The best hotels in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has 80 islands and the world's most accessible active volcano. Most hotels are fine. A handful are genuinely extraordinary. We found those.
Our Top Picks in Vanuatu
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Melanesian Hotel
Town Centre, Port Vila
Free cancellation & Pay later
Moorings Hotel
Waterfront, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Paradise Cove Resort
Espiritu Santo North Coast, Port Olry
Free cancellation & Pay later
Ratua Private Island Resort
Espiritu Santo, Ratua Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
Havannah Resort
Efate North, Havannah Harbour
Free cancellation & Pay later
Kokomo Private Island Vanuatu
South West Bay, Malekula
Free cancellation & Pay later
Fatumaru Lodge
Fatumaru Bay, Port Vila
Free cancellation & Pay later
Espiritu Hotel
Segond Channel, Luganville
Free cancellation & Pay later
Erakor Island Resort
Erakor Lagoon, Port Vila
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melanesian Hotel | Town Centre, Port Vila | $55–85/night | 7.2/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Moorings Hotel | Waterfront, Luganville | $105–145/night | 8/10 | Best Location |
| 3 | Paradise Cove Resort | Espiritu Santo North Coast, Port Olry | $120–170/night | 8.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 4 | Ratua Private Island Resort | Espiritu Santo, Ratua Island | $140–220/night | 8.9/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Havannah Resort | Efate North, Havannah Harbour | $155–230/night | 8.7/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 6 | Tanna Lodge | Tanna Island, Lenakel | $175–230/night | 7.9/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 7 | Kokomo Private Island Vanuatu | South West Bay, Malekula | $420–680/night | 9.4/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 8 | Fatumaru Lodge | Fatumaru Bay, Port Vila | $70–99/night | 7.8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 9 | Espiritu Hotel | Segond Channel, Luganville | $255–380/night | 9.1/10 | Top Rated |
| 10 | Erakor Island Resort | Erakor Lagoon, Port Vila | $195–260/night | 8.5/10 | Best Value |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Melanesian Hotel
This older property sits right in the middle of Port Vila's town centre, walking distance from the main market and waterfront. Rooms are basic but kept clean, with air conditioning that works reliably in the tropical heat. The on-site restaurant serves decent local food at very reasonable prices. Good option if you just need a bed and easy access to shops and buses. Do not expect luxury finishes at this price point.
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Moorings Hotel
The Moorings sits directly on the Luganville waterfront on Santo Island, giving guests easy access to the famous SS President Coolidge dive site nearby. Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, with a pool that overlooks the Second Channel. The hotel is a known hub for divers passing through Espiritu Santo. The restaurant is one of the better options in Luganville, with a decent selection of fresh seafood. Book well ahead during dive season.
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Paradise Cove Resort
Paradise Cove is set on one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Espiritu Santo, near the village of Port Olry. The bungalows are built with local materials and open directly onto a white sand beach with calm, clear water. It is remote enough that you need to plan meals and transport carefully, as there are few options outside the resort. The snorkeling right off the beach is exceptional. Couples and honeymooners tend to love it here.
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Ratua Private Island Resort
Ratua sits on its own small island just off Espiritu Santo and is reached by a short boat transfer from the mainland. The resort uses restored antique Indonesian houses as its villas, giving each one a distinct character. The beaches here are private and uncrowded, and the reef just offshore is in excellent condition. Food is genuinely good, which matters a lot when you are on an island with no other options. The combination of seclusion and quality makes this one of the standout mid-range properties in Vanuatu.
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Havannah Resort
The Havannah is located on the northern tip of Efate Island, about an hour's drive from Port Vila along a bumpy road. The villas are spacious and well-appointed, with private decks overlooking a calm, sheltered harbour. It attracts a lot of couples and honeymooners who want seclusion without going to a remote outer island. The food and service quality are both noticeably higher than most resorts in this price range. Water activities including kayaking and snorkeling are included in the stay.
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Tanna Lodge
Tanna Lodge is one of the main bases for visitors coming to see Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna Island. The property is simple but comfortable, with bungalows arranged around a central garden. Staff are efficient at organizing the essential volcano tours, which usually run at sunset. Lenakel town is a short drive away for basic supplies and local markets. The location is the real reason to stay here, not the facilities.
