The Best Places to Stay in Vanuatu

Scattered in a Y shape across the South Pacific, the archipelago of Vanuatu might be made up of 83 islands, but most only know of two or three. Efate and Espiritu Santo are the hotspots on almost every traveller's lips when thinking about a getaway to these pieces of tropical, yet vastly different, paradises.

One is home to the vibrant capital of Port Vila with its stunning harbour and beaches, while the other boasts the world's most accessible shipwreck and pristine blue holes. Both have a wealth of breathtaking holiday experiences in the form of gorgeous resorts, lavish villas and private holiday homes. We go through some favourites in this guide to the best Vanuatu accommodations.

But what about the other islands? Although less-visited, they are no less exceptional and are totally different again, with the active volcanoes of Tanna and Ambrym, the cultural richness of Malekula and Pentecost, and the remote outer islands where life is lived as it always has. Intrigued? We also go through the best accommodations and places to stay on these lesser visited islands of Vanuatu.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

The Top 10 Accommodations in Vanuatu

Before we dive into this complete guide on where to stay in Vanuatu, we thought you’d find it helpful for us to list our top 10 Vanuatu accommodations and where to find them.

  1. Tanna Lava View Bungalows - Isaka Village, Tanna
  2. Santo Heritage Lodge - Luganville, Espiritu Santo
  3. Fortunate Lodge - Imelone Sub Division, Tanna
  4. Malog Bungalows - Maskelyne Island, Malekula
  5. Havannah Eco Lodge - Havannah Harbour, Efate
  6. Sea Breeze Bungalows - Port Resolution, Tanna
  7. Nanwut Bungalows - Uri Island, Lakatoro, Malekula
  8. Nawori Sea View Bungalows - Walarano, Malekula
  9. Birihia Sea View Bungalows - Malo Island, Espiritu Santo
  10. Bamboo Bungalows Lonnoc Beach - Hog Harbour, Espiritu Santo

The list continues in The Top 50 Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu and 30 Best Bungalows & Guesthouses in Vanuatu!

Erakor Island Resort Lux Pool CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

Where to Stay: Port Vila & Efate

The largest and most populous island in Vanuatu, Port Vila & Efate, is typically the go-to destination for first-time visitors. It offers the widest range of holiday accommodations, most of which are located in and around the capital, Port Vila, while a few are situated along the beachfronts or among the tropical forests around Efate.

We personally believe that the biggest appeal of staying on Port Vila & Efate is that it offers all the tours, activities, restaurants, transportation, and more to make a tropical getaway effortless. There's enough to do as much or as little as you like, as the case may be.

So whether you're keen for a snorkel or scuba dive, fancy jumping into a swimming hole beneath a beautiful cascade, want to immerse yourself in the culture in a "cultural village", or even try ziplining or horse riding, Port Vila & Efate is the place to be for your first time in Vanuatu.

Learn more about what Port Vila & Efate is all about with The Complete Travel Guide to Port Vila & Efate and the 50 Best Things to Do on Port Vila & Efate.

The Best Resorts in Port Vila & Efate

Learn more about the top resorts in the 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

E Nauwi Beach Resort SEB CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

The Best Resorts in Port Vila & Efate for Families

  • E Nauwi Beach Resort - Lagoon-based resort ideal for families with good kayaking - $$$
  • Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu by IGH - Family-friendly resort with fun pool area and kids club - $$$
  • Iririki Island Resort - Private island resort, a 5-minute ferry ride from downtown Port Vila - $$$$
  • M Resort & Spa - Spacious villas on the beach on the sunset coast - $$$
  • Le Life Resort - Glamping tents, beach houses and lots of activities - $$

For more resorts for families, check out the 50 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Vanuatu.

The Best Resorts in Port Vila & Efate for Couples

Learn more about the best stays for couples in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanuatu.

The Best Holiday Homes & Villas in Port Vila & Efate

  • The Cove Vanuatu - Airy one-bedroom holiday home on the beach - $$$$
  • Seahorse Lodge - Holiday home with private chef and resort services - $$$
  • Villa 25 - Three luxury villas with an infinity pool - $$$$
  • The Namele Villas - Two self-contained villas and a poolhouse with bay views - $$$$
  • Longview - Three-beddy on the hills overlooking Port Vila - $$$

Check out the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Villas in Vanuatu to learn more about these exclusive stays.

