Holidays in Vanuatu open up a world of smiling faces in a warm tropical setting. The essence of the laid-back South Pacific, Vanuatu is a cluster of tropical islands about 1700km off our east coast. As a near neighbour, Vanuatu is a relaxed, fascinating and accessible holiday destination for families, couples and singles.
Vanuatu is a diverse island nation. From perfect white sand beaches to flourishing tropical rainforests, brilliant marine life to sunken WW2 relics, lofty volcanoes to underground caves, there are plenty of tropical treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, is on a magnificent natural harbour on Efate; the main island. It’s the international gateway and is an appealing, unsoiled, orderly town with a waterfront so pure you’ll be amazed to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish swimming about. It’s a cosmopolitan town with a mix of Melanesian, European and Asian influences and harbours a wide variety of accommodation types from the standard through to luxury 5 star resorts. There’s a good selection of dining and entertainment options and you can organise scenic coach tours or flights around the islands.
The rest of the island offers a rugged coastline and lush countryside split by rivers and waterfalls. The coastline features sandy bays and tranquil lagoons where tropical fish dart among the coral reefs. On the islands you’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe, leaving footprints on beaches seemingly untouched by man. Attractions like the Mele cascades waterfalls, Survivor Beach and Pele Island constantly attract visitors for their beauty and drama, and don’t miss a sunset cocktail cruise for scenic vistas of Port Vila on the calm waters of the lagoon.
One of the Vanuatu’s popular attractions takes place on Pentecost Island each Saturday between April and June. A legend sparked the tradition of 'land-diving', where young men test their mettle by launching themselves from towers constructed of branches, tied by vines at the ankles, and plunge towards the ground.
Vanuatu fun facts
Archaeological evidence shows that Vanuatu has been inhabited since at least 2000BC
Vanuatu was previously known as New Hebrides
Vanuatu means “The Land That Has Always Existed”
Romantic Fiji
Thursday 19th May 2011
Travel Counsellor: Catrina Hodges
In May this year I was fortunate to visit Fiji on an agent educational hosted by Fiji Tourism. The trip had a “Romance Me Fiji” theme and was designed to showcase the wonderful venues available for weddings and honeymoons in Fiji.
In a busy 7 day itinerary we stayed at 6 different hotels, ranging from 5 star to 3 star, along the beautiful Coral Coast, Denarau and Nadi regions of Fiji and were fortunate to savour many delicious meals similar to those that would be served at weddings.
We flew Air Pacific to Nadi and with a late evening arrival were grateful for the short 15 minute drive to our first hotel, the Westin in Denarau. After a quick supper at the stunning Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill next to the pool we retired to our rooms and the Westin’s famous divine “Heavenly Beds” which lived up to their reputation as the most comfortable beds ever!!
Waking up in Fiji to a view of the ocean, beaches and palm trees with balmy tropical weather, it is easy to see why it is one of the... view full story
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