Iririki Island Resort & Spa

Getting around involves quite a few hills. The Sunset Pool is worth the climb, and rooms 30 Ocean View have the fewest hills. You can take the longer route if hills are difficult, but every room still means some uphill walking to the restaurant and infinity pool. If you can’t manage hills at all, this probably isn’t the resort for you. The top spa really does have an ocean view, though there are far too many steps. The food was good: I especially liked the spaghetti Bolognese from the à la carte menu and the omelette at the breakfast buffet. We also enjoyed the sunset cruise and the live entertainment on some nights. Don’t miss the half hour! The mainland is just a short ferry ride away, and the ferry runs 24/7. We had a wonderful stay at Iririki Resort, and the staff couldn’t do enough for us. I’d definitely come back.

Loya, our wonderful housekeeper, and the ferry crew deserve a special mention. Most of the staff were great, though a few seemed very lazy. Our room was clean and roomy, with a lovely view across Efate, and the sunsets were magnificent. There were quite a few small frustrations: no ice for drinks, loud leaf blowers going much of the morning, and at breakfast, no bacon or juice, with omelettes missing once too. TV reception and WiFi came and went, and there wasn’t a shop or vending machine to buy water or a Coke. We were dropped off right beside a puddle by the transfer company, which wasn’t a great start. I wouldn’t spend money on the in-house snorkelling trip. I’ve snorkelled in Vanuatu before and found the spot they took us to very ordinary. The package sunset cruise was much the same, so I wouldn’t bother with that either. Would I return? Probably not. I’ve stayed at Breakas Beach Resort before and think I prefer it.

The rooms need an upgrade for a place with this star rating, and it’s overpriced for what’s offered. Holiday Inn is much cheaper and has better rooms. What made our stay enjoyable was the staff, from room service and security to the restaurants, pool bar, kids club and ferry captains. They all went above and beyond and made the experience feel complete.

We paid 2000 vatu each for a day pass. The snorkelling was pretty good, and snorkelers cove lets you borrow all the gear, flippers included. Food and drinks cost more than in Port Vila. Still, it’s worth coming for a change of scenery and a snorkel.