Far from just another island idyll, Vanuatu offers a raw brand of beauty that gives it a distinct off-the-beaten track spirit compared to its South Pacific counterparts.
Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific’s unsung heroes. With its close proximity to Australia (it’s reachable in as little as three hours from Brisbane), volcanic beauty, refreshingly uncrowded paradise beaches, warm spirit and ancient culture, it’s the one to watch for an easy island escape.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 80 islands off the northeast coast of Australia, between Fiji and New Caledonia. This South Pacific paradise is an excellent option for a short or even weekend break from Australia, as direct flights take as little as three hours from Brisbane.
What is Vanuatu like?
Compared to the popular Fiji, Vanuatu offers a more off-the-beaten-track, sprawling, jungle-like beauty. Between the towering volcanoes (including the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mt Yasur) and leafy emerald rainforest are traditional villages that still function, technology free, as they have done for hundreds of years. Beaches range from black and volcanic to powdery white, while coral reefs blossom off the shore.
Tamanu on the Beach was absolutely incredible, the location, our beach front villa and the staff who were so friendly and helpful, we didn't want to leave! We will be back!
10.0
Lyn P.AU · 4 escapes · 1 review
The staff were fantastic the food was lovely and the scenery beautiful
10.0
Marc R.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Amazing location, beautiful villas, incredible staff and owners. Seclusion and relaxation is what we were after and Tamanu delivered ten fold.
We will be coming back soon as this place was just what we needed.
10.0
Jessica H.AU · 3 escapes · 2 reviews
Our stay was wonderful. The food was delicious, the staff amazing, especially Alice. By the time we left there were tears. It was like leaving family.
10.0
Sandra P.AU · 4 escapes · 1 review
My husband and I stayed at Tamanu for our honeymoon. Everything was exceptional. We could not fault the food, drinks, room, service or the amazing staff.
We thoroughly enjoyed our massages as well and made great use of the facilities on offer at Tamanu.
We would recommend hiring a car to get around the island, but would suggest a 4wd instead of a small cheaper hire car. The roads are pretty bad and many areas you can travel under 10klm. when you get a good section of road no issues with up to 100klm.
We did numerous day trips and can definately say that other places we had lunches or dinner did not stack up to what you will get at Tamanu.
We cannot wait to return and enjoy the packages on offer by Luxury Escapes and Tamanu on the Beach.
I highly recommend also paying for the LuxPlus as the additional benefits you get actually make your trip less expensive, therefore more enjoyable
it's a 10 from us.
What to do in Vanuatu
With their quintessential white-sand beaches and topaz waters, the islands of Vanuatu attract sunworshippers in search of that picture-perfect island experience. But behind the palm-fringed perfection is an adventurer’s wonderland, with swimming holes, waterfalls, hot springs, caves, shipwrecks to dive and volcanoes to trek.
Locals are proud to share Vanuatu culture (kastom). Learn of farming traditions and daily life at settlements like Yakel and Ekasup Cultural Village or enlist a guide to share the heart of Vanuatu. Become acquainted with the warmth of the island’s people at Port Vila’s Mamas Markets, where colourfully dressed local ladies sell locally grown and organic coconuts, pineapples and yams from overloaded stalls. Fire dancing, kava ceremonies and land diving (or Nangol, thought to be the inspiration behind bungee jumping) can also be witnessed.
Everything about Eratap was perfect! The staff, the food, the villas, the activities, everything. We did not want to leave and will be back again for sure. The absolute highlight is the staff, they are beautiful people, willing to share their beautiful home with us.
10.0
ann v.4 escapes · 2 reviews
Such an amazing beautiful place staff were fantastic
10.0
Vee B.1 escape · 1 review
Was an absolutely AMAZING resort, from the people, to the personal service, to the size and quality of the villa’s and the avail sports equipment for use and the restaurant food was DELICIOUS, with lots of choice.Very friendly environment and felt like family 🙂
10.0
Fiona M.AU · 2 escapes · 1 review
This is a delightful, relaxed & beautifully maintained resort. Each villa is completely private & the small number of villas adds to the special feeling of the pace. The staff are amazing & soooo friendly & helpful. It does take about 30 minutes to get into town but that was not a priority for me. (& easy to organise a driver when needed).
The food in the excellently located beachside restaurant was very good & daily salad & seafood specials added to the variety.
