Vanuatu - Part 1

After investigating many different locations for our first vacation outside of Australia since moving here, we decided on Vanuatu. Why, you may ask? Or, where you might ask? Well, for one, we have always wanted to go to the South Pacific. It sounds so dreamy and conjures up images of open, endless beaches and breezes. For another, I had never even heard of it (and, yes, it is an actual country) until moving here - what could be more exotic than that? And, it had come highly recommended from several good friends....Finally, though, after viewing, Meet the Natives, on TV, and learning of Tanna Island and the villagers there, I knew that I had to meet these fascinating people (which we actually did!).

After much research and discussion, we agreed to start in the main island of Efate and relax at a posh resort for some much needed R&R and to then venture to the rustic and exotic island of Tanna Island to both meet the natives, so to speak, and to view an active volcano. I'd missed a trip to a volcano is Costa Rica years ago and have regretted it since. Finally, we closed our trip with a final night on the main island again at a traditional hotel for some much needed hot water, shower, and western comforts. This was one of the most amazing trips of our lives and we hope you will enjoy seeing the detailed account of our trip.

On August 3rd, we set out on the 3 hour or so flight to Efate, where we were staying at the amazing Havannah Hotel, where there are less than 20 bungalows and an aura of barefoot luxury. After a 30 minute ride from the airport, we arrived in paradise late afternoon.

This is the lovely welcome drink we received upon arrival.

 We had a little private plunge pool overlooking the ocean. It was a little windy while we were there so that felt kind of cold, but we really enjoyed lounging in the chairs, reading, and listening to the water.

 This was the view from our room.

 A little dark, but this was our room.

 Lovely fresh flowers in our room.

 Christmas tree on the grounds - they call these trees that because they flower at Christmas!

 Beautiful flowers on the grounds of the hotel.

 Our bungalow from outside.

I'll pick up on the next post with our first trip to Port Villa, the main city on the island.