This week, our Travel Guides escape the daily grind for a South Pacific island adventure in Vanuatu. Upon arrival at Efate, Vanuatu’s most populated island, they make their way to the picturesque Erakor Island Resort by boat.
Settling into their new island oasis, they indulge in the region’s finest cuisine at the Melanesian Feast. With plates piled high, they are captivated by the mesmerising fire-twirling floor show, marking the beginning of their tropical escapade.
Embracing the island vibes, our travellers sample various activities at Erakor Island, from beach volleyball and kayaking to coconut tree climbing. For more excitement, they head over to bustling Port Vila on the main island of Efate, where they explore the vibrant markets, taste fresh local produce, and encounter the unique lizard man with iguanas draped all around him.
The adventure continues with a thrilling 250cc jungle buggy ride through the lush tropical rainforest. With no doors, our explorers emerge mud-splattered but ecstatic, rewarded by adrenaline rushes and breathtaking ocean vistas.
A visit to Moso Island’s Tranquility Turtle Sanctuary sees our travellers interacting with adorable baby turtles and taking part in the release of teenage turtles back into the sea. Next, they fly to Vanuatu’s largest island, Santo, for an eco-friendly retreat at Aore Island Resort.
Here, they immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience, as local women and girls teach them the ancient art of making music with water. Although it proves to be a challenging endeavour, the experience is priceless. A Plantation Walk showcases the resourcefulness of locals in finding food and water from surrounding plants, followed by a well-earned break with cocktails at the resort’s open-air bar.
The journey then leads to Leweton Village, where our travellers brave a spear-filled welcome before witnessing the traditional Kustom dance, savouring local cuisine, and sampling the homemade Kava.
Back on Santo Island, they channel their inner Indiana Jones, exploring the pristine Riri River in traditional dugout canoes. Although some canoes prove to be slightly overloaded, the adventurers ultimately find respite at the magical Matevulu Blue Hole, swinging like Tarzan into the crystal-clear waters.
On their final day in Vanuatu, our travellers cherish every moment of paradise, embracing basket weaving, sand drawing, and a tropical breakfast. As they prepare to rate their island getaway, it’s clear that Vanuatu has captured their hearts and filled their souls with unforgettable memories.