THE NEXT BIG THING
What’s new,
Vanuatu?
In 2015 Cyclone Pam
almost wiped Vanuatu
off the map, but if
you ask the eternally
positive locals, they’ll
simply describe it as a
mere “tropical low”.
Two years on and the
islands, like the people,
have bounced back
rather nicely. So what's
new on this incredible
comeback island?
Mama’s Market
With so much nattering and general commotion, never has the term ‘mother’s meet-
ing’ been so appropriate. Port Vila’s Mama’s Market isn’t new per-se, but every visit is
unique. So called because it’s run by ladies selling various products, everything bought
comes with a niche back story. From bright baskets to Vanuatu jewellery, ask which
island it’s from and how it was made. Also a fantastic place to try local delicacies such
as lap-lap (cooked yam roots with coco-
nut cream and meat), fresh fruit and
native vegetables.
Beach life
Sometimes all you want from a holiday
is the exact opposite of new. No fancy
new-builds or shiny, span dangled
resorts. Vanuatu’s distinct lack of over
development allows the beaches to be
refreshingly untouched. Half an hour
from Port Vila, Eton Beach (in Efate)
boasts a shoreline that slopes into the
water and provides a natural sand ledge
for sunbathing. While Champagne
Beach, on the island of Espiritu Santo,
is defined by a curved sliver of plati-
num sand which is as pure today as it
was centuries prior.
Active volcanoes
Mount Yasur, a volcano on Tanna Island,
is far from new. But peering into its
magnificently fiery mouth is certainly
novel. As one of the planet’s most active
volcanoes this hot headed beast offers
projectile magma and glowing lava. Not
without risk, violent explosions and
regular bouts of ground shaking call for
the supervision of a local guide. There’s
a daily danger rating ranked between 0
and 4; anything above 2 and the area is
closed. But don’t be disheartened, level
2 still offers plenty of shudders, shoot-
ing debris and a deafening roar.
Flying foxes
Potentially new to the New Zealand
palate, but certainly no stranger to a
Vanuatu taste bud, flying fox is on the
menu at French restaurant, L'Houstalet,
in Port Vila. Traditionally wrapped in
banana leaves and baked in an underground oven, the flying fox here is a little differ-
ent; stuffed with its own guts. Your French host, Clement Martinez, will explain this is
to sweeten the meat because the animal naturally feeds on fruit. It is then marinated
in red wine, garlic and herbs. A delicacy in its own right, if you’d prefer something a
little tamer, the menu also boasts omelette stuffed lobster and delicious coconut crab.
Off-road buggies
Strap in and explore Vanuatu from a different perspective. Self-drive off road buggies
are an exciting way to reach the island’s most remote villages and patches of unknown.
Led by guides, on two-seater, 250cc buggies, there are various tours to suit your mood;
go for a swim, cross the jungle, stop for a snorkel or get acquainted with a muddy bush
track. Buggy Fun Rental and Off Road Adventures offer the experience from Port Vila.
VA N UAT U I S J U ST 3 H O U RS, 1 5
M I N U T E S F RO M A U C K L A N D.
C H E C K O U T T H E G R E AT D E A L S
AVAIL ABL E R IG HT N OW AT YOUR
LOCAL HOUSE OF TRAVEL STORE.
CALL 0800 7 13 7 15 OR VISIT
WWW.HOT.C O.N Z .
3.
UNMISSABLE
REVAMPED RESORTS:
Iririki Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu
S TAY H E R E TO / H AV E I T A L L : After an extensive multi-million dollar
upgrade, new additions include a casino and hilltop spa.
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
S TAY H E R E TO / F I N D PA R A D I S E : Re-opened in July 2016. Famed for
its private beach, two dazzling pools and Thursday night fire shows.
Ramada Resort Port Vila
S TAY H E R E TO / L I V E T H E L U X E L I F E : Due to open April 2017, this
premier resort nestled into the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon will deliver 100%
luxury.
H OUS E OF T R AVE L
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