Vanuatu

[clazman]

Looking to go Vanuatu for Xmas with the family (adult children) any advice on where to stay and things to do would be appreciated.

Have searched AFF but all comments relate to 2010/2011

Cheers

CC

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Iririki Island without question best place to stay IMHO. The apartments very spacious and self contained - they are not cheap but we felt they were just perfect.

Basically no beach but swimming pool OK - far from sensational but OK. Simple 10 min punt ride across to Port Vila township which runs continuously to / fro all day and night. Whilst totally a resort island it's location totally alleviates that 'We are being held captive within the resort' feeling that I just detest.

We spent 10 days there XMAS 2012 and we're going to go there again this year but then we learnt about Double 6 in Seminyak so Bali won out. Hope that helps claz.

 

[Denali]

Get out of Port Vila is my advice or stay at your Island resort. 15+yrs ago Vila was slow and quite and nice, now its a bit of a hot mess.

Its been a couple years since Ive been there, been there 4 times, but the Mele Cascades waterfalls is a nice trip. Take your cossies, towel and reef walkers and a packed lunch so when you get to the top, you can swim and you can swim in some of the swimming holes on the way down. You can do it as a tour but we just took a bus/taxi and arranged with the guy to come back and get us at a set time - saved lots of money.

Hideaway Island is nice. Its a approx. 10-15min bus ride from Vila and a short walk down the road but a boat will take you across the lagoon. They have a beach restaurant, scuba shop, pool and a few snorkling pontoons. They use to have a underwater post box you can mail special post cards from, think its still there.

If you want to go scuba diving, Maggie and Mike at The Big Blue.

There are a few operators that will do a day cruise with snorkelling opportunities, some have canoe trips as well. Oh and by "bus", I mean their mini vans with a B on the front. Be sure to check with your resort/hotel the current bus fares as some will try to overcharge you as youre a tourist.

 

[Ausbt]

Eratap Resort is nice Eratap - Vanuatu Luxury Island Beach Resorts | Efate Island , although better for couples rather than kids although yours are adults so could be fine. Need a car though as it's out of the way. There are some surfing opportunities off the point there if it's breaking and they lent me a board when I was there. Iriki is fine enough and just day-trip to the beaches. As Denali offered, Mele Cascades and Hideaway Island are great. The beach bar on the 'mainland' side is a great spot for pizza. I had relatives living in a house close by and I'd go to Hideaway daily as the compact reef there is teeming with Clownfish and other lovely varieties.

Grab a car and circumnavigate the island, checking out WW2 wrecks. Swim at the black sand beaches, light a bonfire (as the locals do - to burn off their rubbish!). Vanuatu can be a great spot if you get away from Vila.

 

[ellen10]

Planning a trip for next year, taking notes.

 

[Boingoz]

We stayed at the Vanuatu Beachfront Apartments in June this year. Great spot if you want an alternative to a large resort experience. It is a small resort in Mele Cove just out of Port Vila, great for Families and couples. It is 5 minutes walk to the Beach Bar and the boat to Hideaway Island, close enough to walk or cycle to Cascade Falls (stunning)and the Tanna Coffee factory. Have a look on TripAdvisor for more information.
A lot of the large resorts are closed until at least December, Irririki is closed until January. There have been issues with the insurance companies since Cyclone Pam, also all building materials have to be shipped in. I personally wouldn't rely on them being restored in time for Christmas.
If you would like any more information I am happy to help.
yvonne

 

[davyjohn]

Looking to go Vanuatu for Xmas with the family (adult children) any advice on where to stay and things to do would be appreciated.

Have searched AFF but all comments relate to 2010/2011

Cheers

CC

We stayed in a holiday house for 10 days. Beach front with pool. House was serviced each morning, so beds we made and washing was done by the house girls. They also cooked breakfast if you wanted. Found the place on trip advisor.

It was about 20 mins drive out of town, and was most relaxing holiday i've ever had. We drove to Port Vila every few days for lunch/dinner/shopping.

 

[Ausbt]

Tanna Coffee factory

Fantastic coffee ...make sure you take a plunger with you or ensure your accomm has one.