12 Unique Stays, Treehouses & Overwater Bungalows in Vanuatu

One of many treehouses in Tanna LINK#D071, Castle Tree House and Bungalow is a longstanding favourite by Mt Yasur.

Sleep 8 m (26 ft) above the ground in your own treehouse, with breathtaking panoramic views of the grumbling volcano right from your private balcony.

Choose from cosy bungalows (unadventurously on solid ground) or the elevated treehouses, both offering front-row seats to one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. John and his lovely family welcome guests with that genuine island hospitality we've come to adore, taking care of your every need whilst offering guided tours of the surrounding areas.

The village stay includes an on-site restaurant serving home-cooked meals from your hosts. You'll also find hiking, snorkelling and therapeutic massage treatments available.

Get higher still at the Glowing Mountain View Tree House, also in Tanna!

Picture waking up in your own private tree house, surrounded by lush tropical greenery and breathing in the crisp mountain air. It's like being a fruit bat, but with significantly better amenities!

The real showstopper here is the spectacular nighttime view of the active Yasur Volcano. You'll watch mesmerising red glowing eruptions from your elevated perch.

Each guest gets their own private treehouse and garden space, creating an intimate connection with nature on a whole new level, both literally and figuratively. The property is beautifully surrounded by tropical flowers, and the hosts offer various tours and activities to help you explore the area's natural attractions.

To top it all off, airport transfers can be arranged with advance notice of your flight details (definitely worth organising to avoid any stress).

Holiday Inn Resort offers some of the best overwater bungalows in Vanuatu, but let's paint you the whole picture.

You'll find 148 beautifully designed rooms and suites scattered across a stunning oceanfront location where the resort is designed to appeal to everyone without disturbing each other.

The resort cleverly caters to different moods with two magnificent pool areas. There's the action-packed kids' pool complete with waterfalls and splash features, and then there's the serene Terrace Pool where you can soak up those tranquil views of the resort's private Erongo Island.

When it comes to dining, there's the elegant Verandah Restaurant, the laid-back Lobby Bar, and the ever-popular Pool Bar that's famous for its wood-fired pizzas. Escape to the day spa for a bit of pampering, plus there's a modern fitness centre and plenty of water sports, including sailing catamarans and kayaking.

From what we've personally experienced, this property stands out as possibly the finest Holiday Inn in the South Pacific. It delivers a complete resort experience rather than just a place to sleep, which we've found makes all the difference.

There are enough treehouses in Tanna for everyone, especially if Tanna Volcano View Tree House has anything to say about it!

If you've ever dreamed of falling asleep to the rumble of an active volcano, this locally owned treehouse is your answer. Perched directly opposite the entrance to Yasur Volcano, it offers front-row seats to one of the world's most spectacular natural shows right from your verandah.

Robert and Lina run this family homestay with genuine warmth, and we can't get enough of how they make every guest feel like part of the village family. The treehouse sits just a two-minute stroll from the volcano ticket office, so you'll be first in line for those unforgettable crater visits.

You'll have your pick between private rooms or dorm-style accommodation, both featuring comfortable beds wrapped in mosquito netting. Breakfast comes included with every stay, and the on-site restaurant serves up generous helpings of authentic local kai kai that'll have you coming back for seconds.

The hosts arrange volcano tours directly from the property and can organise excursions to the ash plains, waterfalls and Port Resolution.

Let's take a break from treehouses for a second. Pick your style of "unique": a belle glamping tent or a colourful beach house, at Le Life Resort!

This adventure-focused resort offers an impressive array of on-site activities, from laser tag battles to kayaking through paradise waters. Experience spearfishing, snorkelling amongst the reef locals, and bushwalking through lush island landscapes.

There are a few bungalow styles to choose from, with private ensuite bungalows, colourful fales resembling beach houses, and boho belle tents. But note that the resort requires a two-night minimum stay (although you'll definitely want to stay longer).

For those seeking the ultimate budget adventure, simple campsites are available where you can pitch your own tent and enjoy shared facilities.

Le Life Restaurant & Beach Bar serves dishes crafted from locally sourced seafood, seasonal produce from nearby farms and traditional island ingredients, whilst beachside massage treatments at the massage fale provide the perfect way to unwind.

Unique with its old stone cottage architecture that has been plopped into the South Pacific, Nakatumble is a luxury experience unlike anything else in Vanuatu.

Set on six lush acres along the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, this luxury accommodation offers an intimate retreat with colonial cottage-style rooms featuring tropical flair. The estate accommodates up to 15 guests across four premium suites surrounding the central building known as "The Residence" (or "The Big House").

Each thoughtfully designed suite boasts its own unique character and property views, constructed using sustainable Nakatumble timber with high ceilings that promote excellent natural airflow. The central "Big House" serves as your living space, complete with an indoor dining area, bar and kitchen, though you won't need to cook as the team prepares delicious, fresh meals daily.

Your stay includes exceptional amenities such as complimentary high-speed WiFi, all-day breakfast provisions, complimentary laundry service, hostess service, and 24/7 onsite first aid assistance. The estate also features a working farm with friendly animals, sunrise yoga opportunities, watersports with personalised instruction, and massage and beauty treatments.

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 LINK#D053. Stay at Serenity Treehouse and Beach Bungalows!

You'll fall in love with this unique beachfront escape that offers both treehouses and bungalows. Each one comes with stunning ocean views and your own private balcony complete with comfy chairs.

