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With a deep blue lagoon on one side and a tropical waterfront on the other, Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila ticks all the boxes for island enthusiasts. This idyllic paradise on Mele Bay (on the southwest coast of Efate) is a treasure trove of crystal-clear water, white sand and vibrant cultural experiences. The best thing? Less than a three-hour flight from Brisbane, this slow stay in blissful paradise is perfect if you don’t want to travel too far.
Port Vila Market
If there was only one word to describe the Port Vila Market – also known as the Mama’s Markets – it would be “vibrant”. Here, brightly coloured food and trinkets are sold by the mamas on weekdays and half of Saturday. Peruse tables of seasonal fruits and vegies, fresh flowers and handcrafted necklaces and bracelets – just try not to buy everything!
Volcanic Earth Day Spa
There’s something to be said about spa treatments in the South Pacific, often boasting locally made and natural products, and incorporating a range of often-forgotten techniques. As winner
of Day Spa of the Year – South Pacific in the Resorts & Retreats Awards 2023, Volcanic Earth is our pick for a Zen-inducing Melanesian massage. Whether you’re after a facial or a detoxifying full-body wrap, this is the place to sit back and relax.
Mystery Island
From the coconut-laden palm trees to the locals selling handmade wares, Mystery Island is a huge hit with cruise visitors to Vanuatu. Roughly 310km away from Port Vila, this tropical island is typically uninhabited, though residents of neighbouring Aneityum set up on days when ships dock. With beautiful, white-sand beaches, you can walk along the entire shoreline in 40 minutes – but between checking out the stalls, getting your hair braided and snorkelling with turtles, Mystery Island makes the perfect beach break.
Café Vila Restaurant & Bar
Consider this Port Vila’s home of fusion food made with the freshest ingredients. Located in the coastal Nasama Resort, Café Vila offers a combination of local cuisine and Aussie cafe faves. With full table service and a happy hour from 5.30pm until 7pm, head here for the ultimate relaxed oceanside dining experience.
Tanna Coffee
Struggling to source a good cup of coffee while on holiday is one of our bugbears – fortunately, it’s not an issue in Port Vila. Just 20 minutes out of the capital, you’ll stumble across Tanna Coffee –
a factory and cafe nestled in a former church. Tour the production line of Vanuatu’s finest beans or perch yourself on the deck for a coffee and tasty fare.
Banyan Beach Bar
After a serving of the crispiest pizza crust? How about a cocktail? Banyan Beach Bar is the place to be. With hammocks and tables across the pristine sand of Banyan’s private beach, making it the only beach bar in Port Vila, this spot is ideal for a sunset session.
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
Hello, private beach and overwater villas! With 148 rooms – some tailored for families, others for couples – Vanuatu’s Holiday Inn Resort is primed for that serene seaside getaway we all deeply crave. If you’re looking for action, this resort offers a range of beach-centric activities (think volleyball, kayaking and windsurfing). The only question left is how many nights are you staying?
Win!
Prefer to travel by sea? A cruise may be in order! Royal Caribbean Cruises has a range of South Pacific Cruises slated to depart from Brisbane and Sydney, before voyaging through Port Vila and Mystery Island in 2025 and 2026. Channel your inner explorer in the South Pacific as you swing into the Blue Lagoon in Vanuatu or immerse yourself in the diverse culture. Unwind on the untouched beaches of Mystery Island, where you can dive down to explore underwater shipwrecks, see tropical fish or wander shores lined with coconut trees. To win one of four Royal Caribbean seven-night South Pacific cruises for 2025 (valued at up to $5996), visit who.com.au/cruise
Price is based on Quantum of the Seas, January 24, 2025, seven-night South Pacific cruise (as of September 6, 2024).
