Hotels in Vanuatu

Hotels in Vanuatu: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Vanuatu cost?

The price depends on the standard, the island and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually December, while July at the peak of the dry season is the priciest. Booking ahead usually brings better rates.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Vanuatu: most popular places

Most properties sit on Efate island around Port Vila. The smaller islands mainly offer bungalows and intimate lodges. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Port Vila. The capital on Efate island and the widest choice of stays, from guesthouses to family and couples resorts. A base for reaching the rest of the archipelago.
• Luganville. The second town, on Espiritu Santo, a base for divers and inland trips. A more modest but real choice of hotels.
• Tanna. An island famed for the active Yasur volcano. You stay in bungalows and small lodges close to nature.
• Espiritu Santo (Aore). Paradise beaches and blue lagoons. A handful of small resorts, including some on private islets.
• Port-Havannah. A quiet part of Efate with upscale lodges away from the bustle of the capital.

Nightly rates vary between islands. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Vanuatu

Vanuatu combines volcanoes, diving and traditional villages, so it is easy to match a trip to the islands you choose.

• Mele Cascades. A series of blue pools just outside Port Vila. You can climb them up to the main waterfall.
• Ekasup Cultural Village. A look at the traditional life, food and dances of Efate. A good way to learn about ni-Vanuatu culture.
• SS President Coolidge wreck. One of the world most famous wreck dives, off Espiritu Santo. The ship sank in 1942.
• Yasur volcano on Tanna. One of the most accessible active volcanoes. From the crater rim you can see glowing lava.
• Port Vila markets. Fruit, vegetables, flowers and local crafts along the seafront. A good spot for local flavours.

How much does a trip to Vanuatu cost

The cost of living is relatively high for the region. A meal at a cheaper restaurant is around 2,000 VT per person, and basic groceries can cost more than in Asia because much is imported. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, though often with a surcharge, so it helps to carry cash in vatu. ATMs can be found at the airport and outside banks and supermarkets in the larger towns.

When is the best time to visit Vanuatu

The best time is May to September, when the weather is dry and temperatures range from about 18 to 28 degrees. That is the high season and the priciest, especially July. The rainy season from November to March tends to be cheaper, and December is usually the cheapest. Expect rain and more humidity then.

Getting to and around Vanuatu

International flights land at Bauerfield Airport near Port Vila, served by Air Vanuatu, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways among others. Vanuatu is also a stop on cruise itineraries. Between islands you travel on the Big Sista and Vanuatu Ferry services and on Air Vanuatu domestic flights. Around Port Vila and Luganville local buses run a door-to-door service, and you can rent a car on Efate and Espiritu Santo. For many nationalities entry is visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport and a return ticket.

Example hotels in Vanuatu

A few recognisable properties from different islands for reference:

• The Melanesian Port Vila and Nasama Resort in Port Vila (central and nearby, from approx. 6,000 VT).
• The Havannah and Ratua Private Island Resort for those after luxury (intimate lodges, from approx. 19,000 VT).
• White Grass Ocean Resort and Tanna Horizon Bungalows on Tanna, near the Yasur volcano (from approx. 7,200 VT).