The Complete Luxury Guide to Vanuatu

What is the best way to get to Vanuatu for a luxury getaway? Vanuatu can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yacht. The most popular and practical way to get to Vanuatu is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

For a smoother trip, we recommend planning your arrival around your final island choice. Port Vila on Efate Island is the main gateway, but if you’re staying on Espiritu Santo, Tanna or a more remote island, factor in domestic flights, resort transfers and at least a little breathing room between connections. Nothing says “luxury escape” quite like not sprinting through an airport with reef shoes hanging out of your hand luggage.

Flying to Vanuatu

Direct international flights to Vanuatu come from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. If you’re coming from further afield, the most useful connections can be made in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.

See our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu? for more advice.

Most international arrivals land at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila on Efate. This is the best arrival point if you’re planning to stay at one of Efate’s high-end resorts, waterfront villas or private-island-style escapes.

If your stay is on Santo or Tanna, ask your accommodation about the easiest domestic connections and transfers before booking your international flights. Some stays can help coordinate airport pick-ups, boat transfers or local drivers.

Find out more about the airport and what to expect in Airports in Vanuatu: Where Can You Fly to in Vanuatu?

Cruises to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from New Zealand, Australia and the US, as well as round-the-world cruises from Europe. There are several ports of call in Vanuatu, including Port Vila (Efate), Luganville (Espiritu Santo) and Mystery Island (Aneityum).

Cruising can be a comfortable way to sample Vanuatu without organising accommodation, meals and transport yourself. However, it’s more of a taste than a full luxury holiday. Your time ashore is usually limited, so choose experiences close to port, such as private island tours, resort day passes, cultural visits, scenic drives or relaxed beach stops.

Find out about which cruise liners have Vanuatu on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in the 10 Best Cruises that Go to Vanuatu.

Sailing to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is ideally situated in the South Pacific, making it a popular stop for yachts travelling between Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific islands. The yachting season is generally between May and October, when the weather is drier and seas are calmer.

For travellers arriving by private yacht, Vanuatu can feel like the dream: volcanic islands, blue holes, quiet anchorages and cultural stops across a long island chain. That said, the formalities still matter. Yachts arriving from overseas need to inform Customs of their arrival at least 24 hours before their ETA and clear in at an official port of entry, such as Port Vila, Luganville, Lenakel or Sola.

Learn about the sailing formalities and ports of entry in our Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu.

A Note About Visas

Visitors from visa-exempt countries can usually be granted a visitor visa on arrival, provided they meet the entry requirements. These include having a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward travel ticket, sufficient funds for the length of stay and a stay of less than 120 days.

It’s straightforward for many, but still worth checking before booking the villa, yacht berth or “we deserve this” suite.

Learn more about this process in our guide, Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

An Extra Note on Customs Declarations

Vanuatu has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Vanuatu has to declare any “risk goods” they have packed in their luggage, including food, plant products, animal products, used outdoor gear, used camping equipment, alcohol or tobacco above the duty-free allowance, goods worth more than 50,000 VT and cash or negotiable bearer instruments worth more than 1 million VT.

You’ll also need to complete a Passenger Arrival Card before or on arrival, so have your passport, flight details, Vanuatu contact or hotel name and a pen handy. Not all declarable items are prohibited, but they still need to be declared so a Customs or Biosecurity Officer can check them. In other words, declare it first and avoid turning your elegant arrival into an awkward “what’s in your bag?” moment.

Be sure to read up on Arriving in Vanuatu: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Vanuatu for even more tips on making your way to the islands.

Vanuatu is warm, tropical and beautifully green year-round, with two distinct seasons: a dry season, which is cooler and drier, and a wet season, which is hotter, wetter and more humid.

For a more refined escape, timing is less about chasing one “perfect” month and more about choosing the atmosphere you want: clear-water days and polished logistics, quieter resorts and more privacy, or the soft drama of the tropics at their most lush.

Learn more about the climate in our guide, Vanuatu Weather, Seasons & Climate + Vanuatu Weather by Month.

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Vanuatu, not only for the warm daytime temperatures of around 26-28°C (78.8-82.4°F) but also the lower rainfall compared to the rest of the year.