Every room features a private bathroom with shower, plus all the essentials you'll need like fans, fridges and desks. Better yet, there's an included breakfast served at Serenity Restaurant right on the beach, which also dishes up fantastic lunch and dinner options featuring fresh seafood, grilled BBQ and delicious local cuisine.

During your stay, you can snorkel, paddle around in a canoe, or cosy up by the outdoor fireplace after a day of exploring. Don't miss the spectacular Blue Holes and Champagne Beach (just a 25-minute drive away), and we highly recommend taking part in village visits for some genuine cultural immersion.

The property takes care of the practicalities with room service, luggage storage and a paid shuttle service to Santo-Pekoa International Airport.

The luxury international resort chain, Warwick Le Lagoon Resort & Spa unsurprisingly has overwater bungalows in its arsenal.

This 4.5-star family-friendly resort combines colonial-style elegance with an international-standard experience, offering luxurious rooms with garden or lagoon views, standalone bungalows and exclusive villas.

For the ultimate indulgence, the private pool villas provide unparalleled luxury, with some featuring overwater accommodation that puts you directly above the crystal-clear lagoon waters.

Beyond the stunning accommodation, guests can enjoy water sports, a variety of restaurants and bars, and the serene Oasis Spa complete with its own private pool. With extensive conference facilities and on-site meeting rooms, this resort also serves as a dream venue for events.

Private island: check! Rustic luxury architecture: check and check! Ratua Private Island Resort is a place with a whole lot of character in Santo!

This exclusive private island resort in Vanuatu offers a rustic escape into its own world with accommodations crafted from 200-year-old teak wood. Choose from charming two-bedroom courtyard villas in the "Fish Village", beachfront villas with shabby chic furnishings, or unique glamping marquees inspired by the Serengeti.

Each accommodation features private verandahs with stunning ocean or garden views, whilst guests enjoy complimentary access to non-motorised water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

The resort offers an impressive array of activities from turtle spotting and game fishing to cycling tours through coconut groves and the famous Malo Blue Hole Adventure. For a truly unique experience, join guided horse riding and swimming adventures right into the ocean.

Dining showcases the freshest ingredients from the resort's organic garden, with chefs handpicking herbs and tropical fruits daily whilst local fishermen supply reef snapper, yellowfin tuna and slipper lobsters. The result is cuisine blending French, Melanesian and island influences with handmade bread, grilled fish with tamarind glaze and coconut curry with taro root.

Sure, glamping has featured on this list of unique accommodations in Vanuatu already. But what makes Hidden Cover Eco Retreat unique is that it's also kitted out with sumptuous furniture that adds 10x the glam!

Certainly one of the more unique glamping accommodations we've encountered, Hidden Cove is a fully serviced luxury eco retreat featuring two waterfront tented villas that take glamping to extraordinary heights.

Each tent boasts its own distinctive character, with undoubtedly exceptional comfort and privacy in an atmosphere that perfectly blends opulence with island charm. The design showcases extensive use of bamboo, coral stone and marble combined with the romance of canvas, creating an unforgettable tropical sanctuary.

Suspension bridges and boardwalks wind through the surrounding grounds, providing access to a small private cove where you can enjoy complete seclusion. Inside, ornate furniture and four-poster beds create an ambience reminiscent of a tropical fantasy, where luxury meets adventure in the most enchanting way.

One of the better-constructed treehouses in Tanna, Tree Home Adventure has two storeys of fun!

You'll love this charming two-storey treehouse that feels like something straight out of a fairytale. Nestled amongst the trees, this beautifully crafted accommodation offers a proper back-to-nature experience with private ensuite facilities (complete with a cold water shower), two double beds, and a dedicated dining area that's more spacious than your typical treehouse hideaway.

You'll need to pack like a proper explorer; bring towels, torches, water, coffee and snacks, as the nearest shop is an hour's walk away.

The accommodation keeps things authentically rustic with minimal lighting beyond the dining room, creating that genuine off-grid atmosphere we're personally drawn to. Don't worry about going hungry though—meals are available on-site at reasonable prices, featuring local favourites like rice, noodles and chicken.

The family who runs this place will arrange transportation pickup and can organise guided volcano hiking experiences, though do keep in mind that services may vary as they're still perfecting their hospitality approach.

One last overwater bungalow to consider are those on the private island of Iririki Island Resort & Spa.

With 12 different room types from charming garden-nestled "Island Farés" to stunning "Premium Overwater Farés" and the impressive "Tri-Level Penthouse", there's truly something for everyone.

And if you travel for pooltime, you'll love the cascading Sunset Pools, which comes with a swim-up bar (perfect for those lazy afternoon cocktails), whilst the Infinity Pool offers those Instagram-worthy panoramic ocean views you've been dreaming of.

The complimentary water sports are a real treat; kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling are all included, and the 130 m (426 ft) beach gives you plenty of space for beach volleyball or simply soaking up the sun.

From what we've experienced, the cultural touches really set this place apart. The weekly "Melanesian Feast Night" with fire show is absolutely spectacular, and we can't get enough of the complimentary volcanic rock cooking classes with local mamas (you'll learn traditional techniques passed down through generations).

Three restaurants, tennis courts, a games area and spa treatments round out the experience beautifully. Plus, unlimited complimentary ferry transfers mean you won't be worrying about getting back and forth to the mainland.