Excitement levels are heightened as we arrive at Sydney airport for our flight to Brisbane to connect with the daily service to Port Vila, Vanuatu. Everything went smoothly out of Sydney as our Virgin flight got airbound on time. Nice flight: morning breakfast of salmon + scrambled eggs and coffee. Coffee not bad, either. Surprised! A little late arriving into Brisbane, causing a minor panic as our connection is at the International terminal and we’ve only got 30 mins til our flight to Vanuatu. To panic or not? The time starts getting eaten up as we have to catch the Airtrain, (oh dear sign says 8 min til train leaves the station) then get through security and finally run the length of the terminal to get to the boarding gate. As we are on the travelator about 400m from gate 75a ( naturally the furthest gate from the entrance) the announcement comes over the PA telling us that boarding for our flight has commenced.
Stressing… but it turns out OK, we made it! We met our travel companions with quick hugs and kisses, and excitedly proceeded down the walkbridge with visions of what lay ahead on our 7-day South Pacific adventure. We arrived at Vanuatu International airport and were greeted by a troupe of happy swaying sarong-wrapped singers. We cleared customs with a nod of the head as the customs official asked “..got any food to declare?” Then it was off to grab our transport to head out to Eratap Resort. The road skirted the town of Port Vila, the sealed road narrow and potholed but nowhere near as rough as the 7km of bumpy dirt road that finally brought us to our hotel.
Oh my goodness, we have arrived at a South Pacific paradise. Eratap Resort is located in a secluded woodland hamlet approximately 35 mins from Port Vila, perched proudly on a heavenly stretch of secluded white sand beach. Upon arrival we’re greeted at the entrance with a tall, icy fruit beverage and a very efficient and friendly hostess. Whilst we sipped our fruit mocktail, Pascalle sat us down on comfy outdoor couches and explained the extensive geography of the resort and what activities we could expect to enjoy over the course of our stay. Daily activities like guided snorkeling tours in the crystal clear waters or a mornings boat trip across the mirror smooth bay to “Daniels Home-made Coconut Oil making tour”. Worth a look!
We tried to concentrate on what Pascalle was saying, but our eyes kept straying to the crystal clear aquamarine waters gently lapping the sands not more than 40m from where we sat. The white sands ran away in both directions in sweeping arcs, creating small fingernail like bays, with coarse white sand evolved from thousands of years of crushed corals. During our first evening meal we were serenaded by a group of local musician/ dancers dressed in traditional costume which were very entertaining.
Eratap Resort has 12 discreetly placed bungalows each with its own Nakamel (thatched roof beach hut for lounging by the sea). Each has been constructed with maximum thought for the prevailing ocean breezes and are a wonderful place to relax.
Yesterday mornings “muffin of the day” was Papaya and Coconut. Yummy! Confession….yes I did have one while sitting gazing out at the vast expanse of blue water and fluffy white clouds stretching out as far as the eye can see.
After a 3 course breakfast, I just made the 100m walk over soft clean sand back to our bungalow and flopped onto the chairs on the back deck, again overlooking the same contemplative view. The serene lifestyle here on the island is catching, and it’s a case of getting up from one chair and view, to move to another restful place with another gorgeous view. Then for a change, it’s off to the roman-esque pool with another stunning view. Its landscape eye candy overload.
Each day the resort features an activity , and yesterdays was a snorkelling adventure. A quick five minute boat ride across the small bay, and we were over the edge of a reef with a four metre drop-off. Donning masks , snorkel and flippers it was over the side and into the crystal clear water with Go-Pro + pole in hand. I have never been in water this clear before. I had also never seen a sea snake and such an abundant array of beautiful aquarium fish this close before either. Not to mention the dozen or so varieties of coral ranging from soft to hard to brittle. Floating in the ebb and flow of the ocean current staring at the seemingly random choreography of the inhabitants of this strange canyon like landscape made for compelling viewing. It was really hard to eventually tear myself away from the beauty and busyness of the scene below.
Last night was another picture postcard sunset, and I have documented it from a variety of viewpoints. I never get tired of these beautiful natural occurances.
Todays activity was a trip into Port Vila, and the obligatory souvenir hunt. Leaving the beauty and cool ocean breezes behind, we faced a hot, breathless walk around town. A quick trip up the mountain to the Summit Gardens and lunch, refreshed us for the trip back. Upon arriving back at Eratap Resort, a collective sigh was heard and a vow to continue our holiday firmly ensconced in the calm luxury of our magnificent surroundings. The aforementioned palm surrounded roman-esque pool summoned, cooling us down on the outside while a fruity coconut mocktail took care of the inside.
The days are starting to slide into each other, and we have enjoyed the relaxing calmness of “island time”. Our days have settled in a regular routine of snorkelling on the early (9am) morning high tide followed by a leisurely breakfast around 10:30. This is the time that the Go Pro images get downloaded, and the footage checked with the obligatory Oohs and Aahs as we review the fish-capades. A late lunch, although it does seems ungracious to order fish and chips, followed by an afternoon siesta. Another afternoon snorkelling adventure, and then prep for dinner. Dinner is a show in itself as the resort is ideally positioned to watch the spectacular setting sun over a chilled beverage or two. The menu is comprehensive and the food is well prepared. It’s tasty, and the portion sizes are generous. As darkness falls over the resort, the twinkle of path and guide lights around the resort make an after dinner walk to the soft swishing of waves a relaxing end to an outstanding day.
I should mention that in packing to come to Vanuatu, I packed for all possibilities. Shorts, long pants, board shorts, t-shirts and collared shirts, 3 pairs shoes and a jumper ( you know, in case it gets cool in the evening). Rookie packing, I know, but you don’t want to get caught short ( bad pun!) Well, in 6 days, Ive only worn shorts, t-shirts , boardies and thongs. I could have come with a suitcase ½ the size. Note to self for next time. And gee I hope there is a next time. Eratap Resort is the ideal stress relief and only 2 1/2 hrs out of Brisbane. Oh, and tonight is “fire night”. A troupe of Vanuatu youth will be performing with fire, set to music. Should be exciting.
Its not often you book something sight unseen, and have a perfect 100% enjoyable, no problem holiday. There is usually some little niggle. Not so this time. Pascalle and her team at Eratap Resort, gave us a flawless 7-day experience. The resort is perfectly situated to capture all the dream elements of a stunning south sea island location and the resort staff are amazing. Truly, I will run out of superlatives to use to describe how much we enjoyed our holiday. Robert who greets the arriving guests at the airport was a delight, Mac, a wealth of information, and Palou a great boat driver. Jenny, Yvonne, Sharon, Georgina, Movlin, Claire, Andre, Carl, Walter, Wendy and Pascalle were amazing, and all provided the complete “…its not a problem” attitude requisite of true hospitality and service. Eratap Resort. 6 star!!!!