This is the season for long lunches by the water, beach days that don’t require much rescheduling, clearer snorkelling conditions, waterfall visits, scenic hikes, sailing days and whale watching from July to October. It’s also a good time to experience cultural events such as the Naghol land-diving ceremonies between April and June.

The trade-off is demand. Top villas, boutique resorts, private guides, dive operators and car rentals can book out faster, especially during Australian and New Zealand school holiday periods. If there’s a particular suite, island stay or dining experience you have in mind, this is the season to reserve it well in advance.

Wet Season (November to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with daytime temperatures around 29-30°C (84.2-86°F) and higher rainfall. This is also the South Pacific’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in A Guide to Cyclone Safety in Vanuatu).

That said, the wet season has its own appeal. Vanuatu becomes especially lush, visitor numbers are lower and resorts can feel quieter, particularly away from the Christmas period. For travellers who prefer privacy, slower mornings and more space at natural attractions, it can still be an elegant time to visit.

Just build in flexibility. Rain can affect domestic flights, boat transfers, road conditions and outdoor tours, while some resorts close for maintenance for a couple of weeks during quieter months, especially around February. Check opening dates before shaping the rest of your itinerary around a particular property.

The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu

For those who can choose their dates freely, September, October and November are some of the most appealing months to visit Vanuatu. They offer warm temperatures, fewer crowds and less rainfall than the wetter months at the start of the year.

For the smoothest combination of weather, comfort and availability, September and October are especially strong choices. November brings a little more tropical atmosphere as the wet season approaches, but it can still work beautifully if you prefer quieter resorts and a more relaxed pace.

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to the islands? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu, which dives much deeper into the subject.

The art of packing for Vanuatu is keeping things light without feeling underprepared. Think breathable resort wear, swimwear that can handle more than one blue hole, modest pieces for village visits and a few practical items for island transfers, reef walks and tropical downpours.

Vanuatu enjoys warm weather year-round, with daytime highs around 28-30°C (82-86°F), so you won’t need heavy layers. What you will appreciate is clothing that dries quickly, moves easily between beach and lunch, and still feels polished enough for an evening by the water.

A Vanuatu packing list might look a little something like this:

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts for sun protection and visiting villages
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short, as Vanuatu is still a relatively conservative country
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong for women to wear around the waist in traditional villages. These are available to purchase in Vanuatu.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you're against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/Pashmina/Poncho for windy or rainy days
• 1 Sports Shorts/Leggings for hiking and active activities
• 1 Sports T-Shirt/Singlet for hiking and active activities
• 1 Outfit to Travel Between Vanuatu and Home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks
• 1 Bikini for resort beaches and pools
• 1 One-Piece for swimming tours and public beaches
• 2 Boardshorts
• 2 Rash Vests (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light Shirt to cover arms and back
• Light Rain Jacket
• Flip-Flops/Sandals
• Walking Shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes.

When visiting remote villages in Vanuatu, women should be mindful that pants and shorts aren’t welcome in some traditional settings, so a sarong is a simple but essential piece to pack. It’s also useful for boat transfers, beach cover-ups and those moments when your suitcase suddenly feels much more sensible than stylish. Learn more about local customs in Ni-Vanuatu Etiquette: Vanuatu Customs & Traditions.

And that’s just the clothes. For a full packing list of accessories, toiletries and practical extras, check out What to Pack for Vanuatu: Vanuatu Packing List.

Health Products

With high UV levels, tropical heat and mosquitoes, certain health products are essential to take to Vanuatu. Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, seasickness pills and a basic first aid kit are all worth packing.

A few useful first aid items include paracetamol, antihistamine pills or cream, oral rehydration sachets, plasters, antiseptic cream or spray, aloe vera soothing cream and any prescription medication you need.

If you’re planning boat trips, outer-island travel or full days in the sun, a reusable water bottle is also worth bringing. Ask your accommodation about drinking water before filling it from the tap. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Vanuatu.

Currency

The currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu (VT). Credit and debit cards are useful at major hotels, resorts, some restaurants, supermarkets, car rental companies and phone network outlets, especially around Port Vila and Luganville.