Inok's Sunset Bungalows Pele CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
Tree House Upper Floor
Tree House Upper Floor
Glowing Mountain View Tree House
from VT 5000/night
View Rooms
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

The Best Budget Accommodations in Port Vila & Efate

For more cheap picks, check out the 50 Best Budget Accommodations in Vanuatu.

The Best Apartments in Port Vila & Efate

The Best Hotels in Port Vila & Efate

Check out the top hotels in the 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

The Best Side of Efate to Stay

Where on the island should you stay on Efate? Efate's main hotspots are Port Vila on the southwest side, Mele Bay west of Port Vila and Havannah Harbour on the northwest coast. Luckily, we have a full guide about all the best places to stay on the island.

Check it out: Where to Stay in Port Vila & Efate: The Best Efate Accommodations.

Ratua Resort (3) SEB CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

Where to Stay: Espiritu Santo

Known for its breathtaking beaches and world-class diving, Espiritu Santo - let's just call it Santo from now on - is Vanuatu's largest island with stunning blue holes, top-class wreck diving and lush tropical landscapes awash in waterfalls. It's paradise. And it has a whole range of accommodation styles so you can stay for longer.

The main attraction in Espiritu Santo is the incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities, including the famous SS President Coolidge wreck and Million Dollar Point, where many operators are available to show you around. In between the excitement, your downtime on this island, which is much more relaxed than Port Vila (if you'd think that's possible), can be spent at your chosen five-star resort, boutique bungalow on the beach, or even a guesthouse in one of the villages.

See if you'll love Espiritu Santo as much as we do by checking out The Complete Travel Guide to Espiritu Santo, as well as the 50 Best Things to Do on Espiritu Santo.

The Best Resorts on Espiritu Santo

Discover more about these resorts in the 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

The Best Resorts on Espiritu Santo for Families

Check out the 50 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Vanuatu for more family-friendly resorts.

Exclusive Sunrise Resort Accomm CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

The Best Resorts on Espiritu Santo for Couples

Learn more about the best accommodations for couples in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanuatu.

The Best Holiday Homes on Espiritu Santo

  • Tawai Guesthouse - Self-contained holiday home-style stay with two bedrooms - $
  • Javicko Guest House - Simple local guesthouse on Malo Island with homemade meals and a relaxed, solar-powered stay - $
  • Pandanus Guest House - Cosy locally run bungalow on Malo Island with home-cooked meals and easy access to the Malo Blue Hole - $
  • Surunda Beach House - Four-bedroom waterfront home with on-site fishing charters - $$$
  • Sails Beach House - Stylish three-bedroom home with kayaks and snorkelling gear - $$$
  • Aoredise - Two-bedroom home with kayaks, SUPs and bikes - $$$
  • Aore Paradise - Design-driven two-bedroom villa with a sunset deck and cabana. Bikes included - $$$

See the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Villas in Vanuatu to learn more about these more private stays.

Birihia Sea Side Guest House (7) SEB CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
Bungalow with Private Bathroom
Bungalow with Private Bathroom
Nanwut Bungalows
from VT 3500/night
View Rooms
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

The Best Budget Accommodations on Espiritu Santo

Check out the 50 Best Budget Accommodations in Vanuatu for more affordable finds.

The Best Hotels on Espiritu Santo

  • Santo Heritage Lodge - Modern, locally run lodge with ensuite rooms and apartments - $$
  • Organic Inn - Peaceful modern motel that's locally run on the edge of town - $$
  • Hotel Santo - Affordable hotel with a retro design - $$
  • Deco Stop Lodge - Upmarket guesthouse with a restaurant and pool - $$
  • The Espiritu - Upmarket hotel with a restaurant and pool - $$$

Learn more about these hotels and more in the 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

The Best Side of Espiritu Santo to Stay

Where on the island should you stay on Espiritu Santo? Espiritu Santo's main hotspots are Luganville on the southeast side, Aore Island south of Luganville, Turtle Bay along the lower east coast and finally the more remote Hog Harbour and Port Olry in the northeast. We also have a full guide about all the best places to stay on the island.

