Compare hotels in Vanuatu from NZ$119

When you’re in your third hour of conference calls or fiftieth PowerPoint slide on stock options, where does your mind wander to? If you dream of bright blue lagoons, sunny skies and drinks with tiny umbrellas, Vanuatu holidays are just what you need. Vanuatu is just an easy skip across the Coral Sea from Brisbane, even closer to the Oz than Fiji.

Things to Do in Vanuatu

Whether you want a secluded, thatched-roof hut right on the beach, or the luxey, all-access resort vibe, Vanuatu hotels are always a great home base. Need a break from the stressful work of drinking in a hammock? Drink by a lagoon instead! On Efate, the second-largest island, head to Eton Beach on the southeast coast to find the Blue Lagoon. The light blue water looks like Glacier Freeze Gatorade, and the rope swing will make you feel like a kid again.

Santo, the largest island, has some of the world’s premier diving spots. The SS Coolidge was taken out by World War II mines off the coast of Luganville, on the south shore, and is now a real “wreck.” If you prefer to stay near the surface, head to Million Dollar Point just east of Luganville. Despite the name, the views of military trucks and weapons frozen in time beneath the waves don’t cost a thing. Back at your Vanuatu accommodation, upload your snaps and take a quick power nap. You’ve got Melanesian feasts and live music in your future, and you don’t want to fall into a food coma before the dancing begins!

Getting To & Around Vanuatu

Flights to Vanuatu can take you directly to either Santo or Efate islands. On Santo Island, you’ll land at Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON), in Luganville, and on Efate you’ll fly into Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), 6 km from the Port Vila city centre. The uncharted nature of the islands means you may have to channel your inner explorer…or just check with our hotels in Vanuatu about shuttle arrangements. If you plan on getting off the resort, lastminute.com.au’s fantastic car hire options are cheap and accessible, and taxis also get the job done.

Best Time to Travel

Vanuatu is tropical, so you can get rid of that farmer’s tan year-round. Every day is a party thanks to the “joie de vivre” of the locals, but Pentecost Island in April and May is a real thrill. During the land diving ceremonies, villagers jump from tall wooden towers, secured only by two vines tied to their feet. Done properly, their hair should graze the ground before the vines break their fall. Want to get in on the action? Wait until you’re home, then try bungee jumping, you daredevil.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, check out accommodation in Vanuatu on lastminute.com.au. You may have waited until the last second, but that doesn’t mean you have to dive in blindly. You’ll find the best selection and deals, so you can be maxin’ and relaxin’ before you can say “ta-ta” to your coworkers.