That said, cash is still essential for markets, roadside stalls, buses, taxis and trucks, boat transfers, local tour guides, natural attraction entry fees, domestic departure tax and many outer-island bungalows. ATMs are mainly found around Port Vila, Port Vila Airport and Luganville, with far fewer options on the outer islands.

If your trip includes private transfers, guided experiences or remote stays, withdraw enough cash before travelling further afield. A beautifully planned itinerary is much less graceful when it hinges on finding an ATM that isn’t there.

Get more money tips in What is the Best Way to Pay in Vanuatu?

Travel Documents and Paperwork

For Vanuatu, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure date, flight booking information, return travel ticket or booking information and a completed Passenger Arrival Form.

You may also need a visa if you’re from a non-exempt country, plus travel insurance paperwork, your driver’s licence if hiring a vehicle, a medical prescription if applicable, marine clearance forms if arriving by yacht, a drone permit if bringing a drone and scuba diving certification if you plan to dive.

Paper copies can make the arrival process smoother, but we also recommend keeping digital copies saved offline on your phone.

See What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Vanuatu? for the full checklist.

Vanuatu is best enjoyed with time to spare. With 83 islands, domestic flights, boat transfers and very different styles of travel between Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna and the outer islands, a rushed itinerary can quickly take the polish off an otherwise beautiful escape.

We’d recommend at least five days in Vanuatu if you want to settle into Port Vila and add one outer-island highlight, such as Tanna. However, 10 to 14 days is far more rewarding if you want to pair resort time with island-hopping, private tours, blue holes, beaches, cultural experiences and a few unhurried afternoons where nothing is required beyond lunch, a swim and a view.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights, we recommend returning to Port Vila at least a day before your international departure. Weather, aircraft schedules and island logistics are all part of travelling in the South Pacific, and a little breathing room is far more elegant than a last-minute scramble.

With all that in mind, here’s what you can comfortably achieve in different timeframes.

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Vanuatu

With only three days, stay around Port Vila and Efate. This gives you time for a refined first taste of Vanuatu, with waterfront dining, a resort stay, a private island or lagoon outing, a cultural experience and perhaps a scenic drive around part of the island. Check out Vanuatu Itinerary: 3 Days (Port Vila & Efate) for a suggested trip idea.

5 Days in Vanuatu

Five days gives you enough time to combine Port Vila with Tanna, including one of Vanuatu’s signature experiences: Mt Yasur. This can work beautifully if you want a short but memorable trip with one clear adventure focus.

Alternatively, use the full five days on Efate for a more relaxed stay built around beaches, spa time, dining, island day trips, private guides and no domestic flight in the middle of the holiday. See Vanuatu Itinerary: 5 Days (Port Vila & Tanna) for a recommended holiday plan.

7 Days / 1 Week in Vanuatu

Seven days allows for a compact island-hopping itinerary, but we recommend being selective. While our one-week itinerary includes Santo, Tanna and Port Vila, a more comfortable approach is to remove one island and spend longer on Efate or Santo unless you particularly enjoy active travel days.

This is a good timeframe for combining resort comfort with one outer-island escape, whether that means blue holes and beaches on Santo or volcano landscapes on Tanna. Get inspiration from Vanuatu Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week (Santo, Tanna & Port Vila).

10 Days in Vanuatu

Ten days is a much more comfortable amount of time to experience Port Vila, Tanna and Santo without making every transfer feel compressed. That said, although our 10-day itinerary includes all three, those who prefer a slower, more seamless holiday may prefer to drop one island and linger longer on Efate or Santo.

This gives you room for private tours, quieter beach days, longer lunches, spa treatments, snorkelling, cultural experiences and the occasional morning with no fixed plan at all. Often, that’s when Vanuatu is at its best. Check out Vanuatu Itinerary: 10 Days (Port Vila, Tanna & Santo).

14 Days / 2 Weeks in Vanuatu

Two weeks is where Vanuatu really starts to open up. Our 14-day itinerary covers Port Vila, Tanna, Malekula and Santo, offering a broader look at the country beyond its more familiar resort islands.

That said, Malekula is not typically the first choice for travellers seeking a polished, seamless escape. Development is basic, travel takes more work and accommodation, dining and transport are simpler than on Efate or Santo. For adventurous travellers, however, it can be deeply rewarding, with strong cultural experiences, village life, trekking and a more remote sense of place.