Check it out: Where to Stay in Luganville & Espiritu Santo: The Best Espiritu Santo Accommodations.

Yasur Bungalows and Castle Tree House (3) SEB CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

Where to Stay: Tanna

Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and cultural authenticity, Tanna is often considered Vanuatu's most captivating island with the legendary Mt Yasur volcano and traditional village experiences that showcase genuine kastom culture. It's wild and wonderful. And it has accommodation options perfectly positioned so you can make the most of your volcanic adventure.

The main attraction on Tanna is the incredible Mt Yasur volcano experience, with its regular eruptions providing spectacular sunset and sunrise shows, where local guides are available to safely escort you to the crater rim. In between the volcanic excitement, your downtime on this island, which feels wonderfully untouched compared to the busier islands, can be spent at your chosen locally-run bungalow (or treehouse) near the volcano or a comfortable guesthouse or resort near Lenakel airport.

Most visitors choose to stay either close to Mt Yasur and its surrounding villages, like Sulphur Bay, for easier access to volcano tours, or near Lenakel on the west side of the island for convenient airport transfers and exploring the coastline.

Discover if you'll be as mesmerised by Tanna as we are by checking out The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna, as well as the 20 Best Things to Do on Tanna.

The Best Resorts on Tanna

Learn more about these resorts and others in the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vanuatu.

The Best Bungalows in West Tanna

  • Sea Breeze Bungalows - Locally owned beachfront bungalows at Port Resolution with ocean views and easy access to a nearby hot spring - $
  • Fortunate Lodge - Well-equipped cabin-style bungalows in West Tanna with French dining, a kava corner and barbecue nights - $$
  • Apera Beach Front Bungalows - Spacious beachfront bungalows on Tanna with simple meals, relaxed hospitality and direct beach access - $
  • White Beach Bungalows - Family-run beachfront guesthouse on Tanna with home-cooked meals, a natural tidal pool and easy volcano access
  • Iwaru Beach Bungalows - Colourful beachfront bungalows on southern Tanna with fresh local meals, surf access and warm local hospitality - $
  • Alofa Beach Bungalows - Spacious locally-run bungalows in lush gardens - $
  • Rocky Ridge Bungalows - Basic units by Tanna's blue holes and Blue Cave

Learn more about these local stays in the 20 Best Bungalows & Guesthouses in Vanuatu.

The Best Budget Accommodations on Tanna

  • Centre Lodge - Locally run Lenakel accommodation with kitchen facilities, hot water and tours to Tanna’s major sights - $
  • Ellen's Guest House - Simple, affordable local guesthouse in Black Man Town offering a genuine community-based stay - $
  • Lenakel Lodge - Simple, affordable rooms in central Lenakel with shared facilities and a convenient base for exploring Tanna - $
  • Talapoa View Lodge - Budget-friendly rooms and bungalows on Tanna with beach views, a shared kitchen and relaxed local atmosphere - $
  • Yakel Cultural Village - Overnight stay inside a real kastom village for one of Tanna’s most authentic cultural experiences - $

Check out the 20 Best Budget Accommodations on Tanna for more affordable finds.

The Best Bungalows Near Mt Yasur

More on these Tanna beauties can be found in the 15 Unique Stays, Treehouses & Overwater Bungalows in Vanuatu and 35 Best Budget Accommodations in Vanuatu.

The Best Side of Tanna to Stay

Where on the island should you stay on Tanna? Tanna's main hotspots are Lenakel and Isangel on the west coast and the road and villages surrounding Mt Yasur on the east coast. We also have a full guide about all the best places to stay on the island.

Check it out: Where to Stay on Tanna: The Best Tanna Accommodations.

South West Bay Beach Bungalows (17) SEB CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

Where to Stay: Malekula

Known for being the home to some of the most captivating cultures in the country, Malekula is often considered one of Vanuatu's most fascinating islands with traditional village experiences that showcase genuine kastom culture and diverse landscapes from coastal areas to the mountainous interior. It's wild and wonderful. And it has accommodation options perfectly positioned so you can make the most of your cultural adventure.

