5-Star Hotels in Shefa, Vanuatu

Fantastic Family Stay – Even Better Than We Remembered! We spent 5 wonderful nights at Iririki Island Resort and absolutely loved our time there. Although we went into town for lunch and dinner a few times, we mostly stayed on the island and soaked in the beautiful surroundings. The kayaking and snorkeling were a highlight, especially thanks to Etella and Teraa—these two went above and beyond to look after our family and made the experience memorable. The ocean view villa was spacious, airy, and perfect for watching the fish swim right by our deck. The breakfast buffet was excellent and included halal chicken options, which we really appreciated. The staff catered to our dietary needs and made sure alcohol was left out, which meant we could enjoy every meal without worry. Only downside: they didn’t accept Amex and charged a 3% surcharge on Visa/MasterCard, which, combined with international bank fees, added up. Although we had a discount from Trip.com, we couldn’t really take advantage of it due to these charges. Next time, we’ll prepay online instead of using the “pay at hotel” option. This was our second visit to Port Vila after 13 years, and both the city and Iririki were just as magical as we remembered. A special shoutout to Taste of India in town—absolutely fantastic food! Highly recommended for families, couples, and anyone looking to unwind in paradise.

The hotel was very clean and well-maintained. It even has its own pool and a sandy beach area, which was a pleasant surprise. What's more, there's a Chinese restaurant and a supermarket just a short walk from the hotel, which was really convenient. However, I noticed that we weren't offered a welcome drink upon check-in, even though other Caucasian guests seemed to receive one. I'm not sure if it was an oversight or for another reason. Aside from that, all the other services were great.

We stayed at Tamanu for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The room was cozy and beautifully maintained, offering a perfect space to relax. The staff were exceptionally helpful and welcoming throughout our stay. Fiona and Anthony did a fantastic job managing the resort — their attention to detail and warm hospitality really stood out. A special thank you to Anthony, who went above and beyond by personally returning our wallet after we accidentally left it behind in the room. We are truly grateful for such kindness and care. Highly recommend Tamanu for anyone looking for a memorable and stress-free getaway!