Where to Stay in Vanuatu
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Vanuatu
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The main tourism hub offers the country's widest accommodation range, from backpacker hostels to international resort chains. Properties cluster around Port Vila town, Mele Bay, and the northwest coast, with easy access to restaurants, activities, and infrastructure. This is the most developed area with reliable utilities and services.
The largest island combines the service town of Luganville with spectacular natural attractions including Champagne Beach and the SS President Coolidge wreck. Accommodation ranges from town guesthouses to isolated beach resorts, with many properties catering to divers and adventure travelers. The east coast remains largely undeveloped.
Famous for Mount Yasur volcano, Tanna offers rustic bungalow resorts and village-based accommodation near the volcano and along the coast. Properties emphasize cultural experiences and volcano access, with most operating as small-scale, locally-owned businesses. Facilities are generally basic but adequate, with stunning natural settings.
Home to the original land diving tradition, Pentecost offers primarily village-based accommodation and a few small guesthouses. This is one of the least developed islands for tourism, with very basic facilities but authentic cultural experiences. Most visitors come for the April-May land diving season.
Vanuatu's second-largest island maintains strong traditional culture with limited tourism development. Accommodation consists mainly of simple guesthouses and village stays, particularly around Lakatoro and the Small Nambas and Big Nambas cultural areas. Infrastructure is basic but improving.
The remote northern islands offer pristine environments and traditional culture with very limited accommodation options. Gaua, Mota Lava, and Vanua Lava have a few basic guesthouses, while most islands require village stay arrangements. Access is challenging and requires small aircraft or cargo boat travel.
These central islands between Efate and Espiritu Santo see few tourists but offer authentic experiences. Epi has a handful of basic resorts and guesthouses, while the Shepherd Islands have minimal formal accommodation. Properties are typically small-scale and locally operated.
Known as the 'Black Island' due to its active volcanoes, Ambrym offers basic guesthouses and village stays focused on volcano trekking and traditional Rom dancing. Accommodation is rustic with limited electricity and facilities, but the volcanic landscapes and cultural experiences are exceptional.
Small islands around Efate including Moso, Pele, Lelepa, and Nguna offer day-trip destinations and overnight stays in simple beach bungalows. These provide a quieter alternative to main island resorts while remaining easily accessible from Port Vila. Most are family-run operations with snorkeling and swimming focus.
The southernmost inhabited island offers a handful of guesthouses and eco-lodges in a pristine, unhurried setting. Known for excellent snorkeling, traditional culture, and Mystery Island (a cruise ship stop), Aneityum provides genuine tranquility with very limited tourist infrastructure.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Vanuatu
International hotel chains have minimal presence in Vanuatu, with only a few properties in Port Vila representing brands like Holiday Inn and Ramada. The accommodation sector is dominated by independent operators, from family-run guesthouses to locally-owned resort properties. Australian and New Zealand investment features in several upscale resorts, but the overall market remains refreshingly free of mass-market chain hotels, preserving a boutique, personalized character across most properties.
Locally-owned accommodation forms the backbone of Vanuatu's hospitality sector, ranging from simple family guesthouses to well-appointed boutique resorts. Many properties are owned and operated by Ni-Vanuatu families or long-term expatriate residents who have integrated into local communities. These establishments often provide more authentic experiences, locally-sourced meals, and direct economic benefits to communities. Standards vary widely, but service is typically warm and personal, with owners often living on-site and personally managing guest experiences.
Vanuatu offers several distinctive accommodation types unique to South Pacific island culture. Traditional 'bungalows' or 'fales'—thatched-roof structures with woven bamboo walls—are common across all islands, ranging from very basic to surprisingly luxurious. Village stays or 'kastom village' experiences allow guests to sleep in traditional homes and participate in daily village life. Overwater bungalows, while less common than in other Pacific nations, exist at a few upscale properties. Tree houses and eco-lodges built from local materials with minimal environmental impact are increasingly popular, particularly on Espiritu Santo and Tanna. Some outer islands offer 'bush bungalows' near cultural sites or natural attractions, providing immersive wilderness experiences with basic shelter.
Booking Tips for Vanuatu
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Accommodation on smaller islands often isn't listed on international booking platforms and requires direct email or phone contact, sometimes arranged through tour operators in Port Vila or Luganville. Many outer island properties have limited internet access and may take several days to respond to inquiries. Building in extra communication time and confirming bookings multiple times is essential for remote locations.
Many resort properties, particularly on remote islands and private locations, offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, transfers, and activities. These often represent better value than room-only rates, as dining alternatives may be limited or non-existent outside the property. Compare total costs including meals and transport when evaluating accommodation options.
Access to many properties requires boat transfers or domestic flights that may not be included in room rates. Confirm whether airport/wharf transfers are included, what they cost if not, and whether they're scheduled or on-demand. Some remote properties only offer specific arrival/departure days coordinated with flight schedules or boat runs.
Many properties, especially on outer islands, have flexible cancellation policies during cyclone season (November-April) or may close entirely. Check whether your booking dates fall within cyclone season and understand the property's policy for weather-related closures or evacuations. Travel insurance covering natural disasters is highly recommended.
Don't assume standard amenities exist, particularly outside Port Vila and Luganville. Confirm availability of air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, and consistent electricity, as many properties run on generators with limited hours. Some outer island accommodations have bucket showers and no electricity at all—knowing this in advance prevents disappointment.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Vanuatu
For dry season travel (May-October), book at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for popular islands like Tanna and Espiritu Santo. The Christmas-New Year period requires 6+ months advance booking for desirable properties. Australian and New Zealand school holiday periods fill quickly, so book 2-3 months ahead for late June-July and late September-October travel.
April and November represent shoulder months with good availability and moderate prices. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance is usually sufficient, though popular properties in Port Vila may still fill on weekends. This period offers good value with decent weather and fewer crowds.
During the wet season (December-March, excluding Christmas-New Year), accommodation is readily available with significant discounts of 20-40% at many properties. Last-minute bookings are often possible, though some outer island properties close entirely. This season suits flexible travelers who don't mind occasional rain and can adjust plans around weather.
For main islands (Efate, Espiritu Santo), booking 6-8 weeks ahead during dry season is usually sufficient except for peak periods. Outer islands require more advance planning due to limited options and transport coordination—book 2-3 months ahead regardless of season. Properties with fewer than 10 rooms fill quickly year-round, so book these as early as possible once your dates are confirmed.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Vanuatu