Overall, this an amazingly relaxing & beautiful resort where you can chat to other guests or never come out of your villa – if that is what you prefer! Especially if you have your own pool.
10.0
Karen R.AU · 3 escapes · 2 reviews
Eratap beach resort was heavenly. Vanuatu is so close to Syndey and yet feels so unique and different. Eratap looked after us from airport pick up to great meals and perfect villas that felt like you had the island to yourself. The activities available like snorkelling, kayaking. SUP, and boat visits to near by islands and reefs is all included and hassle free as are fitness and yoga classes and village tours. Perfect stay with amazing welcoming staff too. Couldn’t recommend it more highly.
What is the weather like in Vanuatu?
Looking for a quick escape from the Australian winter? Happily, that’s the perfect time to visit Vanuatu: in the dry season from April to September, you can expect warm, sunny days with minimal humidity.
There’s never really a ‘bad’ time to visit, as the islands enjoy year-round sunshine with the ocean a balmy 20 degrees, even in the winter months. The wet season is at its peak during summer (December through March), with short, sharp tropical showers in the remaining months.
Wonderful, idyllic location. Super peaceful and relaxing resort.
The rooms and facilities are in good working order, with comfortable beds and showers with good pressure and hot water! Ceiling fan, air-conditioner and louvered windows to easily control air flow and temperature.
We ate many meals at the restaurant and were both really happy with the quality, variety and prices.
Customer service was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble for Janine and Shawn or the wider team.
10.0
MaryJane S.AU · 5 escapes · 2 reviews
This was our first time staying at Barrier Beach Resort for 7 days and we absolutely loved it. Shaun and Janine, the managers, were incredibly accommodating—nothing was ever too much trouble. They create such a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that you instantly feel at home and already want to plan your next visit.
The staff were all so lovely and always happy, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Our meals were beautiful, and the location itself is simply amazing—peaceful, stunning, and exactly what you hope for when visiting Santo.
After visiting Santo many times over the years, this is one resort we will definitely be coming back to. A truly memorable stay.
10.0
Katherine T.28 escapes · 13 reviews
We didn't want to leave!
This is a beautiful resort which has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
We chose a Fare with a plunge pool, but moved halfway through our stay to a fare right on the beach, it was like having our own private beach. We enjoyed using the paddle boards, kayaks and snorkels, along with flippers or beach shoes, all provided for. A special thank you to all of the staff, who made our stay feel personal.
9.0
paul m.AU · 16 escapes · 2 reviews
Stayed for 7 nights in a beach front fare, Although we had three day trips exploring the amazing places close by ,we looked forward to returning to our resort , Just loved the swimming kayak’s snorkeling restaurant and friendly staff ( Florida Rose Marcel Jimmy ) thankyou for making us feel so welcome. Definitely hope to return
8.8
AnonymousNZ
This was a last-minute booking due to the airline cancelling our flight. It's fairly close to Loganville, about 15 km. The beachfront bungalow was nice and clean. I particularly did not like that it doesn't have windows, just mosquito nets and shutters. Unfortunately, during our stay there was a strong wind warning, and we spent too much time inside the bungalow with no view because we had to keep the shutters closed. The staff was very nice and friendly, always ready to help us. The resort has snorkeling gear and kayaks that can be used free of charge. They are building a swimming pool now, which will be a great addition. The complimentary a la carte breakfast had very limited options, and any extras like bacon or beans had to be paid. Dinner was a bit more expensive than in other locations, but it was very good. There are a la carte options (the pasta carbonara was excellent) and there are also specials every night. All the dining area is lovely with nice views of the beach. Cocktails are pretty strong, so there's value for money. The resort also offers complimentary transfer to the airport, which was a plus. Overall, it was a good stay in a nice resort.
Where to stay in Vanuatu
A benefit of Vanuatu remaining relatively untouched by tourism is its charming, boutiquey hotels: you won’t find any sprawling mega-resorts here. Instead, the likes of Tamanu on the Beach, The Havannah and Iririki Island Resort & Spa offer intimate settings with warm, genuine service that comes from the heart.
Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital on the island of Efate, is home to the highest concentration of luxury resorts. Espiritu Santo, the largest of the islands, also offers some beautiful options, like the architectural Barrier Beach Resort (you can fly in direct from Brisbane to Santo-Pekoa International Airport in Luganville).