For a smoother 14-day itinerary, you can always remove Malekula and extend your stay on one of the more developed islands. We recommend spending the extra time on Santo. See Vanuatu Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks (Port Vila, Tanna, Malekula & Santo).

How Long Can You Stay in Vanuatu?

Visitors from visa-exempt countries are generally granted a visitor visa on arrival for a stay of less than 120 days, provided they meet the entry requirements. So, technically, you could stay much longer than two weeks, which is not an unreasonable thought once you have found the right beach, villa or island rhythm.

For more details, see Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

Choosing where to go in Vanuatu is as much about pace as it is about place. With 83 islands, each with its own landscapes, culture and character, the most rewarding itineraries tend to focus on fewer islands and experience them properly.

For a refined Vanuatu escape, we recommend starting with the islands that offer the strongest balance of comfort, scenery, dining, transfers and memorable experiences: Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna.

Port Vila and Efate

Choose Port Vila and Efate for the easiest and most polished introduction to Vanuatu. This is where you’ll find the widest choice of high-end resorts, private villas, waterfront dining, spas, supermarkets, guided tours, airport transfers and easy day trips.

Efate works especially well at the beginning or end of a trip, with enough comfort and convenience to settle in gracefully. Spend your days between resort beaches, lagoon outings, cultural experiences, private island visits, scenic drives and long meals by the water. Sometimes that’s the real luxury. See The Complete Travel Guide to Port Vila & Efate.

Espiritu Santo

Choose Santo if you want Vanuatu’s natural beauty with more space to breathe. Santo is the island for blue holes, white-sand beaches, snorkelling, diving, caves, waterfalls, WW2 history and relaxed coastal stays.

Compared with Efate, Santo feels quieter and more nature-led, but still has enough comfort to make an extended stay feel easy. It suits those who want boutique lodges, beachfront bungalows, self-contained villas, diving, private touring and some of the country’s most striking swimming spots.

For many discerning travellers, Santo is the island worth lingering on. See The Complete Travel Guide to Espiritu Santo.

Tanna

Choose Tanna for something more dramatic. This is the island of Mt Yasur, volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, banyan trees and strong traditional culture. It is less polished than Efate and Santo, but that is part of its appeal.

Tanna works best as a short, carefully planned add-on for travellers who want a sense of adventure without giving up comfort completely. Choose your accommodation well, arrange transfers in advance and allow for slower roads and simpler infrastructure.

For the right itinerary, Tanna adds depth, contrast and one of Vanuatu’s most unforgettable experiences. See The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna LINK#D071.

What About the Other Outer Islands?

Beyond Efate, Santo and Tanna, Vanuatu has many more outer islands and provinces to explore, from remote cultural strongholds to beaches, volcanoes, traditional ceremonies and village-based stays.

The beauty is that you don’t necessarily need to stay overnight everywhere. Day trips can sometimes be arranged to places like Tanna or Pentecost. If you want something truly tailored, another option is to arrange your own curated island-hopping itinerary by chartering a flight from Port Vila, with three charter airlines to choose from. This opens up more remote islands while keeping the experience more controlled, comfortable and time-efficient than relying solely on standard domestic schedules.

For inspiration beyond the usual route, browse the 10 Less-Travelled Islands in Vanuatu. Just keep in mind that the more remote you go, the simpler the infrastructure becomes, so the key is to plan well, choose your operators carefully and decide how much adventure you want wrapped around your comfort.

Getting around Vanuatu is best approached with intention. The country is spread across 83 islands, so a seamless trip depends on choosing the right mix of flights, private transfers, guided touring and just enough flexibility for the South Pacific to keep its charm.

For a more polished experience, arrange key transfers in advance, leave space between domestic and international flights, and let your accommodation coordinate drivers, boat transfers or touring wherever possible. The less you leave to chance, the more graceful the journey feels.

For more transport options, check out Vanuatu Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Vanuatu.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are the quickest and most practical way to travel between Vanuatu’s main islands. Flights from Port Vila to Santo take around 45-55 minutes, while flights to Tanna are usually around 40-45 minutes.

