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We keep finding hidden gems of hotels and resorts during our trip here to Port Vila, Vanuatu. In this post, we will share some of our favourite accommodation, and the best hotels and resorts on this little island paradise. It’s a shame we missed out on some of the best hotels and resorts during our stay. They were either unavailable during our travel dates, or wasn’t listed on major hotel websites. Nevertheless, these are our top recommended hotels and resorts if we get a chance to go back again.
Table of Contents:
Iririki Island Resort
For a luxurious getaway, there’s a number of 4-star resorts in Port Vila, and my top choice would be Iririki Island Resort. Recently refurbished and renovated after Cyclone Pam in 2015, I would happily enjoy a holiday in this resort alone. This resort is a little island itself, with some of the premium Faré sits right on their turquoise crystal clear water.
© Photos by Kida
Iririki no doubt has the most amazing infinity pool in Port Vila. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be! Resort spa sits on the best location on top of the hill, with 180 degrees breathtaking view of the crystal blue harbour. All your worries will melt away, quite literally! On a clear night, snuggle up on a beach chair and stargaze, just you and the milky way!
© Photos by Kida
Iririki Island Resort offers day passes for guests who just want to enjoy their facilities for the day. Take the boat across the harbour, it’s only a short trip. There is a small entry fee, which can be used as credits for F&B or spa once you’re on the island.
© Photos by Kida
The Havannah Resort
The Havannah is another resort to pamper your family in Port Vila. We didn’t stay at this resort but had the most delicious lunch at their restaurant – The Point. Lay on their outdoor cushioned seatings, with 270 degrees view of the Havannah harbour and a plate of seafood! Paradise right there I’d say!
Staff are a group of cheerful, fun and friendly friends. We read Vanuatu has some of the happiest people on Earth, this is the place to be if you want to find out why! Although we were one of the few guests at the restaurant, the air was filled with laughter and good vibes!
This resort is tucked away from the main streets, so you would need a taxi or scooter to get around.
Erakor Island Resort
We spent an afternoon at the Erakor Island Resort. Many of the resorts here charges an entry fee for a day pass. However, just like Iririki, entry fees are redeemable as credits in the resort during your day visit. A brief tour around Erakor already says it all. It’s a private retreat for families, and a secluded paradise for newly weds. Book a beachfront villa with your very own double hammock right on the beach, and enjoy the essence of ‘island time’!
© Photos by Kida
A few other resorts we would consider staying at next time, are Warwick Le Lagon, Breakas Beach Resort, and Nasama Resort.
The Melanesian Hotel
We were travelling with friends this time, and wanted something decent but still within our budget. After going through all the available hotels and resorts for our dates, The Melanesian Port Vila, although rated 3 stars, the reviews on Tripadvisor and Hotels.com looked really promising. So we booked ourselves a superior orchid room for 5 nights (Only AU$73.35 per night)!
© Photos by Kida
Service
The Melanesian humbly advertises a ‘friendly, genuine service’, and they offered exactly that and beyond. Staff welcomed us like long time old friends, with warm smiles and enthusiasm as if it was their first day on the job. One of the staff helped us with our luggage, escorted us up to our rooms on the top level.
Setting
The setting and decors immediately put us in an exotic holiday mood. Stepping into our room, the canopy hanging over the bed adds an extra bit of charm and romance. Open the balcony sliding doors, sit and relax while you enjoy the sweeping views of the entertainment area below. This is how we kick start our epic holiday in Vanuatu.
© Photos by Kida
Breakfast
Our booking includes continental breakfast, with the option to upgrade for a full buffet. There really is no better way to start your day by relaxing by the pools, and indulge on your freshly made breakfast.
One of our most memorable highlights, has to be our first ever experience with a small earthquake aftershock while having breakfast. We all froze for a good minute, staring at each other, and trying to wrap our heads around what had just happened. Locals didn’t seem to think too much of it, apparently it happens all the time.. but phew, what a way to shake things up!
Every Wednesday and Sunday evenings, The Melanesian Hotel host a cultural dance show with authentic costumes and music. This is one of the many reasons why we chose this hotel, you can get a taste of Vanuatu right at your doorstep without any hassles on bookings and transport.
Book a BBQ buffet feast to get a table right by the pools, and try their Kava Tasting! If you have booked one of the rooms where you can see all the actions from your own balcony, it may also be a good idea to have dinner in town, and just come back for the show. Quite honestly, we have to admit, their BBQ buffet was pretty basic, and quality of food was very average. Nevertheless, it was a great start to our holiday, and we loved the music and atmosphere.
© Photos by Kida
Benjor Beach Club
We spent the last few nights at Benjor Beach Club for a different experience. This little beach club is out of town and secluded. We specifically chose to stay here to be closer to The Beach Bar and The Summit Lookout.
© Photos by Kida
If you have time, join a kayak tour and get out on the water. There’s no doubt you will see beautiful coral reefs and colourful fish. However, what really made an impact on us, was seeing the residual damage of the corals from the last cyclone. What was once a beautiful snorkelling site, is now piled up with dead corals. I’m sure they will recover in time, but this experience reminded us, just how much we really appreciate our beautiful planet.
© Photos by Kida
Quite honestly, Benjor Club Beach is too secluded and quiet for our liking. The beach isn’t suitable for swimming as you can see in the photo above. We wandered around nearby accommodations and would recommend trying others if you decide to stay around this part of the island.
Island Magic Resort
Island Magic Resort is only a short 10-minute walk from Benjor Beach Club. This resort wasn’t listed on hotels.com at the time, which is a shame. We didn’t know about it until after we checked in at Benjor. We had all of our meals here during the last 2 days. Although quiet, but staff was friendly and helpful. Overall it’s a peaceful stay with beautiful settings of the water and jetty. Snorkeling gears and bikes can be borrowed for free, and their pool is small but clean.
© Photos by Kida
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