Vanuatu - Welkam Back

Here's to a 'no-rush' way of life.

Like all the Pacific Island destinations we cover, Vanuatu has faced some serious challenges over the last few years But with international travel now bouncing back, it's great to see one of our favourite places reinvigorated by the return of overseas visitors

On July 1, Vanuatu re opened its borders And as we go to press it's wonderful to hear that forward bookings have been flowing through and enthusiastic travellers are making up for lost time!

The visitors that arrive back will be greeted with the same warmth as always They'll soak up the same 'no rush' way of life and explore the quite spectacular natural scenery

Vanuatu it's amazing to have you back!

ETON BLUE LAGOON - @ DAVID KIRKLAND

In Vanuatu, the laid back living soon rubs off on visitors. Which is why this destination is perfect for both couples and families who want a temporary escape from their busy schedules.

It’s a place that encourages fun, laughter and getting out amongst stunning natural wonders. And while 'fly and flop' is always an option if you so choose, it would mean missing the side of Vanuatu that makes it so special

MOUNT HOPE @ VTO

Embrace the simple.

Vanuatu is a beautiful place where people live a simple life. No stress, no rush and no pressure to buy the material things that many ‘Westerners’ aspire to. It makes for a refreshing change and provides the chance to recharge in true Pacific style

Sitting on the island of Efate, Port Vila is home to the nation’s international airport, which makes this port town the first stop for visitors.

It’s a bustling hub that lies around a beautiful, natural harbour. Steep hillsides offer panoramic views and the streets are always abuzz with locals going about their day. Alongside tourists roaming the local cafés, bars, restaurants and shops.

Port Vila is no retail mecca, but the shops sell everything from surfwear to local art and crafts and duty free goods. (And anyway, there are many better things to do than shop.)

If you require some basic supplies, there are plenty of convenience stores in town, plus there’s a ‘ proper ’ supermarket selling many of the brands

you have back home Tip: those who have booked self contained accommodation often call in here to stock up on fruit, snacks, water, wine and beer!

Food options aplenty.

If you head along the main street of Port Vila, you can’t miss the busy produce market. This local landmark is a brilliant stop for families. It's packed full of vendors who come from far and wide to sell their fresh organic produce.

It’s sure to be an eye opener for visiting kids who are used to walking the orderly aisles of a supermarket back home. From a practical point of view, mums and dads can pick up some supplies. I suggest adding these items to the shopping list. Green coconuts for 50 vatu (NZ65c) put them in

VANUATU ECOTOURS @ VTO

the fridge overnight and in the morning, crack them open and drain the cool coconut water into a glass. Such a refreshing way to start the day! There are plenty of fresh herbs on offer too Italia parsley, coriander and the like (perfect for throwin into an omelette). And you can pick up some tomatoes, pineapple and bananas too. Yum!

Down on the waterfront.

It’s funny how some places forget to make the most of their natural assets. Port Vila used to be one of them. Visitors would spend their time in town walking the main street, browsing shops or grabbing a bite at local eateries.

Which was fine. But just a matter of steps away was a lovely waterfront offering panoramic harbour views. Fortunately, the powers that be decided to do something about it and a wide pedestrian waterfront boardwalk was installed, along with other new features, such as a craft centre and a playground for the kids.

During the day, the boardwalk has a real buzz as visitors and locals soak up the surroundings. I’d recommend popping into The Nambawan Café grabbing an outdoor table, a cool drink, a bite to eat and watching the world go by Just a few steps down, the Rossi Restaurant offers the same spectacular views and a wide variety of fresh cuisine

If you ’ re after some souvenirs, the craft market (next to Nambawan Café) is the place to go Th local vendors have handcrafted a variety of qu artworks, jewellery and clothing, plus you’ll fin some yummy preserves made from organic lo produce

Take a drive.

Every visitor to Efate should take a day and dri around the island It’s a scenic gem with sea vi coconut and banana plantations, thick rainfor and open farmland There are plenty of interes places to stop and really experience the vibe o Vanuatu It seems that every village has a uniq attraction that they are happy to share From waterfalls and swimming holes to pristine bea there’s something around every corner

NORTH EFATE @ DAVID KIRKLAND

PORT VILA MARKETS @ VTO

THE BOARDWALK, PORT VILA

@ DAVID KIRKLAND

PELE ISLAND @ VTO

ERATAP LAGOON @ DAVID KIRKLAND

VANUATU ECOTOURS BANYAN WALK @ VTO

Explore Efate's Hidden Gems

Vanuatu is home to a diverse, natural landscape that was made for exploration Across the 82 islands you’ll find live volcanoes, sparkling sea caves, waterfalls and deserted white sands beaches the equal of any in the world Even if you go no further than Efate, you’ll still have endless options to choose from

The Mele Cascades are one of Vanuatu’s most popular attractions They’re close to Port Vila and the walk through the lush forest to the cool green pools and towering waterfall is well worth the effort An equally picturesque swimming spot is the Rarru Cascades To get there you drive east from Port Vila for about half or so (depending on traffic which meanders along at a leisurely Vanuatu pace) Try sitting under the waterfall or jumping in off the rope swings

Keep driving past the Rarru Cascades and you'll come to aptly named Blue Lagoon Fringed by trees and bushes, The Blue Lagoon is a genuine oasis As a swimming spot, it's hard to beat, but its wide grassy areas are also superb for a picnic too i e pack your togs, a picnic blanket and something to snack on!

