalow was simple – but just right. Crisp cotton sheets, fluffy towels… raw luxury on the beach, a few steps away from the sea. Sunset drinks on our veranda with views across the crystal clear waters of Canal du Segond, were the perfect way to end each glorious day.
A large open-air nakamal (meeting place) houses the restaurant and bar, with a menu that caters for all sorts of diets and preferences, updated daily. Seafood is delivered fresh to the resort’s dock and the bread is baked in-house daily, and as much as possible only local, seasonal produce is used.
While Aore Island Resort is the ideal base for exploring and experiencing the delights of Espiritu Santo, there’s also heaps to do at the resort itself: bike riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, and world class snorkelling opportunities. There are daily activities on offer too, like learning to weave a basket from coconut leaves, or how to make delicious laplap.
Aore Island Resort offers not only the best most relaxing island holiday ever, it is also the quintessential Vanuatu experience.
Just so much to see and do – here’s a teeny tiny taste…
Water ladies and their extraordinary water music
Originating on the Banks Islands of Vanuatu, water music – performed only by Ni-Vanuatu females – is both as entertaining as it is fascinating. Girls are taught the skill from a very young age and together with their elders stand waist deep in the sea, using their hands to cup and beat the water, creating an extraordinary sound, which they accompany with their singing.
Scuba Dive at a WWII wreck, Espiritu Santo
Some of Vanuatu’s best dive sites are the underwater remnants of WWII, including the wreck of the SS President Coolidge and the bizarre site nearby where machinery was dumped into the ocean by the American military at the end of the war. Now known as Million Dollar Point, you can see the fossils of cars, tanks, and guns close to the surface of the water, with some overflowing onto the beach.
Swing on rope swings at mesmerising blue holes
Under the shady canopy of ancient rainforest trees, these naturally occurring freshwater swimming holes are like nothing you’ve ever seen. Maintained by the local villagers, Vanuatu’s blue holes often have waterside shacks serving cold drinks, changing/toilet facilities, and rope swings that would make even Tarzan jealous.
Stare into an active volcano, Tanna
Mount Yasur is an active volcano on the island of Tanna where you can stand at the crater’s edge and watch as the lava dances like fireworks across the sky. Access to the 400-metre wide rim of the crater is by foot but local guides run volcano tours and can drive you close enough to feel the heat.
The Essentials
Currency
Vatu. NZ$1 = approx. 77 vatu.
There are not many ATMs, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted. We took a few hundred dollars’ worth of vatu (great for markets and local stores) but were easily able to use our Credit Cards most of the time.
Getting there
Air Vanuatu offers the quickest most direct flights from Auckland to Port Vila return. Currently there are two flights per week on offer. Visit airvanuatu.com
Getting around
By bus
We quickly learned that what the locals call buses are mini vans that can seat about 10 people. Took us a while longer to figure out that their licence plate started with a B. Buses are used by locals and tourists alike, and are friendly, cheap, and easy to use.
By taxi
Taxis can be told apart from the busses as their licence plate starts with a T.
Languages spoken
There are three official languages of Vanuatu: English, French and Bislama (a creole language based on English).
Best time to visit
Thanks to Vanuatu’s beautiful tropical climate, the weather is generally good all year round, however conditions are at their best from April to October when temperatures are a comfortable 18-28°C. We visited early December, and found the heat and humidity to be a little uncomfortable at times.
Don’t forget
Enough sun cream (most places in Vanuatu do not sell sun creams as locals do not need it), mosquito repellent, appropriate footwear for walking on beaches and wading in water where there is coral and other bits and pieces to contend with, and a basic first aid kit.