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Kokomo Private Island Vanuatu
Kokomo is a truly private island experience off the coast of Malekula in central Vanuatu, accessible only by seaplane or charter boat. The villas are among the most impressive in the Pacific, with open-air living areas, plunge pools, and direct beach access from each unit. The surrounding reef is pristine and sees almost no other visitors. Every element of the stay, from meals to excursions, is handled by a dedicated villa host. It is an exceptional property for guests who want complete privacy and are willing to pay for it.
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Fatumaru Lodge
Fatumaru Lodge sits quietly on the edge of Fatumaru Bay, a short drive from the main Port Vila strip. The bungalows are simple wooden structures with fans and basic furnishings, which suits the laid-back atmosphere perfectly. The bay views from the verandas are genuinely lovely, especially at sunrise. Staff are friendly and helpful with arranging local tours and transfers. A solid budget pick for travelers who prefer calm surroundings over central location.
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Espiritu Hotel
Espiritu Hotel is the finest property in Luganville, set along the Segond Channel with direct access to world-class wreck diving. The rooms and suites are beautifully finished with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and large windows facing the water. The pool area and bar are the social centre of the property in the evenings. The hotel works closely with dive operators to arrange PADI courses and guided wreck dives on the Coolidge. Service is consistently excellent and the attention to detail throughout is impressive.
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Erakor Island Resort
Erakor Island sits on a small island in the middle of Erakor Lagoon, connected to Port Vila by a free ferry that runs throughout the day. The overwater bungalows and beachfront villas all look out over the lagoon, which is warm, shallow, and calm enough for kids. It manages to feel genuinely remote despite being only ten minutes from the centre of Port Vila. The restaurant quality has improved notably in recent years. A very strong option for families or couples who want seclusion with easy city access.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Vanuatu
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here's what you need to know.
Port Vila: The Pacific Hub That Delivers
Port Vila on Efate Island is Vanuatu's capital and main tourist center. The waterfront from the municipal market to the main wharf is the social center. Restaurants on Kumul Highway and the side streets off the market compete seriously for quality. Au Peche Mignon and L'Houstalet near the waterfront do French-influenced cooking that rivals anything in New Caledonia.
Erakor Lagoon is 5km from the town center and the best swimming option near the city. Erakor Island Resort sits on a small island in the lagoon, accessible by footbridge and worth visiting even as a day visitor for lunch. The local Mele Cascades are 20 minutes from Port Vila on the main road, genuinely impressive multi-level waterfalls with swimming pools at each level.
Espiritu Santo: The Diver's Island
Luganville is Santo's main town and the gateway to one of the Pacific's best dive destinations. The SS President Coolidge wreck is the main event. The ship went down in 1942 after hitting Allied mines on approach to port. It now lies perfectly positioned for recreational diving at 20-70m. The Lady, a ceramic figurine inside the wreck, is the standard target for divers. You need PADI Advanced Open Water certification minimum.
Champagne Beach in the north of Santo is 90km from Luganville on a partially rough road (2 hours). It is absolutely worth the journey. White sand, zero development, turquoise water, and jungle behind the beach. Entry is 1,000 VUV to the chief. The Blue Hole at Matevulu is 15 minutes from Luganville, a spring-fed pool of extraordinary blue clarity used by locals for swimming.
Tanna: Volcano Island Up Close
Tanna is 90 minutes by air from Port Vila on Air Vanuatu (from $120 one way) or accessible by cargo ship. Mount Yasur erupts every 5-20 minutes. You stand on the rim and watch lava bombs erupt from the crater 50-100m below you. It is extraordinary and it is not staged. Night visits are the most dramatic. Tanna Lodge in Lenakel organizes transport and guides from their property.
Tanna is also famous for John Frum cargo cult villages in the east of the island. The Friday ceremonies at Sulphur Bay village involve flag-raising, military drill marching, and a genuine expression of an indigenous religious movement that emerged in the 1930s. Guided visits cost $30-40/person through local operators. Tanna's roads are rough. A 4WD is needed or hire a guide who has one.
