vanuatu feature in island time march april 2014

Find a true family escape

By Matt Taylor

14 islandtime March/April 2014

Children are treasured in Vanuatu. They play a big part in family life and become actively involved in all aspects of the local community from an early age. Add this wonderful, child-friendly attitude to the great properties and activities on off er, and it's no wonder Vanuatu makes for some marvellous family holidays.

©Holiday Inn Resort, Vanuatu


I S L A N D S

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Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the fi rst stop for overseas travellers and is the ideal spot to base a family adventure. It's a bustling little town that lies around a beautiful, natural harbour. Steep hillsides offer some great views and the dusty streets are always abuzz with people going about their daily duties.

There are plenty of shops to look through, a fantastic choice of eateries, and in general there is plenty to keep the family entertained.

Of course, picking a place to stay is one of the key considerations for any family holiday, and Port Vila has some excellent options.

Iririki Island Resort. A top pick with childrenThere was a time when Iririki Island Resort focused on the couples market, but those days are gone. In fact, now you're just as likely to fi nd families poolside as a couple of newlyweds.

Iriki’s spacious two-level apartments can sleep a family of fi ve with ease, plus they have two new two-bedroom Deluxe Family Fares providing 68 square metres of luxurious family space and breathtaking views of Port Vila Harbour.

This room type boasts a master bedroom with a large sitting area as well as a separate bedroom so adults can relax in private without disturbing sleeping children!

The children’s’ activities centre around the cutely named Pikinini Club, which caters for children from three to 12 years old. It's also free, which is another bonus for their parents.

Children can be kept occupied for seven days a week from 10am to 6pm enjoying all the traditional activities like building sandcastles, face painting, movies, nature walks, collecting shells and hunting for hermit crabs. There’s also a mix of electronic entertainment with Nintendo Wii games.

Children still have lots to do outside of the organised activities. The four-tiered pool complex is set up for hours of watery fun, and with its wide-open spaces, Iririki might just be the ultimate place for a game of hide and seek! On top of that Kids under 13 years stay, play and eat free at Iririki when sharing a room with adults and using existing bedding.

Holiday Inn. A family playgroundOver recent years the Holiday Inn has undergone a top-to-bottom multi-million dollar transformation. From the rooms to the lobby to the conference facilities, no stone has gone unturned in this major refurbishment. For children that means a superb pool area down by the lagoon, and in particular the “kids only” pool with giant cascading water buckets.

Of course, Mum and Dad don't miss out either, with a great poolside bar and a gym they can enjoy, along with a wonderful day spa. There is a good choice of restaurants and bars, and an expanded kids' club to serve children and their parents.

A host of scheduled activities are held at various times during the day, such as fi sh feeding, basket weaving and beach soccer.

The restaurant opens early in the evening to give children a chance to eat and have enough time to go back to the kids' club until it shuts at 8 or 9pm.

This gives parents a bit of breathing space to sit down and enjoy a nice, quiet dinner by themselves. On top of that, babysitting services are available for children under three years of age.

Le Lagon. Let the games beginAlong with Iririki and the Holiday Inn, Le Lagon is considered one the “big three” resorts when it comes to children. Like its contemporaries, Le Lagon has a free club for children aged from three to 12, and of course there is a huge variety of activities on offer. Coconut harvesting, musical games, soccer, skittles, beach volleyball, crazy crab races and jewellery making are just the start of all the fun to be had.

As well as that, Le Lagon offers younger guests the chance to experience some of the local culture, making the holiday fun and educational at the same time.

Excursions include a tour of the local markets, an eye-opening visit to a local school and the chance to play with the local children. Considering that some visiting children will miss the odd day of school while they're in Vanuatu, activities like this are a great experience and defi nitely something they can share with their class at show and tell when they get back home.

Nasama Resort. Room to relaxNasama Resort is a great option for parents looking for a low-key family getaway. Located just 10 minutes out of Port Vila, Nasama has a selection of spacious, two-bedroom apartments that are perfect for families.

Each master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower and bath and there is a washing machine and dryer in the second bathroom. A spacious private balcony opens to adults’ and kids’ pools.

