In my opinion, Vanuatu is one of the most surprising and under rated travel destinations in the world, this little paradise of islands has so much to offer and if I could pick one place in the world to recommend, it would be this gorgeous South Pacific nation. One of the most beautiful, relaxed and culturally rich parts is the gorgeous island of Espiritu Santo (aka Santo). Santo is the biggest island in the Vanuatu archipelago and not surprisingly it is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches as well as reefs filled with thousands of stunning coloured fish and blue holes filled with crystal clear blue water the colour of the sky.
The raw character, tranquillity and rustic beauty of Santo is what I believe many of us travel the world to experience. The laid back way of life here makes it hard not to question the damage the modern world has done to the beautiful slow paced way of bygone eras. In this relaxed paradise one can still cruise dirt roads in the back of a ute, villages are still centred around open fire pits used for cooking, dancing and singing and all tribes are complete with some of the happiest and most welcoming people I have ever met. In addition, this beautiful island is home to some of the most delicious beef in the world and if you get an opportunity you must try Santo Beef.
Not only is the way of life here mesmerising but the adventurous opportunities throughout the island are endless. From exploring the beautiful white sand beaches to kayaking around the lagoons searching for turtles and dugongs, to exploring the many caves and waterfalls around the island and snorkelling around some of the most beautiful reefs in the world; everything about Santo is so authentic and inviting that it could keep you entertained for days. There are very few places in the world that have such untouched beauty and the opportunity to experience first-hand the back to basics life here that appears so completely unaffected by tourism.
Malvanua Island Beach House Santo
I loved this beach house so much that I almost want to keep it locked away as a secret inside me forever. But I can’t and I won’t as a I believe in the saying “a joy shared is a joy doubled!” There is something extremely enticing about the whole private island experience. It almost feels like it is your own little slice of Earth. This adorable private island stay fulfilled all these expectations and more. This beach side retreat sits just off the gorgeous island of Espiritu Santo and is one of the few places in the world where private island and affordable come hand in hand.
The best part of this piece of paradise is you can literally do as much or as little as you want. Fancy a bit of R&R? The hammocks are there to save the day. Fancy a swim on your own stunning white sand private beach? There is that option too. Or why not explore the lagoon or surf break by kayak or snorkel – you might even be lucky enough to see the resident turtles.
The Beach house is fully equipped with all the necessities to make your stay enjoyable and comfortably sleeps up to 4 people. In addition, the self-catering kitchen and the barbecue ensure you won’t go hungry and if the offerings are not enticing enough so far your hosts deliver the most delightful fresh bread to your door and deliver fresh produce for you to barbecue straight from the local market whenever you want. If you can steal yourself away from the luxuries of the beach house you will also find many adventures waiting to be had right on your door step from horseback riding along the beach to swimming in the islands many blue holes.
