. Simple pleasures. By Matt Taylor

Blue4 islandtime Lagoon, Spring© Vanuatu 2019 Tourism – Kirkland Snorkelling, Mangaliliu © Vanuatu Tourism – Kirkland Eton Beach © Vanuatu Tourism – Kirkland

In Vanuatu, the laid back living soon rubs off visitors. Which is why this destination is perfect for families who want a temporary escape from their busy schedules. It’s a place that encourages fun, laughter and getting out amongst stunning natural wonders.

On the flight up to Vanuatu I sat next to a man from Wellington. He was in his During the day, the boardwalk has a real buzz as visitors and locals soak up the mid 40s, but as a kid, he and his family spent a lot of time sailing through the surroundings. I’d recommend popping into The Nambawan Café - grabbing an Pacific Islands. They’d visited Vanuatu on numerous occasions. He hadn’t been outdoor table, a cool drink, a bite to eat and watching the world go by. Just a few back since, but he still remembered the islands well. And what stood out was steps down, the Rossi Restaurant offers the same spectacular views and a wide its simplicity and charm. “It was very rustic,” he said. I'd never heard Vanuatu variety of fresh cuisine. described like that before, but it’s so true. If you’re after some souvenirs, the craft market (next to Nambawan Café) is the Vanuatu is a beautiful place where people live a simple life. No stress, no rush place to go. The local vendors have handcrafted a variety of quality artworks, and no pressure to buy the material things that most ‘Westerners’ seem to aspire jewellery and clothing, plus you’ll find some yummy preserves made from organic to. It makes for a refreshing change and provides the chance to recharge in true local produce. Pacific style. Exploring hidden gems. First port of call. Vanuatu is home to a diverse, natural landscape that was made for exploration. Sitting on the island of Efate, is home to the Nation’s international airport, Across the 82 islands you’ll find live volcanoes, sparkling sea caves, waterfalls and which makes this charming town the first stop for visitors. deserted white sands beaches the equal of any in the world. Even if you go no further than Efate, you’ll still have endless options to choose from. Note: please It’s a bustling hub that lies around a beautiful, natural harbour. Steep hillsides offer don’t come to Vanuatu and spend your whole time at the resort! panoramic views and the streets are always abuzz with locals going about their day. And tourists roam the local cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Port Vila is no retail mecca, but the shops sell everything from surfwear to local art Rarru Cascades. and crafts and duty free goods. (And anyway, there are many better things to do The Mele Cascades are one of Vanuatu’s most popular attractions. They’re close than shop.) to Port Vila and the walk through the lush forest to the cool green pools and towering waterfall is well worth the effort. But with a family day trip planned we If you require some basic supplies, there are plenty of convenience stores in town, decided to try somewhere different – the equally picturesque swimming spot of plus there’s a ‘proper’ supermarket selling many of the brands you have back the Rarru Cascades. home. Tip: those who have booked self-contained accommodation often call in here to stock up on fruit, snacks, water and beer! To get there you drive east from Port Vila for about half or so (depending on traffic which meanders along at a leisurely Vanuatu pace). Fresh from the farm. When you come to the Rentapao Bridge you know you’ve come to the right place. There are two places you can access the same section of cascades. If you head along the main street of Port Vila, you can’t miss the bustling produce market. This local landmark is a brilliant stop for families. It's packed full of vendors Before the bridge is Rarru Rentapao River Cascade Tours. After the bridge is the who come from far and wide to sell their fresh organic produce. Rentapao Riverside Vanuatu. We choose the latter, which was staffed by a friendly French couple. It’s sure to be an eye-opener for visiting kids who are used to walking the orderly aisles of a supermarket back home. From a practical point of view, mums and dads From the grass carpark you take leisurely stroll along a tranquil riverside track, can pick up some supplies. passing pools and terraces - a small taste of what to come! We certainly had a few items on our shopping list. Green coconuts for 50 vatu In next to no time you reach the star attraction. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the (NZ65c) – put them in the fridge overnight and in the morning, crack them open and Rarru Falls cascade into a collection of beautiful green pools. The kind you can’t drain the cool coconut water into a glass. Such a refreshing way to start the day! wait to jump into. Speaking of jumping, there are rope swings of varying heights and a couple of high platforms in need of an adrenalin hit. There are plenty of fresh herbs on offer too – Italian parsley, coriander and the like (perfect for throwing into an omelette). And we took home some tomatoes, Just a note here: the pools are easily deep enough for jumping into, you just need pineapple and bananas too. Yum! to pick your entry point as there are some shallower rocks in places. Sitting under the waterfall is also fun – and you can squeeze into small holes behind Down on the boardwalk. the falling water, hidden from view. They are some old-school car tyre tubes for the kids to float around on too. It’s funny how some places forget to make the most of their natural assets. Until quite recently, Port Vila was one of them. Visitors would spend their time in town With the warm winter sun shining through the trees, it’s difficult to imagine a more walking the main street, browsing shops or grabbing a bite at local eateries. Which peaceful spot. Pack a lunch and you could easily spend a few hours chilling out. Or was fine. But just a matter of steps away was a lovely waterfront offering panoramic you can always just pop by for a quick dip and head away to your next adventure. harbour views. What a waste! After swimming, diving and jumping to our hearts content we wander back to the Fortunately, the powers-that-be decided to do something about it and last year a small Rentapao Riverside hut. Waiting for us is a platter of freshly cut grapefruit wide pedestrian waterfront boardwalk was installed, along with other new features, pieces, coconut and papaya – the perfect refreshment to finish off a fantastic Rarru such as a craft centre and a playground for the kids. Cascades experience.