The apartment comes with a kitchen that is fully equipped with everything a family needs to cater for themselves. Cots, baby baths and high chairs are available and there's a babysitting service for when it's time to get away for a bit.

Keep the children activeYes, you can bring the family to Vanuatu and stay within the bounds of your resort. However, you'd be missing out on the true essence of these beautiful islands. Vanuatu has such a wide variety of activities on offer and many of these experiences are suitable for children.

Holiday Inn Resort

March/April 2014 islandtime 17

Cornwall Road, Port Vila, Vanuatu Ph: 678 23696 [email protected] www.coconutpalms.vu

Stay, Relax, EnjoySet among swaying coconut palms and tropical gardens, Coconut Palms Resort is a 3 star property and comprises of 46 rooms providing a touch of comfort which suit all kind of travellers. Relax in our pool and enjoy superb, creative island cuisine from our award-winning restaurant. Experience true Ni-Vanuatu hospitality with us.

This laidback little resort has long been a popular spot with divers, who have easy access to an amazing underwater wall that drops 100 metres down, but is only 100 metres from the shore.

Hideaway also lies in the middle of a marine sanctuary, making for an abundance of sea creatures and colourful coral for Mum, Dad and the family to explore. Snorkelling and diving gear can be hired on the island and the restaurant is a great place to fi ll hungry tummies.

Vanuatu Jungle Zipline. Family fl yingThe lush rainforests of Vanuatu are amazing landscapes to walk through, but imagine getting an adrenalin-pumping birds-eye view from four stories up. That's what you get with the action-packed Jungle Zipline adventure half-day tour. You'll be strapped securely into your safety harness and zip through lush, cool treetops, with stunning views across Mele Bay and Port Vila Harbour.

You'll cross an 80 metre-high canyon, wobble across two suspension bridges and return high above a waterfall. Sound breathtaking?

It most certainly is, and it’s suitable for people of any age. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline has had clients as young as six and as old as 70. The crew will pick you up from any hotel in Port Vila and all you need to bring is some closed toe shoes or reef shoes, insect repellant, a camera, and clothing suitable to wear a harness.

Up, up and awayIf you feel like giving the children a real treat, why not take them for a helicopter trip over Port Vila, its harbour and the surrounding coast. If you're staying in Port Vila, all you need to do is make your way to the booking offi ce of Vanuatu Helicopters, located harbourside by the Nambawan Cafe next to the craft markets right in the middle of town. The helicopter itself operates off a fl oating pontoon in the harbour.

Vanuatu Helicopters offer four set scenic fl ights at varying prices. They start from around NZ$100 per person for a Taste of Vila Flight which takes in the local, spectacular scenery, including the natural harbour, bays, Erakor Island and First Lagoon.

The top-of-the line grand tour of Efate, has you circling the entire island and seeing sights like a sunken Second World War wreck, sandy beaches, dense rainforest and isolated villages.

Hideaway Island. A diff erent kind of mailFor a generation that's grown up on computers, the internet and everything else electronic, Vanuatu offers kids a unique way to communicate - the underwater post off Hideaway Island.

Just a 10-minute drive and two-minute boat ride from Port Vila, Hideaway makes for a fun family day trip, and of course it's famous for being the world's only underwater post offi ce.


Tanna. Explosive family funFor families with older children, making the effort to get over to Tanna Island can offer a variety of experiences few will ever forget. Home to just over 30,000 people, Tanna is a place where visitors can swim in underwater caves, snorkel some the best coral in Vanuatu, ride through the jungle on horseback, visit secret waterfalls and experience a culture that continues to live by its age-old traditions.

However, its biggest drawcard remains Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible live volcanoes, where four-wheel-drive vehicles can get to within about a 10-minute walk from the edge of the crater.

This impressive natural attraction is one of the most popular in Vanuatu, and it's a sight not to be missed. Ash-laden smoke has smothered the surrounding landscape, creating a scene that's like something from another planet.

Like any volcano, the level of explosive activity varies, but it's always best to view Mount Yasur at dusk and into the night, when the red-hot magma makes its own fi reworks display against the dark sky. If you think children get excited on Guy Fawkes Day, multiply that by 1000 times!

