Vanuatu For Two: A Guide to the Ultimate Romantic Island Escape

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If you're looking for a romantic getaway, there's no better holiday than an island escape. Between adults-only resorts, warm turquoise waters, quiet dinners and walks on the beach, an island holiday could be just what your relationship needs.

Only a few hours flight from Australia lies Vanuatu, an archipelago of over 80 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. With warm hospitality and way of life (Kastom), untouched nature and rich cultural experiences, Vanuatu is a destination that'll help you to switch off and reconnect with your partner. Not sure where to start? We've found the top activities and accommodation options across Vanuatu's main islands: Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna so you can sit back and relax, ASAP.

Mele Cascades

Efate

Efate is most tourists' introduction to Vanuatu as the capital city of Port Vila is located on the island. It features rugged coastline and a rolling countryside dotted with rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. Efate is the perfect base for a romantic getaway, with a selection of barefoot luxury accommodation options.

The Havannah Vanuatu is a five-star adults-only haven designed for complete relaxation. It features waterfront villas complete with panoramic views across the water to neighbouring islands and a gourmet dining experience that will make you want to stay in the resort the whole week. Eratap is a boutique eco beach resort surrounded by pristine reefs and uninhabited islands. If you can't choose between adventure experiences or time in the resort's spa, Eratap blends both.

Voted Vanuatu's Luxury Resort of the year for 2018, Tamanu on the Beach is a private and romantic accommodation option for your getaway. Situated on the coastline, the resort and spa offers Caribbean-inspired villas surrounded by shimmering white sand. The Moso (located on Moso Island just off the coast of Efate) is also a popular honeymoon destination. With 16 premium villas available and secret, secluded beaches at your doorstep, The Moso is another private accommodation option for your romantic getaway.

Efate

Beyond the resorts, Efate rewards couples willing to explore. Spend a day learning local flavours and cooking techniques at Papayaloco Cooking School, or jump aboard a Sailing Vanuatu day trip to discover hidden islands and crystal-clear swimming spots. For dinner, the Trust the Chef experience at Mangoes Resort is a must. It's an intimate multi-course meal showcasing local produce and island-inspired flavours.

Culture also sits at the heart of Efate. A visit to Ekasup Cultural Village offers insight into traditional Kastom practices and village life, helping you feel more connected to land, storytelling and community. Nature lovers are equally spoiled. Swim beneath the cascading waters of Mele Cascades, float in the electric-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon or spend the afternoon at Eden on the River. Couples after a little more adventure can take a day trip to Pele Island with Vanuatu Eco Tours or tackle the Nguna volcano hike for panoramic ocean views. Whether you're after some quiet downtime by the pool or adventurous memories made by exploring the island, Efate has everything you need for a romantic holiday.

Mele Cascades

Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo (or simply Santo, as locals call it) is where Vanuatu really shows off. Famous for its beaches and dazzling blue water, the island is another paradise for couples who love the outdoors.

Romantic stays here range from the secluded Ratua Private Island Resort, where you can enjoy private beaches, an overwater spa and organic dining, to the laid-back charm of a bungalow in Aore Island Resort. Barrier Beach Resort on Espiritu Santo is another stunning accommodation option with rooms overlooking the water and sundecks for you and your partner to kick back and relax on.

Champagne Beach

When it comes to things to do, make the most of Santo's pristine beaches by visiting the powdery white sands of Champagne Beach and snorkelling around Aese Island for vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. The island also features famous freshwater Blue Holes, including Riri, Matevulu and Nanda for you to swim in.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Millennium Cave offers a full-day expedition through jungle, caves and rivers, while the Mount Hope Waterfall float is a gentler (but equally scenic) way to explore Santo's rivers. For some local culture, head to the charming fishing village of Port Olry, located on the East Coast of Santo, where long seafood lunches at Chez Louis Restaurant can stretch well into the afternoon.

Riri Blue Hole

Tanna

While Efate and Santo offer luxurious tropical romance, Tanna offers wild and dramatic adventure. The main drawcard of Tanna is Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Known as the "lighthouse of the Pacific", heading to Mount Yasur is an exhilarating holiday experience for any couple.

Mount Yasur

Accommodation on Tanna leans into the island's rugged charm. White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa pairs oceanfront relaxation with easy access to the island's major attractions, while Rockwater Resort is a hideaway that offers dramatic cliffside views, flower-draped exteriors, and total romantic seclusion.

Like the other islands, Tanna is also deeply connected to Kastom culture, with villages preserving traditions passed down for generations. A visit to Imaio Cultural Village offers couples the chance to experience local customs, dance and storytelling. And, for a romantic hideaway moment, make a trip to Blue Cave, a hidden sea cave that glows when the sun hits it just right.

Blue Cave

For couples seeking more than a flop-and-drop destination, Vanuatu offers the perfect balance of romance, culture and adventure. You can spend your mornings swimming in hidden lagoons, your afternoons learning about local traditions and your evenings dining beneath the stars, making it perfect for couples searching for the ultimate romantic getaway.

Answer the call of Vanuatu. Learn more about the destination here. 

Image Credit: Supplied