Spring 2019 islandtime 5 Back to Eden. Back to Eden (not to be confused with Eden on the River) is another magic spot that is tucked away in its own private corner of Efate. To find it, drive past Mele Bay and over the hill towards Havannah Harbour. As you come down the other side you’ll see the turnoff for Back to Eden. After negotiating a few more tight corners (and pot holes) you’ll drop down into Mangaliliu Village and pass through it to your final destination. Owned by a hospitable Australian couple, Back to Eden has a relaxed hideaway vibe. They have a restaurant offering yummy home cooked comfort food – like nachos, pork belly and madras curry. Hungry tums will enjoy the generous portion sizes! From the restaurant you can wander down to the waterline. The surrounding waters are crystal clear and full of marine life. You’re more than welcome to explore this underwater world on your own. Or you can take a snorkelling tour where you’ll be led to a beautiful sea anemone known as Nemo City, the home to dozens of beautiful clown fish. You’ll also see a bed of the most iridescent giant clams, as well as stunning coral, and schools of fish. With luck you may come across a turtle or two. This is a magic spot to spend the day. And if you want to stay ‘lost’ for longer, there have two bungalows that you can stay in. K2 Café – Funky flavours. Back to Eden Word of mouth is a wonderful thing. On our stay at Vila 25 we were chatting to fellow guests and when the subject of where to eat came up, they recommended K2 Café. Well, what a find! Located on the straight stretch of road near the airport, this uber cool eatery sits side by side with industrial tenants like tractor dealerships, plumbing suppliers and furniture showrooms. Don’t be fooled by the unlikely surroundings. This café is a gem. Owned by Kelly (Kiwi) and Kandy (Vanuatu) – hence the name K2 - this funky eatery has gained a well-deserved reputation with visitors and locals alike. The inside of the café has an aircraft hanger feel, but it’s kitted out with all manner of knick knacks. Think retro posters, maps, antiques, stylish lampshades and WW2 memorabilia – such as some (defused) bombs. There’s a playground for the kids too. The varied menu comes with lots of healthy options. Maximum use of fresh local produce is a priority. They’ve also made the dining experience fun with dishes like “All Blacks vs France” – a French baguette soaked in a sweet cinnamon eggy concoction and served with grilled banana, crunchy bacon & drizzled with maple syrup.

