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Vanuatu
A short 15
minute transfer in an air conditioned vehicle and you’ve
arrived in the middle of Port Vila. For visitors with only a
short time in Vanuatu, a stay in the Port Vila region is
probably the most convenient. From here you can access many
of the attractions Vanuatu has to offer including beautiful
beaches, diving, snorkeling, spectacular erupting volcanoes
and of course the unique Melanesian culture. Most of these
activities can all be done as day trips from the capital if
there is not enough time to stay on the outer islands.
In Port
Vila there are a couple of recommended properties such as
the lovely Le Lagon Resort. This hotel is a
great mid level, superior resort featuring safe, protected
lagoon beaches and pools and is especially suitable for
families. For couples, a perfect suggestion would be the
4-star Iririki Island Resort. Located directly
opposite the main town on its own small, private island, it
is easily accessed by a regular 2 minute duration boat
shuttle. Accommodation here is all fare or bure
style and the resort is in the process of adding deluxe
ocean view apartments and a world-class spa facility.
While in
Port Vila spend some time exploring the local town filled
with colorful markets and great restaurants. A popular
dining choice is Tilly’s Restaurant and Bar located
at a resort called Chantilly’s on the Bay, a
short stroll from the centre of town. An activity which is
sure to be a highlight of your stay in the Port Vila region
is a visit to the Ekasup Cultural Village. This is an
unforgettable tour which allows guests to immerse themselves
in a “true blend in experience” as they interacting with the
village natives. This tour can be included in any itinerary
as either a general visit during the day or the popular
native night feast.
For those
clients with more time and sense of discovery, you can
recommend they travel off the main island of Efate to some
of the outer islands to see the true Vanuatu. An outer
island visit to Tanna is sure to be a worthwhile one,
located a short 45 minute flight from the main island, this
place is renowned for its spectacular erupting volcanoes.
The main erupting volcano is Mt. Yasur and nowhere else can
such an amazing display of nature’s force be experienced. It
is a completely different encounter from the volcano
experience one might have in Hawaii for example where there
is typically active flowing lava. In Tanna, the experience
includes erupting volcanoes that light up the sky like
fireworks from your vantage point at the crater’s edge.
Spend a few nights on Tanna; there is nothing quite like the
visual (and aural) splendor of an erupting volcano against
the night sky.
Whilst on
Tanna stay at the Whitegrass Ocean Resort – it
offers just 12 Melanesian-style bures overlooking the
Pacific Ocean, and is well versed in looking after
international guests. Not to mention it also serves up some
of the freshest lobster and seafood one will have ever had
the pleasure to taste. From here it is easy to access some
of
the other attractions Tanna has to offer such as the rich
Melanesian culture, beautiful waterfalls and hot springs.
Next, head
north to the largest of the islands in the chain called
Espirutu Santo, or as it is more commonly known – Santo.
Landing at the newly refurbished airport, the feeling of
relaxed seclusion may very well lead visitors to believe
they have landed at some small outback Australian town. The
friendly warm welcome from a local Melanesian guide will
quickly fix that feeling though!
 Santo is a
well known place for many Americans from World War II as
there were many US servicemen and women based here. They
left behind many essential buildings, bridges and other
services and the locals still have a strong affinity to
American visitors because of this. One of the main
attractions for visitors these days, especially divers, is
the many shipwrecks in the area. Santo is reputed to be home
to some of the best shipwreck diving in the world, inlcuding
the famous wreck of the vessel President Coolidge. This
22,000 tonne luxury liner was converted to a US troop
carrier during the war. On 26th October 1942, the Coolidge
sank in Segond Channel after hitting US-laid mines. It is
now the world's largest, most intact and accessible wreck,
and a magnet for divers the world over.
While in
Santo, why not stay just off the main island of on fabulous
Bokissa Island Eco Resort? The resort is home
to 14 absolute beachfront bures on an island blessed with
176 acres of virgin rainforest, its own local village and
plenty of opportunities for safe and excellent off the beach
snorkeling.
Apart from
the diving, snorkeling or just general relaxation one of the
highlights and really a ‘must do’ activity is to kayak along
the nearby Malo River. This shallow freshwater river is home
to many fish and an amazing freshwater lake at the end
–don’t forget to take your camera here-simply stunning!
From the
mysterious Melanesian culture to the erupting volcanic
activity and world-class wreck diving, Vanuatu is sure to
surprise and excite as a stand-alone destination or as a
stop-over to other fantastic areas in the South Pacific.
Suggested Itineraries including
Vanuatu
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Vanuatu Sampler |
From $2086 |
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Length |
10 Days / 7 Nights |
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Cities |
Port Vila |
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Ideal For |
Family, Adventure, Groups,
Beach, Culture |
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Details |
Itinerary &
Information |
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Vanuatu Explorer |
From $2265 |
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Length |
8 Days / 7 Nights |
|
Cities |
Port Vila, Tanna,
Espiritu Santo |
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Ideal For |
Family, Adventure, Groups,
Beach, Culture |
|
Details |
Itinerary &
Information |
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