Vanuatu for your next getaway?

A two-and-a-half hour flight transported lastminute lovely Kirsty to another world on her visit to Espirito Santos, Vanuatu – oh-so-dreamy!

Having travelled extensively through Asia, I was looking for a chilled-out escape, and after some research ended up in one of the lesser-known Islands in Vanuatu – Espiritu Santos. It delivered in spades.
We stayed on the Champagne Coast in a wonderful B&B called Barrier Beach House. The property has luxurious fares with traditional Natangura Leaf Roofs (which even make rain sound nice), and is located right on the beach. Breakfast is served daily and Aussie hosts Shen and Shane make you feel right at home.

Our little home at Barrier

Breakfast at Barrier

Neighboring resort Moyan House by the Sea, also has lovely beachfront fares, as well as a French-inspired restaurant, and a spa, that guests from surrounding properties can take full advantage of.
Both properties are part of a stunning coastline with crystal blue waters and magnificent trees, which reach out along the beach connecting the resorts to the ocean. You would be forgiven for not leaving your surroundings.

The view from our bungalow

Enjoying the beach

After two days of soaking in the beauty around us, we got out to explore Espiritu Santos and what we found was spectacular.
The vegetation is so lush, sticks literally grow when they are put in the ground (seriously – it’s how fences are made), the water is the clearest, cleanest and bluest I’ve seen. And to top it off, the local people are friendly, warm and welcoming. And they don’t want to sell you anything!
Aside from relaxing, we found lots to do. My tips:

1. Drive the Champagne Coast stopping at:

• Jackie’s Blue Hole – amazing sapphire-blue water and a super fun rope swing.

• Champagne beach – the dollar for the chief is well worth it. Snorkeling right off the beach reveals corals and fish you would usually travel by boat to see. It was overcast the day we went but it still felt spectacular.

• Velit Bay – kayaking, kite surfing, water activities and a great lunch.
• Port Orly – mix with some locals and check out another stunning beach – just watch out beneath the coconut trees.

Welcome to Champagne Beach indeed!

Champagne Beach

The locals at Champagne Beach – And I was like, ‘no way man that’s my blue bucket’

The cutest local on the Island

2. Float down the Sarakata River – After being taken to the top of Mount Hope we literally jumped into the river and floated down in a life vest. This tour was surprisingly awesome. The water is so beautiful and fresh and we weren’t expecting it to be so much fun.
3. Get more island time – We hired the punt from Barrier Beach House to visit Ice Island. Armed with a picnic Shen had prepared, we were the only people there all day. It was absolute magic!

Our setup at Ice Island

4. Try Kava– I’ve heard it described as dirty dishwater, but I thought it was more like dirty cucumber juice. If you get past the taste there is a relaxing buzz on the other side. Ni-van people drank Kava before tribal negotiations to make them go smoothly – no wonder they’re so relaxed.

Mr LML making friends with Lanagre your Kava bar local

5. Go diving – If you love to dive you’ll love Vanuatu. The Million Dollar Point is considered by some as the best wreck dive in the world, where you can explore the inner workings of SS Predisent Coolage, which now sits on the floor of Santo Harbor.

Sunset swims

After six days in our bubble, we were nervous to depart for the second stage of our trip, but the anxiety was eased by the fact that we knew we would be back.
Facts:
Air Vanuatu flies direct to Espiritu Santos from Brisbane on Tuesdays and back on Sundays. This means you can have an easy six-day break only two and a half hours from our shores (or you can splurge on an additional week like we did).
Additionally you can fly via Port Vila more frequently and from other capital cities.