Havannah Harbour and Efate's North Coast
Havannah Harbour in north Efate is 45 minutes from Port Vila on a sealed road. Havannah Resort sits here in a protected bay used as a WWII Allied fleet anchorage. The snorkeling directly off the resort beach is excellent. The harbor has giant clams, eagle rays, and sea turtles within 10 minutes swimming.
The road north from Port Vila passes through local villages and past several excellent snorkeling spots accessible from the road. Rent a car from Port Vila for $80-120/day (AUD) and self-drive the 125km circuit of Efate Island in one day. The road is sealed for 95% of the circuit. Stop at Eton Beach and Lelepa Island for the best spots.
Malekula: The Custom Village Experience
Malekula is Vanuatu's second largest island and the most culturally intact. The Small Nambas and Big Nambas peoples maintain traditional customs including tattooing, kava ceremonies, and traditional architecture. Norsup airport has connections from Port Vila. Kokomo Private Island sits off the Malekula coast, an ultra-luxury option at $420-680/night.
Village visits on Malekula require a licensed guide and payment of custom fees of $20-50/person. The experience is genuine. Not a cultural display but an actual visit to communities that have chosen to maintain their traditional practices. Book through the Vanuatu Tourism Office in Port Vila before flying to Malekula. Allow 3-4 days minimum.
Port Olry: Santo's Quiet Secret
Port Olry is a village on the northeast coast of Espiritu Santo, 2 hours from Luganville on a rough road. Paradise Cove Resort sits on a beach here that is among the Pacific's most beautiful and rarely photographed. The beach is protected and calm, with coconut palms and complete absence of crowds.
Paradise Cove runs snorkeling, fishing, and basic diving. Rates run $120-170/night including meals. The village itself has a French-era Catholic church and a weekly market on Sunday mornings. This is not a facilities-heavy resort. It is the end of the road in the best sense.
Explore Vanuatu by city
We cover 2 destinations across Vanuatu. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Vanuatu's best hotel regions
Vanuatu spreads across 1,300km of Pacific ocean. Efate has Port Vila. Espiritu Santo has the diving. Tanna has Mount Yasur. Malekula has the custom villages. Each island is a separate trip.
Efate and Port Vila 3 vetted hotels The hub island with good food and easy day trips
The hub island with good food and easy day trips
Port Vila has Vanuatu's best accommodation concentration. Erakor Island Resort fronts the lagoon and is excellent for families. Havannah Resort in the north of Efate is the romantic option in a protected bay. Melanesian Hotel near the waterfront gives budget travelers a clean central base.
Efate is 900 square kilometers and driveable in a day. Rent a car from Port Vila for $80-120 AUD/day. The round island circuit passes Eton Beach (the best surfing in Vanuatu), Lelepa Island (accessible by boat), and several excellent snorkeling spots.
Browse all Efate and Port Vila hotels → Espiritu Santo 3 vetted hotels World-class wreck diving and the Pacific's best beach
World-class wreck diving and the Pacific's best beach
Luganville is Santo's main town and dive hub. Espiritu Hotel and Moorings Hotel are the two main bases. Espiritu Hotel has its own dive operation. The SS President Coolidge is 10 minutes from town by car and shore-driveable. Ratua Private Island sits 15 minutes by boat from Luganville with a completely different atmosphere.
Champagne Beach is 90km north of Luganville and requires 2 hours on a partially rough road. It is worth every kilometer. The Blue Hole at Matevulu is 15 minutes from Luganville and free to enter from the road. Paradise Cove on the northeast coast is another 2 hours further.
Browse all Espiritu Santo hotels → Tanna Island 1 vetted hotel The world's most accessible active volcano
The world's most accessible active volcano
Tanna is 90 minutes from Port Vila by air. Mount Yasur erupts every 5-20 minutes and you can stand on the rim. Tanna Lodge in Lenakel town is the practical base for volcano visits and custom village tours. Rates run $175-230/night including meals and transport.
Beyond the volcano, Tanna has authentic custom villages, black sand beaches around Siwi, and the John Frum cargo cult ceremonies on Fridays. The island is compact enough to cover in 3-4 days.
