Pacific Island Paradises

– 190 – www.paradises.com — V a n u a t u — Rue Higginson, Espiritu Santo VANUATU Tel: +678 36123 Email: info@villagedesantoresort.com www.villagedesantoresort.com V I L L A G E D E S A N T O R E S O R T Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the contemporary award-winning, Village De Santo Resort is the only consideration for a sun-kissed holiday on the picturesque Espiritu Santo Island. Set on Santo's quiet South East Coast, a short distance from Luganville Town, this boutique resort is nestled among local homes and village life, appropriately referred to as "a village within a village"—the perfect base camp for day trips to turquoise beaches, dives and rainforest hikes. Recharge in one of 17 beautifully appointed open-plan luxury suites, complete with queen bed, modern bathroom, fully screened timber louvres and ceiling fans. Suites are prefect for families, couples or solo travellers looking for short or long term stays. The fully appointed rooms feature a mezzanine level. With a focus on sustainable tourism and the local community, this vibrant resort invites its guests to experience the local Ni Vanuatu culture. Emphasis is placed on supporting and integrating the resort with local communities ensuring guests, while enjoying everything this tropical island has to offer, appreciate that their stay will directly benef it this beautiful island community. The outdoor Chiefs bar overlooks the tropical pool and lush gardens. Saturday nights feature live music, creative cocktails and if you're feeling adventurous, local kava. The award- winning Restaurant 1606 is open daily and serves modern cuisine mixed with tropical f lair. and it is possible to venture to the crater edge. Pentecost Island is renowned for the antics of its young men who hurl themselves off 30–metre high towers with forest vines attached to their ankles in a celebration of the yam harvest. Where to stay Vanuatu has a wide variety of hotels, popular resorts, guesthouses and thatched bungalows on offer for the budget conscious traveller. Getting around Organised tours are easily joined in Port Vila. Car rental is an option, and as the roads are rough outside the city, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. In Port Vila, a minibus service covers three routes from sunrise to sunset and taxis operate 24–hours. Food and entertainment Port Vila offers outdoor cafés, a casino, discos and bars. A favourite is a barbecue at some of the resorts on week days where succulent local steaks, fresh fish, kebabs and a wide selection of fresh vegetables, salads and pastries are served. All major hotels have regular entertainment. International cuisine features strongly with French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, English and Japanese to choose from, as well as delicious local specialties like coconut crab, wild pigeon and f lying fox cooked island-style in ground ovens. The men of Vanuatu drink kava at local kava bars and there are regular Melanesian cultural shows. There is an abundance of water sports with excellent reef and wreck diving in Efate and Santo (living aboard the dive boats). Other activities include golf in Port Vila, tennis, big game fishing, river and ocean kayaking, horseriding and cycling.

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