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Whether you want to swim alongside historic shipwrecks, witness the fire show from an active volcano or simply float in a kayak down clear tropical rivers to blue holes, there’s an adventure in Vanuatu for everyone. If you yearn for culture or a new experience, Vanuatu is calling. But nothing is matched by the warm Pacific welcome of the Ni-Vanuatu people – laughter fills the air, and you can tell you’re in for the holiday of a lifetime.
Experiential travel is at the top of Australian travellers’ lists, with people seeking exciting adventures that make amazing travel stories and lifelong memories. Vanuatu is just under three hours’ flight from the east coast of Australia, making it as accessible as it is exciting. This is the birthplace of Naghol, or ‘land diving’, the great-grandfather of bungee jumping, where men tie vines to their ankles and leap from tall wooden towers.
The wild adventurer
Champagne Beach is one of the best, most beautiful stretches of sand in the world. Near this sparkling paradise, you can kayak rivers or snorkel the fringing reef. Located at the southern end of Santo, Million Dollar Point is where the US Navy sunk millions of dollars of equipment after the Second World War. It is now slowly being covered by coral and is one of the most interesting dive sites in the world.
Swing like Tarzan from ropes and vines into the naturally occurring swimming pools known as the Blue Holes. These aquatic marvels are surrounded by ancient rainforests that cool the waters and provide a stunning backdrop to your dip. You can also bathe in the amber glow of an active volcano on the island of Tanna, where local guides will take you close enough for you to feel the heat straight from the centre of the earth.
The cultural adventurer
Kastom is the local term for culture in Vanuatu. In this island nation, kastom is the heart and soul of a true island experience, and locals are excited to share their traditions with curious travellers. Kastom is lived every day in Vanuatu, it is visceral and a way of life that can be contagious. You will feel it all around you and at every turn. You can see Ni-Vanuatu dancing and everyday life on a visit to a kastom village like Lenakel (Tanna), Leweton (Santo) or Eksaup on Efate.
The adventurous foodie
Take your tastebuds on a tropical getaway with the flavours of Vanuatu. Over 80 of the 118 species of kava grow in Vanuatu, so you can visit a kava bar for this unique island tipple that is said to invoke a feeling of euphoria. Port Vila has an amazing array of local restaurants for visitors to enjoy, like Waterfront Bar and Grill, Café Vila or K2 Kitchen and Stone Grill or Chez Louis in Espiritu Santo.
For a luxurious food experience, try ‘Trust the Chef’ at Mangoes Resort, a special degustation meal selected by the hotel’s chef. Beachfront dining is a highlight of any trip to Vanuatu. Everything from local beers, fancy tropical cocktails or casual dining can all be done with your feet in the sand and the waves lapping in the background. All accompanied by the amazing voices of Ni-Vanuatu singers in the background.
Discover Vanuatu
This article was produced in partnership with Answer the Call of Vanuatu.
This article was originally featured in the eighth issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here. Feature image: The Havannah Vanuatu.