K2 Café

Our tropical paradise awaits you Experience barefoot relaxation at our beautiful 63 Faré (bungalow), child free resort. Located on a private beachfront cove at Pango Peninsular in Port Vila, you will find welcoming smiles and your own space to unwind. We are famous for our beachside dining and outstanding cuisine, come and join us. Book today through your preferred wholesaler.

Vanuatu Zipline © Adventure KOL

6 islandtime Spring 2019 Our tropical paradise awaits you Experience barefoot relaxation at our beautiful 63 Faré (bungalow), child free resort. Located on a private beachfront cove at Pango Peninsular in Port Vila, you will find welcoming smiles and your own space to unwind. We are famous for our beachside dining and outstanding cuisine, come and join us. Book today through your preferred wholesaler. Or “Ted from sales” – toasted muesli with nangae, coco nibs, dried fruits and coconut, topped with market fruits, and natural yoghurt served with almond milk. Or ‘Pepa Pig’ – a kid’s meal of slow roasted pork ribs in K2's special BBQ sauce and served with kumala fries and tomato sauce. © Vanuatu Tourism – Kirkland So good were the flavours, we stocked up on a selection of K2’s homemade preserves that you can purchase from their deli section. (FYI - there were no issues bringing it back through New Zealand customs). As well as the dine-in experience, K2 offers a catering service that’s ideal for events such as weddings. Their food can be tailored to suit your personal taste and needless to say it will come with the same K2 quality and care. Free water comes with a smile. When we first landed in Port Vila we’d forgotten to withdraw some local currency (vatu). Normally no big deal, but the evening flight meant the kids were tired and thirsty! The main supermarket was closed, so we pulled into a small convenience store, assuming, like you do, that a credit card would be accepted. But after pulling out some ice-cold bottles of water from the fridge, the lady at the counter said that unfortunately they didn’t take credit. Damn! Just as we’re about to take off in search of another shop, another shop assistant walked out to the carpark with the bottles of water in-hand. With a smile she said “you can have them – no charge”. We accepted the kind offer and the pleasant reminder of why Vanuatu is called the happiest place on earth! lagoon © Vanuatu Tourism – Kirkland

Vanuatu Ecotours – Lololima cascades © Vanuatu Tourism

8 islandtime Spring 2019 Island Resort Places to stay. If there’s an iconic resort in Vanuatu, it’s Iririki Island Resort and Spa. The grandstand position in the middle of Port Vila Harbour instantly sets it apart. Although Iririki is Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu only a two-minute ferry ride from town, it really does feel different from the mainland Further along Lagoon you’ll find another family favourite, Holiday Inn resorts. Visiting families love the accommodation options, including the spacious Resort Vanuatu. The “kids only” pool with a giant cascading water buckets and two-level apartments and the deluxe family fares. They also love the variety of kid’s a mushroom-topped water fountain is a highlight. Plus they’ll be thoroughly activities on offer. Activities run seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, and during entertained in the modern-well equipped Kids’ Club. these hours children can enjoy all the traditional kid’s club style activities like face painting and weaving and shell collecting. Families also have their own pool area, Young (and old) will also love the resort’s weekly fire show. The lagoon side setting which gives kids plenty of space to have fun - well away from the adults-only pool on provides a stunning backdrop. As night falls, the music begins and the troupe of the other side of the resort! entertainers go about their fiery work! The choreography is spot-on and they use their imagination in ways I haven’t seen before. Tamanu on the Beach Vanuatu One of the standout acts was the ‘flaming’ skipping rope – two performers jump If you’re after a couples-only escape, Tamanu on the Beach is a fantastic choice. in and out as the flames pass just over their head and just under their feet. Add in The resort is only 20 drive minutes from the buzz of Port Vila, but it feels like it’s fire breathing, firesticks, fire gymnastics and spinning fire wheels too. hidden away from the wider world. One of the big drawcards is the private, white sand beach – think quiet strolls, cooling dips and lounging under palm trees. The Like any good show there is a request for the audience to get involved. Don't quality of food is also top notch. Local organic produce is utilised where possible, worry, the flames have been put out by that stage! A classic conga line forms and plus they have an extensive list of French, Australian and New Zealand wines. flows across the sand and everyone is happy. It all adds up to a fun night out! Stunning setting, great food – what more could you ask for.

