12 Best Bungalows & Guesthouses in Espiritu Santo

Set right on the white sands of Lonnoc Beach, Lonnoc Beach Lodge is a laid-back, locally run stay

This locally run accommodation offers five comfortable bungalows where the ocean is only steps away from your door. The property features two larger family dormitories with partitioned rooms that can accommodate up to eight guests, along with three intimate bungalows perfect for couples or solo travellers.

Each bungalow includes beds with mosquito nets and a private bathroom with cold water (trust us, you'll prefer cooling off in the tropical climate). The turquoise waters out front are perfect for swimming, whilst the white sand beach invites you to simply relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere. Limited snorkelling gear is available for guests who want to explore the underwater world - it's best to bring your own.

The on-site restaurant operates with flexible hours based on guest needs, serving delicious island-style meals including local specialties like laplap, fresh fish dishes, and traditional sides like kumala chips.

Whether you're here to explore Santo's natural beauty or simply unwind and disconnect from the digital world, there's no WiFi here, Lonnoc Beach Lodge offers an authentic taste of Vanuatu.

Surrounded by delightful gardens, Pandanus Guest House offers three cosy bungalows where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in authentic island life on Malo Island.

The hosts, Vuro, Vomalehi and Vomboe, dedicate themselves to offering the most hospitable stay possible, welcoming guests with locally made neck garlands upon arrival, while rooms are colourfully decorated with floral drapes on the walls and traditional natangura roofs; you can tell the place is made with love.

Two bungalows accommodate couples with double beds, while a third features a single bed perfect for solo travellers. In typical island bungalow form, the three bungalows share bathroom facilities in a separate unit.

Breakfast is included in your stay, featuring fresh bread and local fruit. Additional meals showcase delicious local cuisine with generous portions; lunch and dinner feature rice with island food, fresh meat and crisp salads grown in the property's own garden.

This unspoilt retreat offers the perfect base for exploring Malo Island's natural beauty, with the famous Malo Blue Hole just 3 km away providing an easy day trip for swimming and sightseeing.

Nestled right on the waterfront of Malo Island, Birihia Sea Side Bungalows offers an authentic escape with high-quality bungalows featuring concrete fountains and traditional woven panelling adorned with colourful fabrics.

Guests are welcomed with salusalu (neck garlands) on arrival, reflecting the high standards this charming accommodation holds itself to.

Choose from two bungalows: one sleeping up to three guests with a double and single bed, and another with just a double bed, or opt for the five-bed dormitory with shared bathroom facilities. All rooms feature mosquito screens on windows, while solar-powered lights illuminate the bungalows and a communal kitchen area is available for cooking and device charging.

Not that you'll want to cook with the organic farm-to-table dining experience showcasing whatever is grown in their garden, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available for affordable fees. This is also a very small on-site shop providing basic supplies like cooking oil.

The famous Malo Blue Hole sits just one kilometre away, accessible by boat, while the beach location offers decent snorkelling for guests who bring their own gear.

Bamboo Bungalows Lonnoc Beach offers a charming collection of four bamboo bungalows run by owner Daniel.

The compact rooms offer better quality beds compared to nearby bungalows and are situated close to the sandiest part of Lonnoc Beach.

Guests can choose between private room bookings or dormitory-style accommodation, with the flexibility to suit different travel styles and budgets.

Rooms have a choice of ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, with the ensuite open-air garden showers being a real highlight with their bamboo walls and lush tropical plants.

Each room includes an undercover deck and provides essential amenities, including kayaks and snorkelling gear for exploring the surrounding waters. While there's no on-site restaurant, nearby dining options are easily accessible, and guests can arrange laundry services for added convenience.

The laid-back atmosphere embraces a digital detox approach with no WiFi available, though Daniel occasionally provides mobile hotspot access when needed. With breakfast included in private room rates and competitive dormitory pricing, this bamboo retreat offers an uncomplicated base in a stunning beach setting in Santo.

One of the quality bungalow stays on Malo Island, Javicko Guest House complements its garden setting with colourful bungalows exclusively for your group.

This single, spacious bungalow features both a double bed and single bed, making it perfect for small groups or families seeking a genuine local stay.

The unique element for a bungalow stay is its rare ensuite bathroom, a luxury that's uncommon on Malo Island, along with solar-powered lighting and charging facilities within the bungalow itself for your devices. The well-maintained room sits peacefully within lush gardens, providing a tranquil retreat from the outside world.

At 1,500 VT per person, including breakfast, you'll wake up to delicious banana pancakes and fresh fruit each morning. Additional meals featuring local island cuisine and fresh fish are available for a very affordable price, depending on your selection.

Your friendly host, Annette, can arrange boat transfers, which you pay directly to the boat driver.

Tucked away in tropical bush on the tranquil Malo Island, Tawai Guest House offers a simple yet comfortable retreat for travellers seeking an authentic island experience.

Think of it as your very own local holiday home; you'll have the entire two-bedroom house all to yourself.

This charming stone-constructed accommodation features a two-bedroom bungalow with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests complete independence during their stay.

The guesthouse comes with a separate bathroom located behind the main building, ensuring privacy and convenience. Solar-powered lighting illuminates the property, while guests can charge small devices like phones during daylight hours when the solar system is most effective.

At 3,000 VT per person per night, this self-contained accommodation provides excellent value for those looking to experience the peaceful rhythm of island life away from the crowds.

Over on the big island, Espiritu Santo, Lonnoc Ocean View Beach Bungalows offers charming locally run accommodation at a superior location.

Boasting access to the sandiest piece of Lonnoc Beach, this humble accommodation delivers an authentic local experience through its traditional approach. The property offers local-style bungalows with private patios, ensuite bathrooms, and mosquito nets for peaceful evenings by the ocean.

