The Best Places To Stay In Vanuatu (Don’t Do What I Did!)
There is a ton of accommodation to choose from when planning your trip to Vanuatu, especially on the main island of Efate, but they’re not all created equal.
Some are pretty basic and won’t provide the comfortable stay you’re looking for (think old and run down) while others cost a premium with limited services and leave you stranded miles away from other destinations.
I spent a week in Port Vila earlier in the year and hired a scooter to explore the island. While we only stayed at a couple of the spots listed here, we visited the rest for a drink, a meal, or even just to swim at the pool and check out the vibes – making note of where I’d stay when I visit Vanuatu again.
Here are my top 7 best places to stay in Port Vila and wider Efate, based on your budget.
Let’s get stuck in!
1️⃣ Best Budget Resort: Coconut Palms Resort
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2️⃣ Best Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
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3️⃣ Best Mid-Range Hotel: Breakas Beach Resort
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4️⃣ Best Resort For Families: Eratap Beach Resort
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5️⃣ Best Boutique Resort For Couples: Paradise Cove Resort
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6️⃣ Best High End Luxury Resort: The Havannah Vanuatu
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7️⃣ Best Chilled Out Luxury Resort: Tamanu On The Beach
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Table of Contents
TLDR; What I’d Recommend Doing.
I’d skip the ‘budget’ options as I found by paying slightly more you can get a much better experience in Vanuatu. Our first accommodation was one of these (not listed here) and we wished we booked somewhere slightly nicer!
A good all-round hotel is Breakas Beach Resort, and I’d probably stay there again on my next trip to the Island. The food is good, it’s close enough to town, and you’re right on the beach.
If you’re planning a cute couples trip, don’t look past Paradise Cove Resort. Down towards Pango, it’s charming, secluded, and the snorkeling right off the beach was phenominal (better than the snokelling we experienced on our Pele island trip!)
For a taste of luxury (and the service Vanuatu is renowned for) it’s a toss-up for me between The Havannah Vanuatu and Tamanu On The Beach. Havaanah is the more premium option, and puts you up on the north side of Efate close to the island tours and Blue lagoon (both must dos while there). However, you’re a long way from town and will be stuck without transport. Tamanu on the other hand is probably a little more humble (I felt less out of place lol), you’re a short drive to town, and there’s more to do in the immediate vicinity.
Best Budget Option 1: Coconut Palms Resort
This budget-friendly option is not far from the town center and makes it convenient to explore the city and take the ferry to other islands. It’s pretty average overall, but the rooms were clean and the staff I interacted with was always friendly.
The restaurant is decent and reasonable, but the food items aren’t varied. I paid around 800 vatu ($7 USD) for a continental breakfast. And if you decide to have lunch and dinner, expect to pay anything from 1200 vatu ($10 USD).
Of all the budget options on Efate, Vanuatu, this would be my recommendation,.
Highlights
Best Budget Option 2: Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
Holiday Inn is not the grandest of places, but it still makes for a decent stay. This family-friendly resort is located on the lagoon, about 10 minutes from Port Vila. They often host nighttime entertainment with live music which you can enjoy over your favorite cocktail.
The food was basic and a little pricey (think like average pub food) – I found myself dining out rather than eating in – but was reasonably priced. One of the highlights is the varying breakfast options, and the buffet averages 1800 vatu ($15 USD).
Despite the minor faults, the staff was friendly and accommodating.
Highlights
Best Mid-Range Hotel: Breakas Beach Resort
For an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, do check out this adults-only resort. It’s quite a drive from town, but you’ll be rewarded with the most relaxing stay. It has cozy tropical-themed bungalows, with the only downside being no air conditioning. Also, as intended by the owners to offer their guests a rejuvenating experience, there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms. But you can access it in the lobby.
The meals are varied and always delicious, and I payed 2000 vatu (~$17 USD) for tasty and large plate of fish and chips on our visit.
Recommendation: If you’re on a budget, but still looking for a comfy stay, then this is my pick!
Highlights
Best High-End Resort For Families: Eratap Beach Resort
Eratap is a high-end resort with spacious, comfortable, and well-furnished villas. It boasts stunning views and an extremely peaceful environment. In fact, there’s nothing not to love about this place. Most of the staff went above and beyond in making my stay as pleasant as possible.