Sandboard down a live volcanoIf going up and taking a look inside Mount Yasur is fun, how about jumping on a board and riding the sandy slope. The guys at Tanna Tours Volcano Sandboarding will take you on this unique adventure.

Controlling your speed is fairly straightforward - lean back to go faster and lean forward to slow down. You may have the odd wipeout, but it's all good, safe family fun.

Blokart Vanuatu. Catch the windBlokarts were invented in New Zealand, but they're right at home in Vanuatu. A couple of Kiwis have brought these super-fun land sailing machines to Vanuatu and have set up a purpose-built track only fi ve minutes from Port Vila.

The location means the track picks up Vanuatu's consistent trade winds so there's never any lack of fuel!

If you think it might be a bit too hard to learn, think again. A complete beginner can pick up the basics after a 10-minute lesson (which is included in the cost), so they can be driving around the circuit having an absolute ball in no time.

The better you get the faster you can go. Depending on the wind, these fi nely tuned machines can hit over 30kph. Teenagers are more than able to drive these machines and all the safety equipment is provided. All you need to bring is some sunscreen, sunglasses and a healthy sense of adventure.

Blokart Vanuatu

Climbing Mt Yasur

Mt Yasur fi reworks


SURFSIDE VANUATU Phone +678 22727 [email protected] www.surfsidevanuatu.com

Family friendly

Beach front

Villas fully self-contained

Private pools

Feeding the familyThe food in Vanuatu is really very good. The beef on Santo is considered world-class and the seafood is amazing. Add in the French infl uence and a fusion of Pacifi c fl avours and you have a holiday destination that can serve up something that's just a bit different from the normal family fare. Are your children being fussy? Plenty of places serve up classic dishes for less adventurous children.

Here are just a few places to take the family:

Navara Restaurant, Coconut Palms ResortServing pizza, pasta, tapas, traditional local cuisine and everything else in between, Navara Restaurant is the place to take the family when you want great food at a good price. The outdoor dining is next to a lovely pool and garden, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Mangoes RestaurantSaffron risotto served with fresh calamari, prawns and green peas and fresh herbs. Poulet fi sh wrapped in banana leaves with ginger, coconut milk and herbs. Mango prawns sauteed in garlic butter and served with sweet banana salsa. A meal here is a must.

The Waterfront Bar and GrillThe Waterfront Bar and Grill is one of Port Vila's classic spots and there's no better place for families to kick back. The restaurant/bar opens out onto the marina where yachts, launches and charter boats are moored. On the menu is everything from steak to ribs, salads and Mexican, but seafood is the hero here. We're talking coconut crab, Tahitian fi sh and a mouthwatering lobster mornay that sits over a bed of rice which is probably more to Mum and Dad's liking.

KanpaiIf the kids are fans of Japanese food, they'll love Kanpai. The atmosphere is super-relaxed and the food is beautiful. The chefs use the fresh local seafood to create melt-in-your mouth sushi and sashimi, plus there’s all your regular Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken and tempura. The dining deck also offers picturesque views over the harbour and back into town. For sunset dining be there about fi ve-ish.

Tilly'sDownstairs by the pool at Chantilly's on the Bay Hotel, Tilly's is always a good bet. It's open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but they’re probably best known for their all-day Sunday brunch, which is popular with the locals. On top of that it has fantastic harbour views.

Navara Restaurant, Coconut Palms Resort

Mangoes Restaurant


The Havannah is an intimate, beachfront resort at Samoa Point, Vanuatu set amidst flame trees and tropical gardens. With only 15 villas and three-room categories, the resort is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Each villa is furnished in a tastefully modern style with air conditioning and ceiling fan, king sized bed, private day bed on your terrace, Bose iPod docking station and mini bar. The Waterfront villas enjoy their own plunge pool.