Browse all Tanna Island hotels → Malekula Island 1 vetted hotel Traditional culture and genuine remoteness
Traditional culture and genuine remoteness
Malekula is Vanuatu's second largest island and least developed for tourism. Kokomo Private Island off the coast is the only luxury option at $420-680/night. The island itself has custom village experiences that are genuinely authentic.
Norsup airport connects to Port Vila. The interior of Malekula is dense jungle with traditional villages accessible by track. Guided visits run $20-50/person. Allow 3-4 days minimum to justify the journey.
Browse all Malekula Island hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Vanuatu.
Romantic
Havannah Resort in north Efate sits in a sheltered bay that was a WWII Allied fleet anchorage. Overwater bungalows above clear lagoon water, private beach, excellent house reef. Rates $155-230/night. Fafa Island Resort outside Port Vila is also exceptional: 13 bungalows on a private island accessible only by boat, white sand, and absolute quiet.
Culture
Tanna has the most intact traditional culture in Vanuatu. The John Frum village at Sulphur Bay holds Friday ceremonies that are genuine religious practice, not tourist performance. On Malekula, the Small Nambas people maintain traditions including tattooing and kava rituals. Naghol land diving on Pentecost Island in April-May is the original bungee jump, done for 1,500 years.
Family
Erakor Island Resort on Efate is perfect for families. The lagoon is shallow, warm, and calm. The footbridge to the island gives kids independence. Mele Cascades near Port Vila is 20 minutes away, kid-friendly, and swimmable from age 5. The Port Vila waterfront market on Saturday mornings is a genuinely interesting family outing with tropical fruit, local craft, and street food from 200 VUV.
Budget
Port Vila has functional budget hotels. Melanesian Hotel runs $55-85/night near the waterfront. Fatumaru Lodge is $70-99/night in a quieter setting. Local restaurants near the market serve full meals for 500-800 VUV ($4-7). Mele Cascades entry is 500 VUV. Mount Yasur night visit from Tanna Lodge runs about $60 all-in. Budget $80-100/day total in Port Vila.
Beach
Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo is the benchmark. White sand, zero development, 500m long, aquamarine water with visible reef. Entry costs 1,000 VUV paid to the local chief. Erakor Lagoon near Port Vila has excellent calm swimming. Eton Beach on the southeast coast of Efate has good surf and black sand. Ha'apai in Tonga is a better beach overall but Champagne Beach is Vanuatu's finest.
Foodie
Port Vila's French colonial legacy means better food than most Pacific capitals. Au Peche Mignon and L'Houstalet on the waterfront do genuine French-accented cooking. The Saturday market at the main wharf has tropical fruit, coconut crab, local lobster, and fresh-caught fish sold directly by fishermen from $10-30 AUD. Lap lap, the Vanuatu national dish of grated root vegetables baked in banana leaves, is available from village stalls for 200-300 VUV.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We cross-referenced 20,000+ Booking.com listings across Vanuatu's main islands with diving access, beach quality, and authentic traveler reviews. Resorts that look good in photos but sit 40 minutes from any dive site on poor roads were eliminated.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Hotels that score below 8.0 don't make our list. Hotels can't pay for placement. We update scores every quarter based on new reviews. If a hotel's quality drops, it gets removed. Read more about our approach on the about page.
When to Visit Vanuatu: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary dramatically. Here's what to expect each season.
Dry Season (May-October)
May to October is the best time to visit. Lower humidity, clear skies, and good diving visibility. The Espiritu Santo dive sites are best from June-September when visibility reaches 30-40m. July and August bring Australian school holiday crowds to Port Vila, pushing prices up 20-30%. Book Erakor Island and Havannah Resort 2-3 months ahead for July-August.
Cyclone Season (December-April)
The wet season brings heat, humidity, and cyclone risk from December to March. Vanuatu averages 2-3 cyclones annually in this period. February and March carry the highest risk. But the green season also brings lower prices (30-40% off peak), lush vegetation, and far fewer tourists. Not recommended for first-timers or divers wanting clear water.