Scheduled flights operate with Air Vanuatu and Belair Airways, while private charter flights are available with Unity Airlines, Air Taxi and Belair Airways. Chartering a flight is the most flexible way to shape a curated island itinerary, particularly if you want to reach remote airstrips, avoid rigid schedules or turn travel time into part of the experience.

For scheduled domestic flights, be aware that baggage allowances can be limited, often around 10 kg (22 lbs) for checked luggage. Flights to outer islands can also shift with little notice, so confirm schedules before travel and consider returning to Port Vila at least a day before your international departure.

Learn more in our guide, Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are one of the most effortless ways to explore Vanuatu, especially around Efate, Santo and Tanna. They remove the need to organise transport, entry fees, directions and timing yourself, while adding the insight of a local guide.

Tours often include accommodation pick-up, transport between sights and sometimes boat transfers. This works particularly well for cultural experiences, blue holes, scenic island drives, volcano visits, snorkelling outings and remote beaches where logistics are not always obvious from a map.

For a more refined day out, look for private or small-group tours rather than standard shared departures. It gives you more control over timing, pace and where you linger, which is often the difference between a good day and an exceptional one.

Compare options in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Vanuatu.

Car Rental

Car rental is one of the most pleasant ways to explore Efate and Santo at your own pace. It works especially well if you want to move between beaches, blue holes, restaurants, viewpoints and cultural stops without depending on taxis or tour timings.

There is a decent choice of rental companies in Port Vila and a smaller selection in Luganville. For a smoother experience, book ahead, choose a vehicle suited to your route and check insurance, road conditions, fuel arrangements and pick-up locations before confirming.

On outer islands, roads can be rough, so vehicles are often 4WD pick-up trucks or utes rather than compact holiday cars. We also recommend brushing up on the local road rules before getting behind the wheel.

Start with the 10 Best Car Rentals in Vanuatu and How to Drive in Vanuatu + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Port Vila and Luganville. They can be identified by “T” plates and usually operate on flat fares, so ask the price before agreeing to the ride.

For short transfers, dinner reservations, airport runs and evenings when you would rather not drive, taxis are simple and convenient. Your accommodation can usually call one for you, which is the easiest way to arrange a reliable pick-up and avoid unnecessary roadside negotiation.

See Taxis & Trucks in Vanuatu: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More to learn more.

Boat Transfers

For shorter island-hopping, smaller boats, often called banana boats, connect larger islands with their offshore neighbours. They can be used from Efate to islands like Nguna and Pele, or between island stays and nearby beaches.

If you are staying at a higher-end resort, boat transfers are usually best arranged through the property. This keeps timings, luggage handling, safety and arrival details much smoother than organising a boat independently at the wharf.

Resort boat services on Efate and Santo are also commonly used by guests and day trippers. Conditions can vary, so confirm departure times, luggage arrangements, life jackets and whether there is shade before setting off.

Learn more in How to Catch a Boat Transfer in Vanuatu: The Complete Guide.

For more transport options, check out Vanuatu Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Vanuatu.

Vanuatu’s more indulgent stays lean less toward glossy international high-rises and more toward space, setting and a strong sense of place. Think private-island resorts, quiet beachfront villas, adults-only retreats, ocean-view suites, self-contained homes and boutique properties where the view is often the main event.

The strongest selection is around Port Vila and Efate, followed by Espiritu Santo, where beaches, blue holes and coastal hideaways make longer stays especially appealing. Tanna has fewer polished options, but the right property can make a volcano-focused escape feel far more comfortable.

Take a look at the top stays in the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vanuatu.

Resorts

Resorts are the easiest choice if you want service, dining, activities and transfers arranged with minimal effort. Around Efate, you’ll find many of Vanuatu’s most refined resort-style stays, from adults-only beachfront retreats to private-island-style escapes and elegant coastal properties.

A good resort base can simplify the entire trip. Airport transfers, boat connections, restaurant bookings, spa treatments, guided excursions, snorkelling gear, kayaks and day tours can often be organised through the property, which is exactly the point. The less time spent coordinating logistics, the more time there is for slow mornings, long lunches and watching the light move across the water.

On Santo, resort stays tend to feel quieter and more nature-led, often with access to beaches, reefs, islands, blue holes, diving and coastal touring. This is where a few extra nights can feel very well spent, especially if you prefer fewer moving parts and more room to breathe.