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Iririki Island Resort Tamanu on the Beach Vanuatu

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Spring 2019 islandtime 9 Ramada Resort Port Vila The resort has also put a real emphasis on the quality of its food. And the lagoon- Last time we visited Vanuatu, Ramada Resort Port Vila was under construction. side Akiriki Restaurant couldn’t provide a more picturesque setting to savour a Visiting the completed resort you can see what an undertaking it was to build. meal. Fresh local produce comes to the fore, with dishes that mix Melanesian and Polynesian flavours with a subtle French flair. Much of the property has been cut into a steep cliff face overlooking the tranquil Erakor Lagoon. Taking on this engineering challenge was worth the time and effort The night we visited we were lucky enough to enjoy some of the resorts – as guests enjoy spectacular views across the water. And the spacious apartment culinary creations. Yellow fin tuna with Nicoise salad, oven roasted poulet fish style rooms seem to fit in perfectly with the natural surroundings. This is one of Port in white wine, blue cheese flavoured potato gratin, nutmeg infused mashed Vila’s prime resort settings. sweet potato. Yes, some self-control was necessary to dial back the portions! It was delicious. The location is just five minutes from downtown Port Vila, but it feels like a “secret” spot, i.e. family relaxation is guaranteed! The smooth lagoon waters are ideal for Adding to the vibrant dining atmosphere was the highly entertaining Ekasup Cultural “go-to” activities like kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding and swimming. music and dance show. Hailing from the local Ekasup Village, this talented group have performed all over the world – singing and dancing to a mix of traditional In typical Ramada style, the accommodation is designed for travelling families. Each Vanuatu beats and modern hits. Within each act they weave a fascinating story of option provides Mum, Dad and the kids with plenty of space, plus a full kitchen. their culture, and they top if off with some comedic audience participation. A great Port Vila’s largest supermarket is close by, so picking up supplies is a breeze. way to burn off some calories!

Sail into Escape to pure paradise. Tranquillity

Tucked away on in Havannah Harbour, Tranquillity Island Resort and Dive Base is a place where you’ll enjoy the Call of Vanuatu with its pristine and peaceful atmosphere, learn to dive, kayak to hidden coves, hike to ancient caves and dive warm crystal clear waters that are teeming with marine life. This is the day trip or longer overnight stays that memories will be made of. Just 15 minutes boat ride from Havannah Harbour: There are few South Pacific harbours more beautiful than Havannah Scuba Diving • Snorkelling • Bush Walks • Kayaking • Hawksbill Turtle Harbour. And the best way to explore these tranquil waters is on board the Conservatory • Eight island style fares for accommodation magnificent Coongoola – a spacious 23 metre auxiliary sailing ketch that will take you to secret coves and the finest of white sand beaches for the day. Tranquility Island Secluded beaches • Snorkelling • Turtles • Dolphins • Thermal Springs • BBQ lunch Eco Tourism Dive Base [email protected] Make a booking: [email protected] [email protected] www.southpacdivecruise.com.vu www.tranquillitydive.com

10 islandtime Spring 2019 tamanuonthebeach.com

follow your heart...

it knows the way! Visit Vanuatu’s home of romance.