Activities on site include pool-side lazy afternoons, beach picnics, snorkeling, kayaking, petanque and tennis. Scuba diving, island tours, scenic fl ights and car rental can all be organized from the Havannah. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and in all the villas for our guests. The Point Restaurant, offers gourmet cuisine using the freshest of local ingredients with fi ne wines from Australia, New Zealand and France, while The Samoa Point conference room is ideal for executive retreats and small seminars. The Havannah also has a wedding co-coordinator to make your special day perfect. Whether on your honeymoon, in need of a quiet and relaxed break away from it all, or looking for activities in a beautiful environment, The Havannah is your perfect boutique resort in Vanuatu.

The Havannah does not cater to children under 16 year old .

T: +678 551 8060 F: +678 551 8062www.thehavannah.com

[email protected]

Finding pure peace among the best of Pacifi c boutiquesWhile Vanuatu is a great place to take the children, there are also numerous places to get away as a couple - of course not necessarily on the same trip! Outside the main resorts, Vanuatu has some top quality boutique properties that provide a real sanctuary for busy couples in need of some quiet time.

One of the fi nest is Villa 25, located on an expansive coastal headland less than 10 minutes from downtown Port Vila. The property's three two-bedroom villas are superbly furnished and there's a spectacular infi nity pool that looks like it drops into the ocean.

If you want to go diving or deep sea fi shing the boats will pick you up straight off the beach. On top of that, Villa 25 has access to a private chef who will come and cook a meal of your choosing. Now that's service!

Along the beach from Villa 25 (but accessed by a different road) is Paradise Cove. With 10 self-contained bungalows it's a little bigger than its neighbour, but the chilled out atmosphere is much the same. Reggae music plays through the stereo and the rustic bungalows are set among swaying palms. As far as escapes go, it ticks all the boxes.

Around 25 minutes south of Port Vila is Tamanu on the Beach, a lovely boutique property that boasts six unique French Provincial cottages hand-made from coral.

Guests at Tamanu are spoiled with 500 metres of a private beach of white sand, making it the perfect spot for couples to recover from their busy western lives and re-ignite some romance!

It is wonderful place for couples and Tamanu can put together a great wedding package for those who want to tie the knot. Added to this is one of Vanuatu’s fi nest dining experiences, enjoyed in a pavilion-styled open-air dining patio overlooking the beach.

Head 30 minutes north of Port Vila to fi nd The Havannah, another wonderful boutique option. This superbly appointed retreat boasts a secluded beachfront location and luxurious comfort. Because numbers are limited to a maximum of 32 guests, privacy and peace are a given, which is probably why it's extremely popular as a romantic getaway.

For a boutique setup right in Port Vila, there's The Terraces Resort. Set high atop a cliff, this resort is one of the newest in Vanuatu. Its 16 apartments boast breathtaking views over 100-year-old tree-top canopies and the stunning, sparkling waters of Erakor lagoon.

The feel is stylish and modern and it comes with features like a fl oodlit tennis court, gymnasium and private swimming pools in addition to the main resort pool.

For great food, guests can pop next door to the highly regarded Mangoes Restaurant, or have a meal delivered to their room.

Tamanu on the Beach

Villa 25


Much more than just luxury, private beach accommodation in a tropical island paradise...

Internationally recognised as one of the Pacifi c’s best island destinations, Villa 25 is an absolute waterfront boutique retreat in an

exclusive location only minutes from Port Vila. Three spacious, beautifully appointed luxury villas, an enticing infi nity pool, a gorgeous Pacifi c style

lowana, all overlooking a sheltered private beach.

Phone: +678 776 4439 Email: [email protected] www.villa25.vu

For those who want fi ne luxury with an eco twist, Ratua is the obvious choice. Located on a 60 hectare private island off Santo Island's southern coast, Ratua mixes rustic luxury with a serious commitment to preserving the local environment and supporting the local people.

The resort itself has 15 villas, all individually constructed using wood imported from Indonesia. Each villa is named after animals like Tiger, Crocodile and Monkey. Inside is handpicked antique furniture that blends in with the natural wood interior.

When it's time to eat, Ratua's chef uses produce picked straight from the resort’s organic garden and meat that's bred on the island's own cattle ranch, as well as seafood sourced from local fi shermen. And the wine is fl own in from the owner’s own vineyard in France. Yes, this is pure bliss!