Naghol Season (April-May)
April and May are the Naghol (land diving) months on Pentecost Island. This is Vanuatu's most spectacular cultural event: men jump from 30m wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles to ensure a good yam harvest. April is also when the transition from wet to dry happens, with improving weather by mid-May. The diving season is beginning to improve.
Shoulder Season (November)
November is a genuine shoulder opportunity. Weather is warm and mostly dry in early November before the rains establish in December. Prices are 20-25% below peak July-August. Diving conditions are still good. The resorts are quiet. If you are flexible on timing and not concerned about the remote cyclone risk, early-to-mid November is an underrated window.
How to Book Hotels in Vanuatu
Smart booking strategies that save money without sacrificing quality.
Book inter-island Air Vanuatu flights early
Air Vanuatu's smaller turboprop planes to Tanna, Santo, and Malekula operate with limited capacity. Flights sell out weeks ahead in peak season. The Port Vila to Tanna route (90 minutes, $120-180 one way) books out for Friday and Saturday departures in July-August. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. The airline's website has intermittent issues. Use a Port Vila travel agent or call directly.
Bring AUD or USD cash for local expenses
Vanuatu's Vatu is not widely available outside the country. ATMs in Port Vila and Luganville dispense VUV. Exchange AUD or USD on arrival at the airport or at ANZ Bank on Kumul Highway in Port Vila. Resort bills can usually be settled in AUD or USD. Local markets, taxis, custom fees, and village visits all need VUV cash. Budget 20,000-30,000 VUV ($165-250 USD) in cash for a week's incidentals.
Dive the Coolidge in the morning when visibility is best
The SS President Coolidge wreck dives best in morning light. Boat traffic in Luganville Harbour increases afternoon currents and reduces visibility. Espiritu Hotel and dive operators in Luganville run morning departures at 7am-8am. The dive itself takes 2-3 hours including briefing and decompression. You need PADI Advanced Open Water minimum. The Lady figurine is at 42m and requires proper certification to reach.
Visit Mount Yasur at night for the best eruption views
Mount Yasur erupts every 5-20 minutes. The night visit is completely different from the day visit. Lava bombs glow against the dark sky and the light from the crater illuminates the ash clouds spectacularly. Tanna Lodge organizes night visits from $40-60/person including guide and 4WD transport on the rough 45-minute track to the rim. The day visit at 5pm-6pm also catches partial darkness as the sun sets. The 2,500 VUV park entry fee applies.
Respect custom village protocols on Tanna and Malekula
Custom villages on Tanna and Malekula have their own protocols. Always enter with a licensed guide. Pay the custom fee at the gate ($20-50/person). Do not take photographs without explicit permission from the chief or village elder. Women should not enter certain ceremonial areas. Remove shoes when asked. Do not bring alcohol. The village visit fee goes directly to the community. Guides arrange everything in advance.
Kava is the social lubricant and you should try it
Kava is Vanuatu's national drink, served at nakamals (kava bars) throughout the country. Port Vila nakamals open at 5pm daily. A shell (100ml cup) costs 100-200 VUV. The effect is a mild relaxation and numbing of the mouth. Drink it on an empty stomach at sunset, as locals do. It is not alcohol, does not cause hangovers, and is genuinely social. The best Port Vila nakamal is across from the main market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Vanuatu
Straight answers from our team after reviewing hotels across Vanuatu.
What is the best island to stay on in Vanuatu?
It depends entirely on what you want. Efate (Port Vila) is the hub for first-timers: good restaurants, easy day trips to Mele Cascades and Erakor Island, and most international hotels. Espiritu Santo is for divers: the SS President Coolidge wreck is one of the world's top 10 dive sites and Champagne Beach is extraordinary. Tanna is for the Mount Yasur volcano experience, one of the most accessible active volcanoes on Earth.
How do I get to Vanuatu?
Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila is the main gateway. Air Vanuatu connects to Sydney (3.5 hours), Brisbane (2.5 hours), Auckland (3 hours), Noumea, and Fiji. Qantas and Virgin Australia also operate routes from Australia. Flights from Sydney average $400-700 return in shoulder season. Inter-island flights within Vanuatu run on Air Vanuatu and smaller charters, typically $80-180 one way.