The main attractions on Malekula include the incredible cultural experiences with the Small Nambas people, spectacular hiking trails like the Dog's Head Trail, and access to traditional villages where local guides are available to safely escort you through authentic cultural encounters. In between the cultural excitement, your downtime on this island, which feels wonderfully untouched compared to the busier islands, can be spent at your chosen locally-run bungalow in Lakatoro or Norsup, or venture south to Lamap and Maskelyne Island for an authentic island stay.

Most visitors choose to stay either in the main centres of Lakatoro and Norsup on the east coast for convenient access to the Dog's Head Trail and Small Nambas villages, or head south to Lamap for exploring Maskelyne Island and accessing nearby Ambrym Island.

Discover if you'll be as mesmerised by Malekula as we are by checking out The Complete Travel Guide to Malekula, as well as the 20 Best Things to Do on Malekula.

The Best Bungalows on Malekula

  • Nanwut Bungalows - Uninhabited island paradise just off the coast of Lakatoro - $
  • Nawori Sea View Bungalows - Impressive waterfront location on the northeast coast - $
  • Malog Bungalows - Well-presented local bungalows on Maskelyne Island - $
  • Dram Dram Bungalows - Small community-run beachfront lodge with breakfast, local tours and a beachside restaurant - $
  • Mahun Bungalows - Eco-style ridge-top bungalow in South West Bay with panoramic lagoon views and easy airport access by boat - $
  • Nabelchel Bungalows - Private ensuite bungalows with a shared kitchen, covered dining area and community feel - $

Learn more about these local stays in the 20 Best Bungalows & Guesthouses in Vanuatu.

The Best Budget Accommodations on Malekula

  • Malekula Holiday Villas - Great for people seeking something more familiar - $
  • Tautu Garden Lodge - Quiet garden lodge with 16 rooms, dorms and self-contained options, plus 24-hour power and secure grounds - $
  • Litzlitz Mangrove Lodge - Simple mangrove-side rooms with a shared kitchen, local views and optional airport pick-up - $
  • Qweross Guest House - Friendly local guesthouse with simple rooms, home-grown breakfast and easy village access - $
  • Walem Lodge - Relaxed lodge near Litzlitz Wharf with four houses, garden outlooks and ocean views - $
  • Lakatoro Palm Lodge - Small family-run stay in Lakatoro with private bungalows, a shared dormitory and breakfast included - $
  • Anata Traveller's Inn - Small garden guesthouse with dorms, private rooms and a fully equipped communal kitchen - $

Check out the 20 Best Budget Accommodations on Malekula LINK#A221 for more affordable finds.

The Best Side of Malekula to Stay

Where on the island should you stay on Malekula? Malekula's main hotspots are Lakatoro and Norsup on the northeast coast and the villages surrounding Lamap and Maskelyne on the southwest coast. We also have a full guide about all the best places to stay on the island.

Check it out: Where to Stay on Malekula: The Best Malekula Accommodations.

Tree House Upper Floor
Tree House Lower Floor

Where to Stay

Glowing Mountain View Tree House

2 room typesTanna

Tree House Upper Floor · Tree House Lower Floor

From

VT 5000/night

View Rooms
Ocean View Bungalows Pele (10) CREDIT VanuatuPocketGuide.com
Palm Villa
Palm Villa
Malekula Holiday Villas
from AU$66/night
View Rooms
© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

The Best Accommodations in Vanuatu: Accommodation Categories

By now, you've probably realised that Vanuatu has accommodations appealing to all types of travellers and that here, at Vanuatu Pocket Guide, we've ranked them all! Browse Vanuatu accommodations by category using the following links:

More About Where to Stay in Vanuatu + The Best Vanuatu Accommodations

Woah! Well done for making it this far in our guide to the best Vanuatu accommodations. By now, you probably have a good idea of where to stay in Vanuatu, so plan the rest of your trip with these guides:

Finally, if you're still unsure where to stay in Vanuatu, compare the islands further in The Best Islands to Visit in Vanuatu.