With kayaks included for exploring the unbelievably turquoise waters and complimentary breakfast to start your day, you'll find the essentials for an easy island getaway. Airport transfers can also be arranged for those arriving by air.

The on-site restaurant serves a diverse menu of home-cooked local cuisine, featuring fresh fish with rice or chips, aromatic chicken and beef curries, and lighter options like sandwiches. From hearty mains to optional breakfast eggs and fresh fruits, the kitchen prepares authentic island flavours while you enjoy stunning ocean views from your beachfront location.

On sloping lawns just a short walk from the famous Champagne Beach, Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows offers an intimate retreat on east Santo.

Established in 1985 by locals Kalmer and Louisa, this property features eight traditional bungalows plus a dormitory option, all set within lush gardens rolling onto the waterfront. The accommodation provides a comfortable base with breakfast included, though WiFi is not available. Not that you'll need it, as there's plenty to do, such as joining guided garden tours to see taro, banana, various cabbages, tomatoes, and capsicum growing, with the restaurant collecting produce directly from these plots for their daily menu.

Adventure seekers can explore the coastline with complimentary kayaks or join guided canoeing excursions that include snorkelling stops. For those wanting to venture further, three-hour guided boat tours take visitors to nearby islands where they can land and explore. Snorkelling gear is also available for rent.

The on-site restaurant operates all day, every day, serving dishes like coconut-battered fish and chips, local beef curry, chicken noodle stir fry, and traditional laplap. Day visitors are welcome to dine and can also rent kayaks to explore the area.

Additional facilities include a conference room for meetings or events and a gift shop. With its combination of comfortable local-style accommodation, fresh dining, and various water-based activities, this retreat provides an authentic Santo experience.

Tucked away 1.2 km (0.7 mi) from the main road in a secluded and protected bay near Luganville, Hideaway Paradise Beach Bungalows offers a wide range of bungalows scattered across coves and white sand beaches.

This family-run accommodation features seven bungalows, including a rustic treehouse, four family bungalows, and three single bungalows, all positioned right on the water's edge with a spectacular beachfront playground.

What makes this spot truly special is its natural aquarium setting with coral reefs teeming with magnificent fish life, perfect for snorkelling right from the shoreline.

The accommodation offers various options to suit different group sizes, from intimate single bungalows with one bed to spacious family bungalows that can accommodate larger groups, plus the unique elevated treehouse experience. All rates include a hearty breakfast featuring fresh bread, eggs, and tropical fruit to start your island adventures.

The on-site restaurant welcomes day visitors and opens at 9 am daily, serving simple but fresh meals with lunch and dinner available.

Local fishing tours can be arranged through partner operators, while there's also a kayak available. The solar-powered setup means guests can charge devices at the main area while embracing the peaceful, unplugged island lifestyle that makes this beachfront retreat so special.

A more contemporary take on Vanuatu's bungalows, Garden Reef Bungalows will suit most types of travellers.

Perfectly positioned in Turtle Bay halfway up the east coast, this budget accommodation offers exceptional value just a kayak paddle away from the stunning Blue Holes. Each self-contained bungalow features a kitchenette and private verandah, with access to a spacious shared kitchen and comfortable lounge area for those who prefer to cook their own meals.

Alternatively, you can dine right next door at the popular Salty Dog Restaurant and Bar at Turtle Bay Lodge. The stunning reef sits right off the continental shelf directly in front of the bungalows, making it perfect for snorkelling straight from your doorstep.

Choose from double or twin rooms with either sea or garden views, with rooms accommodating up to three guests.

Nestled on the shores of Lonnoc Beach, Towoc Bungalows offers just two charming stone-constructed accommodations within walking distance of the famous Champagne Beach.

The larger bungalow stands out significantly from other accommodations in the area, providing ample space for groups or families seeking comfort.

Both bungalows feature different configurations to suit various needs – the smaller option includes one double bed and one single bed, while the larger bungalow boasts four beds total (three single beds and one double bed). The smaller bungalow comes with an ensuite bathroom, whilst the larger option features external toilet facilities with refreshing cold-water showers.

All stays include a hearty breakfast featuring fresh fruit, coffee and pancakes, with WiFi available throughout your stay. Guests can also enjoy kayaks on-site and have access to kitchen facilities for self-catering.

The on-site restaurant welcomes both guests and outside visitors, serving everything from fresh fish with coconut curry sauce to hearty steaks and local specialties like kumala (sweet potato) chips. With dinner mains ranging from fish and chips and hot beef curry and light meals like the Champagne Beach burger, there's something to satisfy every appetite.

A treehouse that's not on Tanna?! That's right, you don't have to miss out on the treehouse action if you're visiting Vanuatu's largest island, Espiritu Santo. Stay at Serenity Treehouse and Beach Bungalows!

We're absolutely smitten with this beachfront gem that offers something truly special—five charming bungalows that include two incredible treehouses perched amongst the foliage.

What we love most is how each bungalow comes fully equipped with its own private bathroom and round-the-clock electricity.

Better yet, there's an included breakfast served at Serenity Restaurant right on the beach, where you can enjoy toast or bread, fluffy pancakes, or local doughnuts with butter and jam, plus fresh fruits and your choice of coffee, lime juice or coconut (our mouths are watering, just relaying this).

During your stay, you can explore the waters with complimentary snorkelling gear (we snorkelled with turtles during our last visit) or paddle around in a traditional local canoe for an authentic island experience. The peaceful beachfront setting offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Santo.

The property takes care of the practicalities with airport transfer services available through local taxi arrangements, making it easy to reach this serene getaway.