Vanuatu is the perfect place for a South Pacific holiday. Just when you think you have found the perfect beach, there's another one around the corner. Clear waters with coral reefs and shipwrecks make for a paradise for divers, and vulcanologists are fascinated by its smoking peaks. On top of all that, Vanuatu has untouched forest and superb birdlife.
Efate is Vanuatu's main island and is where the capital and only town, Port Vila, is situated. More than half of the island's population of 40,000 live in or around Port Vila. The rest live in small villages along the coast.
In Port Vila it's pleasant to wander through markets selling tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, fresh coffee and pastries and, of course, lots of souvenirs.
Moorings Hotel is Port Vila's newest boutique accommodation. A combination of resort and hotel, Moorings is modern and stylish. The hotel offers quality accommodation for those travelling on a tight budget, but with all the trimmings of more expensive places.
There are eight harbour-side rooms, 18 standard queen rooms and three dormitories which sleep up to six people. All have ensuites and harbour frontages. Most are air-conditioned, but for those who don't care for that, there are rooms with ceiling fans.
Plantation shutters open to a balcony and uninterrupted harbour or pool views.
The hotel has an infinity pool, and guests are able to explore the harbour by kayak off the private beach. It's particularly rewarding to do that at sunrise.
At Moo's Bar & Grill you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with other guests and locals or over quiet conversation on the terrace.
Rumours Nightclub is Port Vila's premier nightclub. Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8pm until late, it serves a great selection of drinks, has an excellent sound system and is air-conditioned so you can cool down after all that dancing.
An in-house travel desk is available to help with ideas of things to do to make your holiday fun and memorable.
Location
Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean.
Cost
Talpacific Holidays has seven-night packages including accommodation, return airport transfers, bonus tour, cocktail and lunch and Vanuatu Welkam Discount Card for discounts on shopping, dining and touring. Price starts at $429 per person twin share.
Virgin Blue has sale fares to Port Vila from Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne for $199 one-way. They are on sale until midnight, November 30, 2008 or until sold out. Valid for travel until December 15, 2008 and January 15-March 31, 2009. Fares are inclusive of all applicable taxes, fees and surcharges.
Prices correct at November 27, 2008.
For further information
Talpacific Holidays
Level 2, 645 Harris Street
Ultimo 2007
Ph: 1300 665 737
Fax: (02) 9212 6343
www.talpacific.com
sydney@talpacific.com.au
Talpacific Holidays
Level 7, 255 Adelaide Street
Brisbane 4000
Ph: (07) 3218 9900
Fax: (07) 3229 7073
www.talpacific.com.au
brisbane@talpacific.com.au
Moorings Hotel
Lini Hwy
Port Vila
Efate Island
Vanuatu
Ph: +678 26800
Fax +678 22172
www.mooringsvanuatu.com
gm@mooringsvanuatu.com
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
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