Where to Stay 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.

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.

Vanuatu has several beach resorts, 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.

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.

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.