…and how to do it better, with a little help from me…
I first visited Vanuatu over a decade ago.
I stayed at a lovely little beach resort just outside Port Vila, swam in warm waters, sipped cocktails at sunset, and shopped for souvenirs in town.
And I thought I’d ‘done’ Vanuatu.
Spoiler alert: I’d barely scratched the surface.
Vanuatu is made up of more than 80 islands – each with its own rhythm, culture, and scenery. Port Vila is just the entry point. And while it’s a great place to start, there’s so much more to discover if you know where to go.
Here’s what most travellers get wrong – and how to plan a Vanuatu escape that’s actually unforgettable.
❌ Myth #1: “It’s just a cruise stop”
If your only experience of Vanuatu is wandering Port Vila’s markets on a cruise stop, you’ve missed the magic entirely.
This is a place where you can:
Watch lava explode from the rim of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes
Swim in electric-blue Blue Holes you’ll likely have all to yourself
Visit kastom villages where traditional ways of life are still honoured
Snorkel over coral reefs or sunken shipwrecks
Paddle alongside dugongs in calm, reef-protected bays
This is adventure, authenticity, and serious natural beauty — not a quick tick on a port map.
❌ Myth #2: “It’s not very luxe”
Wrong again. Vanuatu does barefoot luxury very well — you just need to know where to look.
Some standout stays I recommend for my clients:
🛥️ The Havannah Vanuatu (Reopening November 2025) – An adults-only retreat with private pools, white sand beaches, and top-tier service.
🌺 Barrier Beach Resort, Santo – Boutique villas with stunning beachfront views and a chilled, romantic vibe.
🌿 Ratua Private Island Resort & Spa – Eco-luxury with serious charm, including overwater bungalows and locally sourced dining.
🌅 Exclusive Sunrise Resort – Vanuatu’s newest luxury offering, opened in 2025. Think sleek design, expansive views, and exceptional attention to detail — ideal for travellers wanting comfort and connection.
Want help picking the right one for your vibe? That’s where I come in.
❌ Myth #3: “There’s not much to do”
Honestly, this one’s my favourite to bust. Here’s just a taste of what you can do in Vanuatu:
Swim in natural Blue Holes (seriously, they don’t look real)
Snorkel or dive a shipwreck
Watch an active volcano erupt — at night!
Visit a kastom village for a cultural welcome
Eat laplap (the national dish) in a local home
Try tuluk, island-style curry, or seafood cooked over hot coconut husks
Sip cocktails at The Havannah or go cacao tasting in the highlands
It’s not about jam-packing your itinerary — it’s about rich experiences in unforgettable settings.
❌ Myth #4: “It’s a bit rough and ready”
Look, it’s not the Maldives – and thank goodness for that.
Vanuatu has a wild, unpolished charm that’s all part of the experience. Things move slower. Sundays are sacred. Power cuts happen. Flights can be weather-dependent. And smiling is basically a national pastime.
It’s not luxe in a “white-glove service and turndown chocolates” kind of way. It’s luxe in a “fresh pawpaw for breakfast and a hammock by the sea” kind of way.
There are a few good-to-know tips (don’t drink the tap water, pack small change, bring reef shoes), but if you’re open to it? This place will steal your heart.
The Spirit of Vanuatu
While Vanuatu’s natural beauty is a huge part of the appeal, it’s the people who’ll stay with you long after you’ve left. This is a nation that’s weathered cyclones, earthquakes, and all sorts of curveballs – and come back smiling, dancing, and rebuilding stronger every time. When you travel here, you’re not just escaping to paradise – you’re supporting a community that knows how to welcome you with both hands and a full heart. 💛
If you would like to know more about Vanuatu please contact TS Travel.
Image credits: Vanuatu Tourism & Canva Pro.
If you’re dreaming of volcano views, blue holes, and a holiday with real heart – let’s plan your Vanuatu escape. You just pack the togs — I’ll handle the flights, ferries, and fancy stays.