NORTH EFATE - @ DAVID KIRKLAND

ETON BLUE LAGOON - @ DAVID KIRKLAND

HAVANNAH HARBOUR

Lololima Cascades is yet another hidden gem Sitting on a large block of land owned by the local Catholic Mission since the 19th century, the swimming (is again) amazing The walk in is pretty much all on flat ground, so it's easy to access for the whole family

For a different type of water based action, visitors can try surfing at Pango Point Vanuatu is no surfing mecca, but with the right wind and swell, there can be some good quality waves on offer

Pango Point is only 15 minutes from downtown Port Vila, so it's easy to get to There can also be good quality waves around Eratap it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time

The stunning Havannah Harbour is another must see for visitors You'll get there by heading north west from Port Vila and winding your way up and over the hills

The Havannah Coast has a secluded feel and the harbour waters are sheltered by a string of islands, which makes it perfect for boating and diving Try taking a boat trip to either Lelepa Island or Pele Island

You'll be able to soak up the beautiful surroundings snorkelling off pure white sand beaches in crystal blue waters You'll also get to experience this unique local culture

LAGOON

RARRU CASCADES

MANGALILIU SNORKELLING @ VTO

PANGO POINT @ DAVID KIRKLAND

EDEN ON THE RIVER - @ DAVID KIRKLAND

Established in 2004, Vanuatu Ecotours offers visitors a wide range of experiences from visits to the local cascades, to volcano tours on Tanna, to watching the famous Pentecost land divers to their popular Island Explorer Tour. The tour options start from short half day excursions right up to fully immersive three night experiences. So it's really just a matter of deciding what you like you best and how much time you have Regardless, visitors will walk away with new memories made

Grand Hotel and Casino, Port Vila

Sitting right in the heart of Port Vila, Grand Hotel and Casino has a fantastic place to base yourself in town They have all the facilities you need, amazing harbour views and everything is virtually right on your doorstep The property remained operational in a limited capacity during the pandemic period, but is now fully operational and welcoming international travellers once again.

During the past two years, Mangoes Resort has kept its doors open (including The Terraces) and Mangoes Restaurant They also managed to keep many of their wonderful staff All staff are 100% vaccinated and the resort was one of the first to be awarded the Triple C Badge (clean, caring, checked a standard set by the Vanuatu Government) The resort has also maintained its social media presence so agents and visitors can have a look at what’s been happening and what the resort looks like. Mangoes Restaurant has always been popular and they've developed a new a la carte breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids and drinks menu. On top of that, free wifi is now available in Mangoes Rooms. The Terraces has installed new gym equipment. And both properties have a new website!

Vanuatu Ecotours

Mangoes Resort & Restaurant, Port Vila

UPDATES

Tucked away on the island of Santo, Aore I Resort is one of Vanuatu's hidden gems. Th been busy too, recently finishing a beach b which is proving to be a huge success! Sitt right on the sand, the Beach Bar provides feet in the sand dining experience. Wood pizza and BBQ grill are the food specialtie they have a daily Happy Hour, which is the perfect time for guests to relax and enjoy t setting sun over the Segond Channel!

Big Blue Vanuatu

One of Vanuatu's premier dive operators, Big Blue Vanuatu is back to taking dive guests to their favourite spots at Pango Point, Mele Bay and around Port Vila Harbour. They have a wonderful variety of dive sites from 150 year old wooden shipwreck, the Star of Russia, to pristine reefs teaming with life and towering plate corals. On occasion, divers even find themselves accompanied by a dugong or two! Big Blue is the only 5 star PADI Instructor Development Dive Resort in Vanuatu and can offer above industry standards for dive training Thay have twice daily dive boat trips going out every Tuesday Sunday, and an extra night dive on Thursday to discover what reef creatures awaken by starlight!

Air Taxi Vanuatu

Air Taxi Vanuatu is an aviation charter operator offering visitors the chance to see a part of the world that still retains its traditional cultures and charms! They offer tours to several of the active volcanoes of Vanuatu including Mt Yasur volcano on Tanna island, tours to see the famous Pentecost Nagol Land Diving, the famous white sandy Champagne Beach of Espiritu Santo, jungle forests of Malekula island, coral reefs of Mystery Island and joy flights over the pristine bays of Port Vila. For intrepid travellers wanting to get out and truly explore the diverse archipelago of Vanuatu, Air Taxi offers the flexibility and range of aircraft to suit!

Aore Island Resort, Santo

Palms Casino at Holiday Inn, Port Vila

If you'd like an intimate gaming experience, Palms Casino is the place to go. They offer a range of gaming tables including Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and Baccarat, and visitors can play for as little as VT100 or as high as VT500,000 on Baccarat All table game rules are based on Australian casinos The casino also has 60 slot machines to choose from, with bets starting from VT 1 up to VT 100 From 1 line to 50 lines, we have all the favourites as well as state of the art Draw Card Poker machines Plus they have three linked jackpots which give away up to VT100,000 (over A$1,000) on a regular basis

www.palmsvanuatu.com

Iririki Island Resort & Spa, Port Vila

The iconic Iririki Island Resort & Spa is open and has been welcoming guests since 1 July There are some temporary closures across the resort including 10 x Deluxe Pool View apartments, 25 x Deluxe Ocean View apartment and 4 x Deluxe Penthouse apartments however, these are expected to re open on 1 September The Sunset Swimming Pool, Sunset Grill, I’l Forno Pizza Hut and Little Italy will also come back online on the same date Great to see you back open!