Compare the country’s more polished stays in 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vanuatu and broader resort options in the 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

Holiday Homes and Villas

Holiday homes and villas are the better choice when privacy, space and independence matter most. They work particularly well for couples wanting a secluded setting, groups travelling together, families who prefer self-contained comfort or anyone who would rather have a private pool, full kitchen and uninterrupted view than a resort schedule.

Around Port Vila and Efate, you’ll find some of the strongest villa options, including beachfront homes, hillside properties, ocean-view villas and self-contained stays with resort-style features. Santo also has excellent villa-style stays for those who want to pair privacy with beaches, blue holes and easy coastal exploring, particularly on Aore Island.

The key is to check what is included before booking. Some villas are fully self-contained and private, while others come with resort-style services, private chefs, housekeeping, shared pools, on-site hosts or help arranging transfers and tours.

Compare self-contained stays in the 20 Best Holiday Homes & Villas in Vanuatu.

Other Accommodations in Vanuatu

Other accommodation in Vanuatu includes hotels, apartments, motels, bungalows, guesthouses and island stays. These can be useful in the right context, but they are generally more practical than indulgent, especially once you move away from Efate and Santo.

Hotels are most useful for a quick night in Port Vila between flights, before an outer-island connection or after arriving late. For the most high-end hotel-style option in town, The Grand Hotel & Casino is the standout, with a central waterfront location, harbour or bay views from every room, 74 rooms and suites, 24-hour reception and room service, free WiFi, daily housekeeping, concierge facilities, a tour desk, a pool bar and an on-site casino. The upper-floor “Penthouse Suite” is the most polished room category if you want the stay to feel like more than just a stopover.

For the broadest overview of where to stay, see Where to Stay in Vanuatu: The Best Accommodations.

© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

What is the Best Luxury Accommodation in Vanuatu?

If you're not a fan of decision fatigue, here are a couple of our favourite stays to help you out.

The Havannah (Port Vila and Efate)

For an elegant adults-only escape on Efate, The Havannah delivers one of Vanuatu’s most refined resort experiences. Set at Samoa Point overlooking Havannah Harbour, the resort offers just 19 villas, from garden retreats to waterfront villas with private plunge pools.

Days can be shaped around snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, sunset cruises, spa treatments and quietly polished dining, with all-inclusive ease and airport transfers included. It is a graceful choice for couples wanting comfort, privacy and very little to organise once they arrive.

Learn more and book your stay at The Havannah on Expedia.

Ratua Private Island Resort (Espiritu Santo)

For secluded island character, Ratua Private Island Resort is the standout. Set on Ratua Island, just off Aore Island near Santo, this 152-acre (61 ha) private island retreat has only eleven villas, each with its own private beach and ocean or garden views.

The appeal is space, stillness and barefoot sophistication, with a protected house reef, turtles, dugongs, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, glass-bottom kayaks and an overwater spa. Dining follows a farm-to-table approach, with local seafood, organic produce and a strong sense of place.

Browse the facilities and book your stay at Ratua Private Island Resort on Booking.com.

Villa 25 (Port Vila and Efate)

For privacy close to Port Vila, Villa 25 offers a beautifully self-contained stay at Dream Cove. The property has just three waterfront villas, bookable individually or together for exclusive use of the private pool, beach and shared lowana gathering space.

Each villa has two bedrooms, modern bathrooms, air-conditioning, WiFi and refined indoor-outdoor living. Kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling are on your doorstep, while staff can arrange extras such as massages, yoga, private chef services, scenic flights and gourmet catering.

Peruse pictures and book your stay at Villa 25 on Booking.com.

Vanuatu’s most memorable experiences are not always about high polish. Often, they are about privacy, access and the rare pleasure of having something extraordinary feel personal. Think spa rituals using island ingredients, dinner with the beach to yourself or a carefully arranged flight to one of the Pacific’s most remarkable cultural ceremonies.

For more ideas, browse the 10 Most Luxurious Experiences in Vanuatu.

