Just an easy 20-minute drive from Port Vila, Eratap Beach Resort feels worlds away. Set on its own private peninsula, flanked by a calm lagoon on one side and the open Pacific on the other, this boutique hideaway captures the essence of barefoot luxury. With only a handful of villas scattered across 12 acres of lush gardens, it’s a place where the pace slows and the soundtrack of surf gently breaking on the reef becomes a hypnotic melody as the trade winds rustle through pandanus palms. Days are spent snorkelling off the reef, paddling to uninhabited islets, and toasting with sunset cocktails on the sand. Holiday dream scenes are made of these.
The rooms
Eratap’s 14 waterfront villas are thoughtfully spaced for seclusion, each framing its own slice of sea or lagoon. Many feature private plunge pools and outdoor showers, while interiors balance South Pacific warmth with contemporary ease — think thatched ceilings, cool stone floors, timber shutters and breezy neutral tones. The aesthetic seamlessly blends Vanuatu’s natural textures with modern amenities. From king beds that gaze out to ocean horizons to sun loungers shaded by trees, the design’s unspoken brief is to relax into a state of tranquil holiday bliss.
Food & drink
At Eratap, dining is as relaxed as the setting. The open-air beachfront restaurant makes the most of its location, serving dishes that spotlight Vanuatu’s local bounty — freshly caught fish, organic island beef, tropical fruit and homegrown herbs. Breakfast might be tropical fruit platters and homemade pancakes with chia jam; by night, it’s grilled deep-water snapper and Champagne under a canopy of stars. Margaritas arrive poolside on cue, and the bar’s well-curated wine list feels impressively considered for an island resort. Every meal is of an exceptional standard, but with an easy polish that is fresh and unfussy.
The service
The resort’s small team of long-time Ni-Vanuatu staff deliver sunny smiles and a genuine warmth that charms at first “Welkam!”. Whether it’s offering to pick up some necessities from Port Vila or booking an action-packed day trip to Efate’s top attractions, no ask is too big or small for the team here. They anticipate without ever intruding, making for an easy-going holiday where every whim is catered to. Boats are on standby for impromptu island-hopping adventures, ice buckets for Champagne appear just as the sky turns tangerine, and a heavenly day spa melts all stresses away. It’s this balance of care and calm, polish and personality that makes Eratap one of the top resorts in Vanuatu.
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