7 Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu (Santo & Port Vila)
Embark on a journey to the breathtaking archipelago of Vanuatu, a South Pacific haven where turquoise waters meet pristine beaches. If you’re on the hunt for the best places to stay in Vanuatu for your next vacation, look no further as we unveil our top recommendations across the two main islands of Espiritu Santo and Efate.
From luxurious resorts to hidden gems embraced by nature, each Vanuatu accommodation option listed promises not just lodging, but an integral part of your next Vanuatu experience.
Here’s our 7 Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu for your next getaway.
Best Places to Stay in Espiritu Santo
If you want to see the best of Vanuatu, I’d recommend exploring the island of Espiritu Santo.
Here’s our favourite accommodation options in Santo.
1. Aore Island Resort, Espiritu Santo
Aore Island resort is constantly viewed as the benchmark for boutique accommodation in Vanuatu.
It’s located on the peninsula of Aore Island in Espiritu Santo – a short boat ride from the mainland & international airport. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Vanuatu.
What We Love About Aore Island Resort
Resort Facilities
- Wifi
- Day Spa
- 2 restaurants
- Outdoor pool
- Daily Housekeeping
How to Get to Aore Island Resort
From Australia:
Air Vanuatu operates from Brisbane with a flight duration of approximately 2.5 hours.
Airport transfers are available to be pre-booked. Alternatively, after arriving in Santo, head to Santo Hardware Wharf where a taxi costs approximately 2000vt. Scheduled ferry services operate from here at 11:30am, 2:30pm & 4:30pm.
From New Zealand:
Flights operate with Air Vanuatu with a pitstop in Port Vila.
Everywhere Else:
Connections also operate from Fiji & New Caledonia.
2. Barrier Beach Resort, Espiritu Santo
Personally, I stayed here way back in 2016 and you quite simply, can not beat the location of this incredible bayside property.
Beachside bungalows hug the pristine, protected cove here at Barrier Beach Resort.
The service is impeccable, it’s close to major natural attractions like the Riri Blue Hole & Champagne Bay and serves as one of the best places to stay in Vanuatu.
What We Love About Barrier Beach Resort
Resort Facilities
- Wifi
- Day spa
- Restaurant & bar
- Room service
How to Get to Barrier Beach Resort
Free airport transfers are available once you’ve arrived in Luganville, Espiritu Santo.
Barrier Beach Resort is approximately 20 minutes drive from the international airport with a free airport shuttle available for all guests.
3. Turtle Bay Lodge
Welcome to Turtle Bay Lodge!
This accommodation in Vanuatu has easy offshore access to some of the best coral & snorkeling I’ve ever experienced!
The lodge is situated in a fantastic location, within close proximity to the Riri River, Matevulu Blue Hole and other scenic destinations!
Locations don’t get much better than this as you look out from your room, onto the protected bays and soak up the incredible beauty of Santo.
Resort Facilities
- 2 restaurants.
- Waterfront.
- Free wifi.
- Close proximity to natural attractions.
How to Get to Turtle Bay Lodge
Airport transfers are available once you’ve arrived in Luganville, Espiritu Santo.
Turtle Bay Lodge is an approximate 20 minute drive from the international airport.
Best Places to Stay in Port Vila
4. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila
Experience waterfront luxury at its finest, with the family friendly Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila.
What We Love About Ramada Wyndham Resort Port Vila
Resort Facilities
- Wifi
- Housekeeping
- Oceanfront
- Room service
How to Get to Ramada Wyndham Resort Port Vila
An airport shuttle transfer is available to all guests (additional charge) once you’ve arrived into Port Vila VLI (Bauerfield International Airport). Alternatively, you can get a short taxi ride from the airport into the resort.
5. Tamanu on the Beach
This might be one of the most beautifully designed resorts in Port Vila.
It’s airy, it’s tropical and you’ll have an entire stretch of beach as your own.
Tamanu on the Beach is known for its incredible, gourmet food prepared from its very own restaurant. They use only local and fresh ingredients, making the experience one of a kind.
As the resort is a little more secluded, it’s much quieter than staying right in the city centre of Port Vila.
What We Love About Tamanu on the Beach
Resort Facilities
- Wifi
- Oceanfront
- Room service
- Free shuttle bus service to/from town
How to Get to Tamanu on the Beach, Port Vila
A complimentary airport transfer is available to all guests once you’ve arrived into Port Vila VLI (Bauerfield International Airport). It’s an approximate 30-minute drive from the airport to Tamanu on the Beach.
6. Eratap Beach Resort
Escape to paradise at Eratap Beach Resort, where pristine beaches meet luxurious accommodations. Indulge in an unforgettable island retreat, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
This is hands down, one of the most incredible resorts in Vanuatu.
It’s private and it overlooks the reef and the ocean while still being within close proximity to natural attractions and the city centre.
What We Love About Eratap Beach Resort
Resort Facilities
- Free airport transfers
- Wifi
- Oceanfront
- Room service
How to Get to Eratap Beach Resort, Port Vila
A complimentary airport transfer is available to all guests once you’ve arrived into Port Vila VLI (Bauerfield International Airport). It’s an approximate 20-minute drive from the airport to Eratap Beach Resort.
7. Iririki Island Resort & Spa
Your own island. Check! Magical views. Check!
Welcome to Iririki Island Resort & Spa!
Locations in Vanuatu don’t get much better than this – I mean, just look at these images below!
Situated merely a 3-minute ferry journey from Port Vila on a sprawling expanse of tropical scenery, Iririki Island Resort & Spa boasts two outdoor swimming pools, complimentary Wi-Fi, a secluded beach, and the opulent Iririki Day Spa.
What We Love About Iririki Island Resort & Spa
Resort Facilities
- 2 outdoor pools
- Wifi
- Oceanfront
- Room service
- 4 restaurants
How to Get to Iririki Island Resort & Spa, Port Vila
An airport transfer shuttle is available to guests once you’ve arrived into Port Vila VLI (Bauerfield International Airport). It’s an approximate 10 minute drive from the airport to the ferry service for Iririki Island Resort.
Summary of the Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu
Done and dusted!
There’s our list of the 7 best places to stay in Vanuatu for an unforgettable journey.
From private island escapes to beachside bliss, each option offers not just a place to stay but a pivotal part of your Vanuatu adventure.
Whether you’re drawn to the pristine landscapes of Espiritu Santo or the vibrant charm of Port Vila, these resorts promise incredible experiences with world-class service, ideal locations, and a chance to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of Vanuatu. Book your stay now for a getaway where accommodation becomes a seamless part of your island exploration.
Read this article for more things to see & do in Espiritu Santo.
Disclaimer: These are my experiences, honest opinions and stories. We are proud to partner with many beautiful digital education & travel products and services as an affiliate. On some occasions, we may benefit from a commission when you make a purchase with these links. This commission helps to support the ongoing publication of free and readily available content designed for those who wish to get started in the online business and creator space. This is not financial advice.
