vanuatu
Highlights
- Easy flight from Australia or New Zealand (other countries will likely need to fly via Sydney or Auckland). Logistically, once you get there, it’s set up for tourism! Travelling to other islands and surrounding resorts is relatively straightforward
- The locals are some of the kindest and most beautiful people on the planet; with a similar relaxed vibe to their neighbours in Fiji
- There is no shortage of things to entertain families and the kiddies. But… you’ll need to save your pennies to afford the activities! For example, the short return trek to Eton beach was AUD$170. It's a great stretch of sand but pretty expensive for a day at the beach!
Tip: Shop around and try to pre-book your activities. Otherwise, if it’s that once in a lifetime trip, go with it and you’ll be rewarded with epic scenery like the Mele and Rarru Cascades. Erakor Island is also a quality option for the cost conscious.
Vanuatu is good! If you’re going to get picky, it doesn’t quite have the kids agenda of a Fiji. If you’re really into your scenery and adventures, it falls short of NZ on that scale. All in all it was a nice escape, but considering the vast Island alternatives in the Pacific Ocean rim, we’d find it hard to choose Vanuatu again.
Overall Family Friendly Rating: 7
Iririki Island Resort and Spa
Location
Port Villa. The Island is a short taxi from the airport with a relaxing 3-minute boat ride
Highlights
- Centrally located! From Sydney you’re looking at a 5hr round trip from walking on the plane to checking into your hotel room
- We stayed in a spacious Deluxe Family Fare. This is a very family friendly self-standing bungalow with a main king bed and separate kids’ bedroom. It’s a great layout as the kids went to bed while we partied into the evening without disruption… if you call a few drinks and bed by 10pm a party
- Iririki has an assortment of different accommodation options that are scattered around the Island. All suit varying needs and budgets but the highlight is that most have spacious balconies with a scenic outlook
- The two main restaurants are located on the port side of the Island and have a beautiful outlook. For families, unfortunately the pool on this side of the island is adults only. For couples, you’re probably cheering!
- The kids pool is huge! It’s a cluster of multiple pools to ensure all ages and swimming abilities are catered for. A tennis court and playground are conveniently located nearby; so you can set up camp in this area for the day
- Kids club is offered free of charge, however, it’s small with limited activities. It would be okay for a few hours but not much longer. To be honest, we would’ve felt guilty leaving the kids there so skipped it entirely
- A large buffet breakfast is included in the rate! It was a little like Groundhog Day though, with limited variation from day to day
Brad & Sar's Final Thoughts
Whilst this is a beautiful resort, we’d have to say it’s more suited to couples than families. The layout isn’t optimal for families with the kid’s pool and activities set away from the main restaurants, ferry, swim up bar… everything really! It feels like Iririki have this layout to satisfy those without little uns.
Whichever room you choose, prepare to cover some ground! It’s a long walk/buggy ride to the kids swimming pool or if you stay near the swimming pool, it’s a long walk to breakfast and dinner each day.
We’d unlikely go back to Vanuatu despite the convenience factor. If we do, it won’t be to Iririki Island.
Family Friendly Rating: 6.5
