Where to Stay in Vanuatu
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Vanuatu
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Vanuatu
Each region has a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Home to Port Vila, Efate offers Vanuatu's most diverse accommodation scene, from downtown business hotels to secluded beach resorts. The island is the gateway for most international visitors and provides the best infrastructure for exploring vanuatu's beaches and cultural sites.
Only hostel in Port Vila with ocean views, 5-minute walk to town center and nightly social events
Adults-only beachfront resort with its own surf break and traditional thatched-roof villas
Ultra-luxury adults-only resort on secluded peninsula with private plunge pools and overwater day spa
Vanuatu's largest island offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with accommodations ranging from beachfront eco-resorts to plantation-style lodges near WWII dive sites. Santo is famous for things to do in vanuatu efate alternatives.
Family-run beach bungalows on pristine lagoon with kayaks and snorkel gear included
Award-winning dive resort on private island, 5 minutes from SS President Coolidge wreck
French-colonial private island with 200 acres, teak villas imported from Indonesia, and horse riding on beaches
Famous for Mount Yasur volcano, Tanna's accommodations focus on volcanic experiences and traditional village life, with eco-lodges offering front-row seats to nature's fireworks.
Simple bungalows near volcano with local village tours and traditional kava ceremonies
Beachfront resort with volcano-view suites and daily 4WD trips to Mount Yasur
Cliff-top bungalows with private hot springs and helicopter volcano tours
Home to the famous land diving ceremony, Pentecost has authentic village stays and eco bungalows where visitors experience true Melanesian hospitality.
Authentic village homestay with traditional kastom ceremonies and land diving viewing
Eco-bungalows run by local women's group with water music performances and organic gardens
Spacious bungalows with modern amenities near land diving towers
Vanuatu's second-largest island offers rainforest retreats and cultural villages, with accommodations emphasizing traditional architecture and jungle adventures.
Central location with basic rooms and access to traditional Maskelyne Islands
Rainforest lodge with cultural tours to cannibal sites and custom villages
Beachfront resort with diving, fishing and cultural expeditions
Remote island group offering exclusive hideaways and traditional Polynesian-influenced culture, perfect for escaping the crowds.
Beachfront family bungalows with reef snorkeling and traditional fishing
Polynesian-style bungalows with private beaches and volcano views
Private island resort with helicopter access and personalized service
Known as the 'black island' for its volcanic ash, Ambrym offers unique volcano hikes and traditional magic experiences with basic but atmospheric accommodations.
Simple village accommodation with volcano guides and black magic demonstrations
Traditional bungalows at base of Mount Marum with trekking support and cultural activities
Eco-lodge with volcanic ash gardens and traditional arts center
Wild and rugged, Erromango offers pristine forests and traditional culture with eco-lodges focused on conservation and cultural preservation.
Authentic village experience with traditional crafts and forest walks
Conservation-focused lodge with guided hikes to ancient caves and waterfalls
Remote luxury bungalows with helicopter access and conservation programs
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Vanuatu
Vanuatu has minimal international hotel chains – Holiday Inn and Ramada maintain properties in Port Vila, while Best Western operates a resort in Santo. Most accommodations are locally-owned resorts and boutique properties that reflect island character rather than cookie-cutter standards. The major local chains are Vanuatu Holiday Hotels (Port Vila) and Resorts of Vanuatu (multiple islands).
Locally-owned bungalows and guesthouses dominate outer islands, often run by extended families who offer meals featuring fresh seafood and local produce. These properties provide authentic cultural experiences and support island communities directly. Many offer activities like fishing trips, village tours, and traditional cooking classes.
Overwater bungalows at Ratua Private Island, treehouse lodges in rainforest canopies, traditional leaf-houses in custom villages, and volcano-view eco-lodges. Unique experiences include sleeping in WWII Quonset huts in Santo, staying in traditional nakamal (meeting houses), and overnight stays on uninhabited islands with local guides.
Booking Tips for Vanuatu
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Many resorts include airport transfers by boat or 4WD in their rates – confirm this when booking as water taxis can be expensive. Some outer island properties require advance notice for transfers.
Dining options are limited on outer islands, so full board or meal plans are usually better value. Port Vila and Santo have restaurants, but resort dining often uses fresher local ingredients.
Properties near Mount Yasur or Mount Marum often offer better rates for volcano tours when bundled with accommodation. These tours can sell out during peak season.
Many accommodations offer cultural packages including village visits, traditional ceremonies, and kava tasting – these provide better value than booking separately.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Vanuatu
Book 3-6 months ahead for July-October and December-January, for beachfront properties and volcano-view lodges. Christmas/New Year requires 6+ months advance booking.
April-June and November offer good availability with 1-2 months notice. Prices drop 20-30% and weather remains pleasant.
January-March (wet season) sees 40-50% discounts and easy availability, though some outer island properties close. Book 2-4 weeks ahead.
For outer islands, book 2-3 months ahead year-round as flights have limited capacity. Port Vila and Santo have more flexibility but popular resorts still fill up.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Vanuatu
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu's hotels range from international chains in Port Vila like the Iririki Island Resort and Warwick Le Lagon to smaller boutique properties. Most visitors stay in Port Vila on Efate Island or near Luganville on Espiritu Santo, where you'll find the widest selection of amenities and tour operators. Prices typically start around 8,000-12,000 vatu per night for basic hotels and go up to 30,000+ vatu for upscale beachfront properties. We recommend booking ahead during peak season (June-September) as quality accommodation can fill up quickly.
Are there hotels on all the islands of Vanuatu?
Most hotels are concentrated on Efate (Port Vila area) and Espiritu Santo (Luganville), with a good selection on Tanna near Mount Yasur volcano. The outer islands like Pentecost, Malekula, and Ambrym have limited accommodation, usually small guesthouses or bungalows rather than traditional hotels. If you're planning to visit remote islands, we recommend checking availability well in advance and confirming bookings directly, as options are very limited.
What resorts are available in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has several beach resorts, particularly around Port Vila including The Havannah, Mangoes Resort, and Breakas Beach Resort, plus options on Santo like Aore Island Resort and Oyster Island Resort. Most resorts offer packages that include meals, water sports, and cultural activities, with prices ranging from around 15,000 to 50,000+ vatu per night depending on the level of luxury. Many resorts are located on small offshore islands or secluded beaches, accessible by boat transfer from the main islands.
What types of accommodation are available in Vanuatu?
Accommodation in Vanuatu includes international hotels, beach resorts, boutique bungalows, budget guesthouses, and traditional-style beach fales. Port Vila has the most variety with everything from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts, while outer islands typically offer simpler guesthouse or bungalow-style accommodation run by local families. Self-catering apartments and holiday homes are also available in Port Vila and Luganville, which can be good value for families or longer stays.
Where should I stay in Vanuatu?
Most first-time visitors base themselves in Port Vila on Efate Island, which has the best infrastructure, restaurant scene, and day-trip options including nearby islands and beaches. If you're interested in diving or WWII history, Luganville on Espiritu Santo is ideal, while Tanna is the place to stay for volcano viewing and traditional kastom villages. For a typical week-long trip, many people split their time between two islands—usually Efate and either Santo or Tanna.