Page 12 - Flipbook

GOODVALUE SouthPacificparadise
Couples therapy Vanuatu style
Couples esCape to the happiest
plaCe on earth
Vanuatu has been recognised as the happiest place on Earth on the Happy Planet Index. So if you’re in dire need of a sunny holiday that will turn your frown upside down, why not consider a holiday that offers good value and plenty of smiles? Summer in Vanuatu runs from November to March and reaches an average temperature of 28°C. Every day is a good day to get packing, so why not start now?
There’s a reason people are so happy in Vanuatu. As a former Anglo-French colony in the South Pacific, Vanuatu boasts a pretty archipelago of 83 islands and an adventure awaits on each one. Its stunning series of coastlines and white sandy beaches were once inhabited solely by the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people, some of whom you can still interact with today. Step back in time and surrender to the charms. You’re on island time now.
The Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila, Efate Island is an ideal resort to simply sit back and unwind. It offers a boutique holiday experience for adults-only, just a 10-minute drive
from Port Vila's CBD. Lounge amongst bougainvillea and frangipanis and gaze at the azure-blue ocean on a 2 km private beach. You'll be more than happy with the 22-metre infinity pool overlooking Vanuatu's slice of the Pacific Ocean.
From romantic bushwalks, picnics on sparkling beaches and sunset horseback rides to cultural and community tours, there are lots of activities for loved-up couples in Vanuatu. If you’re hungry for adventure there are plenty of options to explore from land sailing to absailing down a waterfall, off-road adventures in two seater buggies to an array of water sports.
You can’t miss the Mele Cascades if you’re looking for a romantic destination in Vanuatu. Mele Cascades is just a 30-minute bus ride from Port Vila’s centre. Take a picnic and some photos. You’ll find plenty of happiness here.
Melanesian Nights are popular with tourists in Vanuatu and are a great insight into why the locals are so darn happy. You’ll find them held at most major resorts and hotels. Make sure you participate in the kastom dancing and a kava-drinking ceremony.
Relight the fires of romance in Vanuatu with a blissful sunset cruise on Erakor Lagoon. Cruises on The Barge can be arranged by your resort and guarantee a special evening of cocktails, live entertainment and unforgettable views of the illuminated lagoon at night.
If you’re keen to explore other hidden treasure, the nearby islands are well worth the hour’s flight to experience insights into cultures that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Nature puts on an impressive firework display in Vanuatu, courtesy of the active Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna Island. With an experienced guide, you can cross the eerie moonscape ash plains right to the crater's edge. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Alternatively, a cultural tour to Tanna's Kastom Villages will help you learn about traditional medicines, local foods, customs and arts and crafts.
10 AUTUMN 2013