The must-see's and must-do's in Vanuatu

NZ Editor Amber and a small crew recently flew Air Vanuatu to the friendly island of Efate, Vanuatu, to shoot the summer swim & fashion editorial. The team were lucky enough to fit some of the island’s best offerings into their working weekend trip. Here’s the low-down on what to do if you’re heading to the ‘happiest place on Earth’.

STAY

Havannah Boat House

Quietly hidden down a long driveway on the Havannah beach strip sits the beautifully designed private beachfront residence. Upon arrival we were welcomed by the local permanent residence staff, who assured us no request was too big or too small. Our stay here consisted of flowing between individual bures and the inviting main living area that opens up onto the expansive lawn and pool area.

With a different chaise-lounge for every mood and viewpoint, we spent every minute of our downtime absorbing the ambiance of this unique abode. Offering on-site workshops in pottery and traditional weaving, there is plenty to keep you busy between the swimming, paddleboarding and snoozing in the hammocks. The team were utterly spoilt all weekend, from the freshly catered breakfasts each day to the handmade candles we were gifted upon departure. 

havannahboathouse.com

GETTING THERE

Air Vanuatu made the Remix trip to paradise possible. Being the only airline to fly direct from Auckland to Port Vila, it was the fastest and easiest way to travel to the friendliest place on Earth. With a generous 30kg baggage allowance each, we happily fitted in all photography, styling samples, and hair & makeup tools. Despite it only being three hours, 15 minutes in the air, free drinks flowed for the duration of the flights and meals were included while we relaxed back into our comfortable leather seats. Air Vanuatu flies to 27 airports in Vanuatu, and flies between Auckland and Port Vila six times a week.

TIP: Try the locally-brewed Tusker beer offered in flight for a taste of the island before you’ve even arrived.

airvanuatu.com

EAT

Francesca's Beach Club

It would be an understatement to say we were pleasantly surprised to find the kind of social-club culture in Vanuatu that’s usually reserved for the likes of Bali. Francesca’s truly is a club that invites you in as early as the entrance steps.

Draped linen fabric sways in the warm breeze and steps take you down to exclusive dining and drinking nooks by the water as local musicians play soulful songs that wouldn’t sound out of place in a concert hall. The huge variety in food (Italian being their specialty), cocktails in a coconut, resident doggos and fun atmosphere make this the most exciting dining experience on the island.

TIP: Take your bikini and snorkelling gear along to lunch.

francescas.com.vu 

K2 Cafe & Catering

Close to the international airport, this community cafe serves up deli fare for both locals and tourists (those who are lucky enough to know about them), but they also offer villa catering throughout the island. Our team were fortunate enough to have K2 cater our dinner meals while staying at Havannah Boat House. K2 chef Kandy arrived every night to cook healthy meat- based, vegan and vegetarian options for the whole team. This was the first trip where the team’s nutrition actually improved while overseas.

TIP: K2 was essential in making our trip stress-free – if you’re planning a big group getaway on Vanuatu, check them out for their events catering.

k2kitchenvanuatu.com