Vanuatu accommodation from AU$112

With the buoyancy of a wine cork in the sparkling water of a ridiculously awesome beach, the community of the Vanuatu Islands has transformed itself from a remote archipelago into a must-see destination. As the blue waters and rushing waterfalls will tell you, this island nation makes bouncing back look good. Wanna escape to a waterfront destination with spirit and spunk? Vanuatu Islands holidays are perfect for you. Pack your bathers and sunnies and check out Wotif’s deals now!

As you begin the search for hotels in the Vanuatu Islands, you have a tough decision to make: Sugar-white or golden sand? With 65 inhabited islands and islets to choose from, you’ve got to whittle the options down somehow, right? Perhaps you have your eyes on a little more city swagger. If that’s the case, book accommodation in Port Vila, the capital city located on the south coast of Efate Island. What are you waiting for? Get going already!

Things to Do in the Vanuatu Islands

If your holiday self craves coconut cocktails, lazy beach days and outdoor adventures, this is the place for you. Otherwise, well, snooze in a comfy Vanuatu Island hotel while your mates are out snorkelling through colourful coral reefs off the coast of Bokissa Island and hiking around Mount Yasur on Tanna Island.

If you like chasing waterfalls, it’s time to grab your togs for some island-hopping. Drift down a river in Luganville on Espirito Santo Island, where you’ll end up beneath Mount Hope Waterfall. Once you’ve cleaned up and floated back to Efate, it’s time for some cultural immersion in Port Vila at Ekasup Village. Stop in for an event featuring traditional Melanesian dance, history and cuisine.

And while you’re here, don’t forget the world that’s waiting beneath the ocean’s surface; learn about the finned fauna at Hideaway Island Marine Reserve from knowledgeable guides who can take you on an aquatic safari—no pith hats required.

Getting To & Around the Vanuatu Islands

Touch down at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), about 6km north of downtown Port Vila. From there, you’re conveniently close to Vanuatu Island accommodation in Mele Bay or a ferry ride from other island hideouts. On land, catching a cab is the most efficient way to get around; look for license plates with the capital “T” for “taxi”, “travel” and “terrific”. Yeah, we made the last two up. Ferry services and boat tours are a breezy treat when you want to branch out to other sands.

Upcoming Events

Festivals in Vanuatu are anything but few and far between. Make your way to this South Pacific nation in early July and celebrate with the locals during the annual Yam & Magic Festival. The festival is held in honour of the harvesting of the main crop of the nation. There are custom dances, sand drawing demonstrations and magic stories about the yam. Who knew that an orange vegetable could possess powers like Harry Potter?

Maybe you’d prefer to visit in early September; if that’s the case, great! You can hang around the Rah Island Canoe Race. Outrigger teams compete in a 30-minute sprint around Rah Island for various prizes. As a spectator, you can join in local festivities and eat some of the best food in Vanuatu. A nice drink of kava with a plate of fresh seafood is perfect for watching an outrigger race.

Get Outside!

You’re on a beautiful island surrounded by turquoise water filled with lively coral reefs. In other words, you’d be nuts not to go snorkelling. You may catch a glimpse of green sea turtles, clownfish (Nemo) and blacktip reef sharks. Just remember, sharks only bite when you touch their private parts.

Trade the soothing realm of the ocean for the treetop canopy of the jungle. Strap yourself into one of the zip-line tours and go screaming above the jungle floor like one of the flying foxes that inhabit the area. Hang on for dear life and have some fun!

If you really want to get high above the islands, take a City Helicopter Flight and Resort Landing. You’ll soar above the many moss-covered rocks that make up this amazing archipelago. Eventually, you’ll land at one of the finer places to stay in Vanuatu, where you’ll lay your head down in paradise.

Must-See Spots

If for some reason you’re only spending one day in Vanuatu, go for an easy hike to the Mele Cascades Waterfall. Leap from the top of the falls into the pool below or slide on your backside down the slippery rock face. It could be the ride of your life.

So when are you getting out of town? Mix and match hotels and flights to the Vanuatu Islands to create your perfect getaway with Wotif!