Seven Reasons to Visit Vanuatu
Experience swimming in blue holes, deep sea diving on shipwrecks & one of the world’s best beaches, all just a day flight from Australia.
Vanuatu (one of the most popular cruise destinations) is shaping up to be the destination of 2023, with clear ocean waters and rugged, untouched jungle forming the perfect backdrop to escape life, explore nature, discover the culture and unwind.
Made up of over 80 islands, Vanuatu offers a variety of experiences and accommodation types to suit every traveller. Port Vila, (the nation’s Capital), is located on Efate island to the South. While Iririki is one of the most well-known of the island’s resorts, The Havannah is also popular as an adults-only option.
Further to the North, the private bungalows of Aore (pronounced Ow-Ree) on Espiritu Santo are the ideal base from which to experience some of the best Vanuatu has to offer.
Just a 10-minute boat trip from the major island of Espiritu Santo, Aore Island Resort boasts newly renovated bungalows, a pool, a day spa and multiple dining options, including the recently launched beachfront bar.
Jungle treks, world-class diving, snorkelling, coastal kayaking and more are also right on the doorstep, while local customs and culture abound, with daily activities on offer, such as weaving and making coconut milk.
Need more convincing? Check out these seven (utterly fabulous) reasons to visit:
1. Relax:
Vanuatu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand and crystal blue water. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, go swimming, or try a variety of watersports, Vanuatu’s beaches have something for everyone. The most famous is undoubtedly Champagne Beach found on Espiritu Santo.
2. Explore:
The Landscapes Vanuatu is full of natural beauty, from its lush rainforests to its towering volcanoes. For the adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails and scenic lookouts to explore, or you can take a boat tour and get a glimpse of the islands from the sea. For those looking for something a bit more thrilling, there’s zip-lining, mountain biking, and even bungee jumping available.
3. Culture:
Vanuatu is a culturally-rich country, with over 100 different languages spoken on the islands. You can learn about the local culture by visiting the many museums, art galleries, and cultural centres, or you can take a tour of a traditional village and get an up-close look at how the locals live.
4. Eat:
Vanuatu is known for its delicious food, with a variety of dishes incorporating local seafood which abounds in the clear waters. Santo beef is also particularly prized. You can sample the local flavours by visiting one of the many restaurants or food stalls. Or you can even take a cooking class and learn how to make some of the signature dishes.
5. Experience:
Vanuatu has more freshwater blue waterholes than anywhere else in the world. Found hidden amongst the lush emerald rainforest, these iridescent blue holes are a direct result of Vanuatu’s unique volcanic geology. The result is incredibly clear water that is almost dazzlingly luminescent. Swimming in them is a true ‘pinch yourself’ moment.
6. Get Adventurous:
Vanuatu is the perfect place for adventure seekers, with its abundance of activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. Aore Island is also home to the most accessible complete shipwreck in the world, the ‘President Coolidge’, which sank off Million Dollar Point in 1942.
7. Shop:
With its markets, boutiques and artisan shops full of local wares, you can find something unique, from hand-crafted jewellery to handmade baskets. You can also pick up souvenirs like traditional masks and hand-painted pottery.
With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise Vanuatu is continuously voted a ‘must do’ on every travel list.
For more information visit https://aoreislandresorts.com/