Phone 27279 | Email [email protected] Warwick Le Lagon - Vanuatu entertained by the skills (and humour) of local chef Stephen. Yes, there’ll be One of Port Vila’s biggest resorts, Warwick Le Lagon is a property that caters to pieces of egg flying towards you. And yes, you’ll love every mouthful. Especially everyone from honeymooning couples to families and conference attendees. And it the melt-in-your-mouth organic Santo beef topped with classic Japanese mayo. does so with ease. Delish! And lots of fun for the kids too. The 140 plus rooms range from luxurious overwater and private pool villas to The kid’s will also love Le Lagon’s (complimentary) Kids Club. It’s open 8am- comfortable standard rooms. For guests it's a simple matter of choosing which 4.30pm for kids aged 3-12 years and 5.30pm–9pm for kids aged 5-12 years. room type suits. There are too may activities to list them all, but cooking classes, bingo, jewellery making, t-shirt painting, movie nights are the stand outs. One of the first things that strikes you about Le Lagon is how spacious it feels. The 75 acre layout is vast. And because it spreads along the shoreline of Erakor Next to Kid’s Club headquarters is a big two level obstacle course, packed with Lagoon, even when the resort is at full capacity, you’re never surrounded by a slides, ramps, ladders, swings and nets – our two girls absolutely loved it. Every mass of people. Our kids made excellent use of these lovely outdoor areas, running day, we’d wander down and they’d roar around at 100 miles an hours – getting around on the lawns, playing hide and seek, kicking coconuts and climbing trees. timed to see who could complete their course the fastest! Which sure beats sitting inside watching TV. While the resort is great for kids, grown ups don’t miss out either. Mums in During the day Le Lagon’s pool complex area is a great place to relax. There are particular will be more than happy to spend a few hours at Le Lagon’s Oasis Spa. two main pools, a deeper adults pool and a shallower version that’s great for the Tucked away amongst a zen-like garden, this zone of pure tranquillity has a long kids. The Pool Bar opens from 9am till 10pm – morning cocktail anyone? And the list of treatments. The tough part will be choosing which luxurious treatment to Pool Grill Bar serves lunch from 11am till 3pm – think pizza, fish ‘n chips, burgers, indulge in - such as body scrubs, flower baths, volcanic clay wrap, manicures, BLT’s, plus some healthy salad options too. Grab a lounger, book and menu and pedicures and a host of luscious massages. you’re pretty much set for the day! If you haven’t had enough to do already, there are many more activities around the Speaking of food, every visitor should take the opportunity to book a seat at the resort such as arts and crafts, water sports, golf, tennis and other staff-run games. teppanyaki grill inside Le Lagon’s Wild Ginger Restaurant. You’ll be thoroughly In a nutshell, what more could you want!

12 islandtime Spring 2019 Mangoes – turning imagination into tropical holiday reality Mangoes is a carefully designed adults only, full service resort of just 29 beautifully appointed boutique bungalows, with a choice of panoramic views over the Pacific lagoon or tropical- lush gardens. Many of the romantically louvered bungalows feature their own plunge pool, and thoughtful comforts of separate sitting areas and furnished terraces that make you feel immediately pampered. Email: [email protected] www.mangoesresort.com

Featuring breathtaking views over the Erakor lagoon and tree top canopies, Port Vila’s finest boutique these 16 spacious apartments are designed especially for the tropical apartment styled resort lifestyle, beautifully appointed to anticipate every guest comfort including a private pool. A mixture of generously proportioned one and two bedroom combinations span over two levels. Pool side the infinity edge pool is a hub for rest, relaxation and family enjoyment. A tour desk is available to book all your Vanuatu excursions and the central location means you are a ten minute walk from the Port Vila township. The Terraces is suitable for those aged five years and over.

P: +678 24923 E: [email protected] www.theterracesvanuatu.com ValeVale_BridesDiary.pdf 1 9/11/17 3:51 pm

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CMY K beautiful #1 Valé Valé Beachfront Villas | Vanuatu ... on Trip Advisor private, luxury, boutique accommodation for boutique These stunning villas are located on a calm water bay which is accommodation perfect for snorkelling and kayaking. Marine life is abundant with a turtle sanctuary and resident dugongs.

The fully self-contained villas are located only 10 minutes from the capital Port Vila and have close proximity to restaurants with regular transport available at your front door.

Casual meals are also available to be served on your private deck which also has a plunge pool. Valé Valé comprises of five 2 bedroom and three 1 bedroom villas and each villa is furnished and fitted to a superior standard.

For availability visit: travelvanuatu.com.au or call +61 418128671 Holiday Inn finds synergy with new campaign. Vanuatu’s brand-new destination marketing campaign has struck a chord with the team at Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu.