What's new on the menu at the Grand Hotel and CasinoThe Grand Hotel and Casino has started the new year with a fresh dinner menu at its signature Crystals Restaurant. Many of these delicious new dishes are created with the freshest local produce giving guests the chance to experience a true taste of Melanesian cuisine. Highlights include the Coconut and Pumpkin Soup served with potato tikka. There's the Tomato Jampork Tuluk which is mince pork wrapped in manioc cake and served with tropical fruit and vegetable salad. Meat lovers are also in for a treat with the succulent Vanuatu eye fi llet of beef skewers marinated in local spices and served with a spicy peanut sauce. To fi nish off they have a fi ne selection of mouth-watering deserts. Needless to say, Crystals Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone making their way to Vanuatu.

The Terraces Resort

Ratua


No better place to unwindIdyllic beaches, tropical gardens and crystal clear seas

www.iririki.comRelax and unwind in a tropical paradise

Tanna Visit

Quite simply, guests are spoiled for choice at the Grand Hotel and Casino. Port Vila’s colourful markets and myriad of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are just a step away from the hotel’s front door, so there’s no need for taxis or courtesy vans. All rooms in this stylish hotel off er amazing harbour and ocean views and are ideally suited to couples or groups of friends wanting a relaxing tropical getaway.

A host of waterfront activities are also close with fishing charters, jet ski hire, parasailing, kayaking and sailing operators virtually right next door. Alternatively if guests choose to stay in and relax, the Grand Hotel and Casino has a fresh water horizon swimming pool, or they can pop up to the spectacular 6th floor Hemisphere Lounge Bar for a cocktail and some of the best views in town.

To top off the perfect day there’s delicious dining at Crystals Restaurant. Whatever your clients choose to do, you know they’ll be in the right place to enjoy everything Port Vila has to off er.

p +678 28882 hotel Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu www.grandvanuatu.com

Grand Hotel and Casino is a quality 4 star hotel in Port Vila and just a step away from everything.

Book your clients into Port Vila’s prime waterfront location


Set overlooking Erakor lagoon with 29 rooms,10 rooms

with their own private plunge pool, three main pools and a well regarded restaurant.Yet only 10 minutes walk from Port Vila. A peaceful

and relaxing escape.

Vanuatu’s leading child-free

boutique resort

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +678 24923 Email: [email protected]

Set high atop a cliff, The Terraces Vanuatu is one of the newest contemporary apartment resorts. It has breathtaking views over one hundred year old tree top canopies and the stunning sparkling waters of Erakor lagoon.

This 5yrs + resort offers 16 apartments with a level of accommodation designed to give you a modern feel in a tropical setting. The resort features a fl oodlit tennis court, gym and private swimming pools in addition to the main resort pool. Adjacent to The Terraces Vanuatu, the highly regarded Mangoes Restaurant offers superb dining and a full room service option.

FAST FACTSDid you know?In 2006 Vanuatu came fi rst in the Happy Planet Index, a global survey to fi nd the happiest people in the world!

ClimateAlthough the climate varies from the north of the country to the south, as a rule the dry season runs from May to October (average temperature 23 degrees Celsius) and the wet season from November to April, when it averages 28 degrees Celsius.

CurrencyThe local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu. At the time of writing, NZ$100 was buying approximately 8000T.

Entry requirementsA passport validity of six months is requested from the entry date into the country. Kiwis are automatically issued a stay of 30 days. This can be extended for up to four months at the Department of Immigration in Port Vila and Luganville.

TimeVanuatu is one hour behind New Zealand, so noon in Auckland is 11am in Vanuatu.

Mobile phonesVanuatu has two GSM digital networks, Telecom Vanuatu and Digicel. If you don't have mobile roaming on your New Zealand mobile, it's easy to buy a SIM card package.

ElectricityVanuatu has the same plugs and voltage as New Zealand.

AirportInternational fl ights land at Bauerfi eld Airport, which is only a 10-minute drive from Port

Malo River kayaking

vanuatu feature in island time march april 2014

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