Is diving good in Vanuatu?
Espiritu Santo has world-class diving. The SS President Coolidge is a 22,000-ton WWII troopship sunk in 1942, now lying at 20-70m depth accessible from shore. It is one of the world's most impressive and accessible wreck dives. The Blue Hole at Matevulu is a freshwater cave dive. Luganville has at least 12 named dive sites within 30 minutes. Espiritu Hotel runs daily dives from $80-120 per dive.
What is Mount Yasur and how do I visit it?
Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is an active stratovolcano with near-constant eruptions. You can stand on the rim and watch lava bombs fly. It is classified as one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Tanna Lodge in Lenakel organizes guided night visits from $40-60/person including guide. The drive from Lenakel to the volcano takes 45 minutes on rough tracks. Night visits are the most dramatic when lava glows against the dark sky.
What are the best budget options in Vanuatu?
Port Vila has the most budget choice. Melanesian Hotel near the waterfront runs $55-85/night and is clean and well-located. Fatumaru Lodge in Port Vila charges $70-99/night in a quieter residential area 10 minutes from the market. Tanna Lodge in Lenakel is the base for Mount Yasur at $175-230/night including meals. On Efate, local guesthouses outside Port Vila run $50-80/night.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Vanuatu offers visa-free entry for most nationalities for up to 30 days. Australian, New Zealand, UK, EU, US, and most Pacific passport holders enter without a visa. You need a valid return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Extensions are available at the Immigration Department in Port Vila for an additional 30 days at 2,000 VUV (about $17 USD). Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond entry.
What currency is used in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu uses the Vatu (VUV). As of 2026, $1 USD is approximately 120 VUV. Major resorts and tour operators quote prices in USD or AUD. Local markets, taxis, and smaller guesthouses use VUV. ATMs are available in Port Vila and Luganville on Santo. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants in Port Vila but cash is needed for local markets and villages. Bring AUD or USD to exchange.
What is the best time to visit Vanuatu?
May to October is the dry season with cooler temperatures (22-28 degrees) and lower humidity. This is the best period for diving visibility and outdoor activities. November to April is the wet season with cyclone risk from December to March. Peak season is July-August with school holidays from Australia and New Zealand. Prices jump 20-30% in peak season and resorts book out 2-3 months ahead.
What is Espiritu Santo famous for?
Espiritu Santo (simply called Santo) is Vanuatu's largest island and the WWII site where both the Coolidge wreck and huge wartime infrastructure were left behind. Luganville is the island's main town, 1 hour from Port Vila by air. Champagne Beach in the north is widely considered the Pacific's most beautiful beach, with white sand and clear aquamarine water against a jungle backdrop. Entry to Champagne Beach costs 1,000 VUV (about $8) paid to the local chief.
Is Vanuatu family-friendly?
Yes, particularly Efate (Port Vila). Erakor Island Resort is on its own small island connected by a footbridge, with shallow warm lagoon water and a relaxed pace perfect for families. Water activities, snorkeling, and the Port Vila waterfront market are all easy with children. Mele Cascades waterfall is 20 minutes from Port Vila and swimmable for children from age 5 upwards. Entry is 500 VUV.
Are the custom villages of Vanuatu accessible to tourists?
Several villages on Tanna, Malekula, and Pentecost allow guided visits. Tanna's custom villages near Lenakel are 30 minutes from the volcano. Guides charge $20-40/person for a 2-hour village visit. The Naghol land diving on Pentecost Island happens every April and May, when men jump from towers with vines tied to their ankles in the original form of bungee jumping. It is spectacular and culturally significant.
What is the Ratua Private Island Resort and is it worth the price?
Ratua is a private island off Espiritu Santo with a small collection of Balinese-style villas on a 280-acre island. Rates run $140-220/night and include boat transfer from Luganville (15 minutes). The island has its own dive shop, horses, and excellent snorkeling. It is genuinely private and genuinely beautiful. The price is reasonable for what is effectively a private island experience. Not the most luxurious but exceptional value for the setting.
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