The Best Luxury Activities in Vanuatu

Unwind with a Soothing Spa Treatment (Efate and Santo)

A spa treatment in Vanuatu feels most fitting when it draws from the islands themselves. Volcanic Earth Spa and the Oasis Spa at Warwick Le Lagon use natural ingredients such as cold-pressed "Tamanu oil" and mineral-rich volcanic ash, bringing a strong sense of place to the experience.

The signature "Hot Rock Massage" is especially suited to the destination, using smooth heated volcanic stones to ease tension after flights, boat trips or long days in the sun. It is refined, restorative and very much in tune with Vanuatu’s volcanic landscape.

Recharge with more island wellness ideas in the 10 Best Spas in Vanuatu.

Indulge in Private Beach Dining (Efate and Santo)

Private beach dining in Vanuatu is about atmosphere as much as the menu. Erakor Island Resort offers a "Chef’s Romantic Dinner on the Beach" with bubbly, four courses and dedicated service, while Iririki Island Resort & Spa has a "Romantic Candlelit Dinner" with a private four-course menu.

For guests at The Havannah, destination dining on the beach can include a bamboo archway, personal butler and a setting that feels quietly removed from the rest of the world. On Santo, Exclusive Sunrise Resort also arranges bespoke romantic dining experiences for special occasions.

Witness the Naghol Land Diving on Pentecost Island (Port Vila and Efate)

For a rare cultural experience, witnessing the naghol on Pentecost Island is one of Vanuatu’s most powerful moments. The ceremony sees local men and boys as young as seven dive headfirst from wooden towers up to 30 m (100 ft) high with vines tied to their ankles.

Unity Airlines and Air Taxi offer a more seamless way to reach the event, with scenic flights from Port Vila and, weather permitting, aerial views of jungles, reefs and volcanoes. The day includes a traditional village welcome and around six to ten jumps, depending on the event.

More Memorable Luxury Experiences in Vanuatu

Of course, these three experiences are only the beginning. Vanuatu also lends itself beautifully to private touring, coastal adventure, resort days and island-hopping with just the right amount of planning.

Some other refined ways to experience Vanuatu include:

• Join an All-Inclusive Private Tour - Explore Efate with your own guide, private transport and a day shaped around your pace
• Saddle Up for a Luxury Horse Riding Package - Ride through beach, plantation and coastal scenery with Club Hippique or Ratua Private Island Resort
• Take the Mt Yasur Volcano Tour - Add volcanic drama with a carefully arranged trip to Tanna, including flights, transfers and a comfortable resort base
• Book a Private Fishing Charter - Head out from Efate or Santo in search of giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi and wahoo
• Indulge in Retail Therapy in Port Vila - Browse resort boutiques, local design, handicrafts and island-made products
• Charter a Flight for Island-Hopping - Shape your own itinerary to Santo, Tanna, Pentecost or lesser-visited islands
• Plan a Private Boat or Sailing Trip - Spend the day on lagoons, offshore islands, snorkelling spots or quiet beaches
• Slow Down at Your Resort - Sometimes the most elegant plan is no plan at all: breakfast, the sea, a book and absolutely no apology for doing very little

For the full list, see 10 Most Luxurious Experiences in Vanuatu, as well as the 101 Best Things to Do in Vanuatu LINK#TTD066.

Food in Vanuatu is at its most refined in the country’s high-end resorts, where dining is usually shaped around ocean views, seasonal menus, local seafood, Vanuatu beef, tropical produce and private dining experiences. Standalone restaurants can also deliver memorable meals, particularly in Port Vila and Santo, but the most refined settings are often attached to resorts and boutique stays.

Some resort restaurants may accept outside guests if booked in advance, but access, transfers and availability vary. For private beach dinners, tasting-style menus or special occasion dining, it’s best to reserve ahead rather than hoping for a table on arrival.