‘Answer the Call of Vanuatu’ was recently released across Australia and New Zealand. It goes beyond your typical marketing campaign, creating a connection with Vanuatu and the ‘moments’ that visitors experience while holidaying in this unique destination. Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu General Manager, Matthew Senyard, says he is ‘thrilled’ that the new campaign shares their passion for memorable moments. “At Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu we have long lived the mantra of being a place ‘where experiences are created and memories are made’, so we are thrilled that the Vanuatu Tourism Office has developed and launched a campaign that shares our passion for memorable moments,” he said. “As Vanuatu's best family resort, creating memories and delivering special moments is something that our team strive to do every day, as family is an important part of the Vanuatu way of life, and we want all of our guests to take home with them, memories of what was, not dreams of what could have been,” said Mr Senyard. “The new campaign speaks so beautifully to the myriad of unique, authentic and enriching experiences that Vanuatu has to offer, particularly in the archipelago's outer islands which are pristine, untouched and just waiting to be explored.” “For your sake, I urge you to answer the call of Vanuatu!” he says.

Hitting the road in Efate. The island of Efate has so much to see, hiring a car allows you to make the most of it all. And you can do so on your own schedule. There are plenty of rental options, including brands like Avis, Budget and Europcar – and they all have kiosks set up at the airport – so you can pick up straight after you land and drop off on the way out. In Vanuatu the cars are left hand drive, but driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road doesn’t take long to get used to. Like many Pacific Islands, the quality of roads can vary. Watch out for pot holes and keep an eye out for locals who seem to like walking very close to the edge of the road!

North Efate Drive © Vanuatu Tourism

Spring 2019 islandtime 15 Holiday Inn Vanuatu Full Pag Island Time Mag 235 x 342 HR.pdf 1 7/2/2019 6:01:02 PM

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Those looking for the convenience of a pre-paid island holiday should look no further than the ‘All-Inclusive Packages’ available at Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu.

Book an all-inclusive Vanuatu accommodation package with us and clients will take comfort in knowing exactly what their holiday will cost before arriving at the Resort. With three tiers of package to choose from we know we have something to suit every traveller.

These newly released packages enable guests to just relax and indulge knowing all Resort accommodation, food and beverage expenses are taken care of – see, no surprises!

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16 islandtime Spring 2019 Your way to Vanuatu. Islandtime flew in comfort to Vanuatu with Air Vanuatu. At a tick over 3.5 hours from Auckland to Port Vila and just 3 hours on the return journey, it’s an easy flight to make. And with plenty of flight times to choose from, visitors have the flexibility to plan a tropical break that suits their schedule.

Auckland flights to Port Vila Until 31 Jan 2020 – 6 weekly flights Departs Auckland Fri & Sun @ 12:35 and Mon/Wed/Thu/Sat @ 18:55 1 Feb to 14 Feb 2020 - 4 weekly flights Departs Auckland Sat @ 19:25 and Mon/Wed/Sun @ 22:45 15 Feb to 31 Mar 2020 - 5 x weekly flights Departs Auckland Fri & Sun @ 12:35 and Mon/Wed/Sat @ 18:55

© Vanuatu Tourism Explore outback Vanuatu by mountain bike. Vanuatu is a great place to explore by car, but if you have a hankering to go further off the beaten track there are some amazing bikes trails that will take you to places that many visitors never get to see. Port Vila based Vanuatu Ecotours are the local mountain bike tour experts and they’ll provide an experience you’ll never forget - and at the same time you’ll enjoy some fresh air and exercise! The Ecotours team can accommodate riders of different fitness levels and riding experience. They’ll take you to pristine jungle, waterfalls, coconut plantations, farm tracks, private bushland and remote villages, climbing hills to see great point of views over Efate and visiting stunning beaches for a cooling dip. The guides will also give you a running commentary on local history and culture, farming techniques used by locals, and they’ll point out many plants and why they are important. All in all it’s a great day out!

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