They serve tasty meals, too. But these come at a premium. While almost every meal is worth trying, I have to say; they make the juiciest and tastiest steak, for which I paid around 6000 vatu ($51 USD).
Highlights
Best Boutique Resort For Couples: Paradise Cove Resort
This boutique resort is located about 20 minutes from Port Vila. It’s serene, with cozy bungalows, beautiful gardens, and welcoming staff. Every meal I sampled was delicious. Especially their seafood. I tried their seafood platter (which is shareable, by the way) for 3500 vatu ($30).
You honestly cant beat sitting on the beach here, sipping a lemon tusker (or two!) and going for the occasional snorkle mission right off the beach.
Hotel staff are helpful for organising transport into town, or booking tours like Pele island or Blue lagoon.
Tip: rent a scooter and you’ll have autonomy to explore all Efate has to offer at your own pace!
Highlights
Best Luxury Resort: The Havannah Vanuatu
This intimate resort is perfect for a romantic getaway. You’ll find it on Port Havannah, about 30 minutes from Port Vila, and it boasts elegant rooms with views of stunning sunsets. The food is excellent and the menu rotates on a daily basis. You can expect to pay 3000 vatu ($26) for a gourmet breakfast, and anything from 4500 ($38) for a filling meal.
Full Disclosure: I didn’t stay here but spent a day as a visitor enjoying their cocktails and their views.
Why choose Havannah?
The Havannah is renowned for being by far the best accommodation on Efate, no doubt about it. When you enter you’ll feel like you’re entering a winery rather than a hotel lobby. The grounds are immaculate, service professional, and the experience is second to none.
It’s also close to other attractions on the north side of Efate like Top Rock, Lelepa, and Pele Island as well as being a short drive to Blue Lagoon.
Drawbacks:
This resort is on the other side of the island to Port Vila, so you’ll need to spend an hour in a taxi or shuttle bus to get there. It also means that you’ll need to arrange transport for any outings and need to allow for a lot of
Highlights
Best Luxury Resort 2: Tamanu On The Beach
One of the many beachfront resorts in Vanuatu, this gem is located on the south coast of Efate. It has minimalistic yet stunning villas with private facilities. The staff is fantastic too. They ensured all my needs were met, and some even went as far as recommending amazing destinations to explore.
The food was amazing, but not cheap. I’m big on curries, so I tried theirs for 4000 vatu ($34 USD) and it was probably the best meal I had on the island – well worth the price.
Highlights
Vanuatu Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Vanuatu?
100% YES! — Vanuatu’s healthcare system faces challenges, with limited hospital and medical facilities, and treatment costs, including pharmaceuticals, being expensive, often requiring immediate cash payment.
If anything serious happens to you, medical evacuation may be the only option and that’s EXPENSIVE.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, climbing active volcanos, or scooter riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for these activities (Which are some of the main reasons I went to Vanuatu!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Probably not! Many countries are entitled to 30 day tourist ‘visa on arrival’. However, some other countries do need a pre-approved Visa. Check the list of Visa exempt countries here
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Vanuatu?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
As always, talk to your GP or specialized travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Vanuatu?
Cash is king in Vanuatu, but electronic payments have come a long way. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally, street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make a payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exchange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the ATMs I tried (although the ATMs do charge a fee of 700VUV to withdraw from a foreign card – around $6 USD) which is annoying but unavoidable. Taking out larger sums at once will minimise the hit.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Vanuatu?
In short – basic!
Local buses are just dudes in minivans who operate in the grey area between a bus and a taxi. Get in, say where you’re going and they’ll take you as far as they want, provided there are enough other people on board to make the trip worthwhile.
Domestic flights from Port Vila to the outer islands are irregular and unreliable. Even more so since Air Vanuatu went into receivership.
Unfortunately, hiring a car is your most effective way to get around, but it’s waay overpriced for what you get.
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Vanuatu?
Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourist SIM!) but they can be a little hard to come by. Your best bet is actually to buy a Vodafone or Digicell SIM at the Airport – yep, I can’t believe I’m saying that!). The sales assistant will get the SIM all set up and activated for you.
Another (better) option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Vanuatu?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the aggregators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Vanuatu?
Safest not to — tap water in Vanuatu may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not recommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