Everything you need to know about food in Vanuatu can be found in The Food Guide to Vanuatu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

5 Most Fine Dining Experiences in Vanuatu

1. The Havannah: One of Vanuatu’s most sophisticated resort dining experiences, with daily-changing set menus and an adults-only, all-inclusive atmosphere. Lunch usually includes one entrée, three mains and two dessert options, while dinner expands the choice further. Dietary requirements are well catered for, and the regular cheese selection adds a quietly elegant finish to the meal.
2. Tamanu on the Beach: Refined beachfront dining with an emphasis on local ingredients, seasonal produce and premium seafood. Menu highlights can include fresh lobster, “Surf and Turf” with Vanuatu eye fillet and locally caught poulet fish. The wine list draws from Australia, New Zealand and France, while partnerships with 83 Islands add curated gin and rum flights for something more local.
3. Lalala Restaurant: A strong choice for premium seafood in Downtown Port Vila, especially if you’re hoping to try fresh coconut crab. The restaurant sources coconut crab from various Vanuatu islands, with availability changing seasonally. Menus also feature other high-end seafood options, including locally sourced lobster, making it a good Port Vila option when you want something special outside a resort setting.
4. Deco Stop Lodge: A Santo dining option with elevated island cooking and quality local ingredients. The dinner menu changes daily and may include dishes such as almond-coated poulet fish with lime butter caper sauce, scotch fillet with black pepper sauce or slow-cooked pork belly in honey soya ginger sauce. Open daily for dinner from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, it’s a useful choice for a polished meal in Luganville.
5. Ratua Private Island Resort: Dining at Ratua leans into a farm-to-table philosophy, with produce and livestock from the resort’s own farm supporting a “paddock to plate” approach. Guests can choose flexible lunch and dinner options, while the kitchen accommodates dietary requirements and allergies. With butler-style service and a private-island setting, dining here feels personal, unhurried and deeply connected to Santo.

Find more dining options in the 20 Best Restaurants in Vanuatu.

Private Dining and Special Occasions

Private dining is one of the best ways to elevate a Vanuatu trip, particularly at high-end resorts. Think candlelit beach dinners, destination dining by the water, tailored menus, dedicated service and settings designed around the occasion rather than the standard restaurant rhythm.

Options vary by property, but even resorts that don't necessarily advertise the service can still offer more memorable dining settings than a typical dinner reservation. Book well in advance, especially for anniversaries, proposals, birthdays or peak-season stays.

Special Diets

Special diets are easiest to manage in Port Vila, around Efate and in Santo’s main centres, where there are more resort restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and self-contained accommodation options. High-end resorts are usually the best places to start, as they are more accustomed to advance dietary requests and can often adapt menus with enough notice.

That said, Vanuatu is not a destination where specialist ingredients are always easy to find, especially on outer islands. If you follow a gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free or allergy-sensitive diet, contact your accommodation before arrival, explain your requirements clearly and bring any specialist products you rely on.

Fresh seafood, fruit, root crops, rice, eggs, local vegetables and coconut-based dishes are widely useful, but specialist substitutes can be limited outside Port Vila and Luganville.

Check out Vanuatu for Vegans & Vegetarians + Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to Vanuatu for more advice.

What Food to Try

Vanuatu’s best dining experiences often showcase local seafood, Santo beef, tropical produce, root crops, coconut, market fruit and island-grown vegetables. On more refined menus, look out for fresh lobster, coconut crab when in season, poulet fish, reef fish, tuna, Vanuatu eye fillet and dishes that use coconut milk, citrus, local herbs and garden produce.

For a more traditional taste of the islands, try laplap, often considered Vanuatu’s national dish, as well as tuluk and simboro. These are more likely to appear at markets, cultural experiences, village stays and accommodation-hosted meals than in fine-dining settings.

Adults may also want to try kava at a nakamal. It is very much part of local life, although perhaps not the ideal prelude to a multi-course dinner unless you enjoy adding mystery to the evening.

Look out for the items listed in Traditional Ni-Vanuatu Food: 10 Foods to Try in Vanuatu, as well as 20 Best Foodie Experiences in Vanuatu.

Food and Water Safety

For food and water safety, a little common sense goes a long way. Choose freshly cooked food, be selective with roadside snacks, wash or peel market produce where needed and ask your accommodation about drinking water before filling bottles from the tap. Learn more about food and water safety in the Vanuatu Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Vanuatu?

Many higher-end resorts provide filtered or bottled drinking water, but arrangements vary, so confirm what is included before arrival. A reusable bottle is still useful for transfers, tours, boat trips and long days in the sun.

For all things “food” in Vanuatu, including markets to visit, foodie tours, restaurant recommendations and self-catering advice, head to The Food Guide to Vanuatu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.