The hotel that's literally built into a cliff

Shannon Aldwell
Updated

When you think Polynesian beach getaway, those little over-water bungalows usually spring to mind.

But they are so circa 2004, people.

This resort has 80 rooms, each with stunning views overlooking Erakor Lagoon. Photo: Ramada Resort
This resort has 80 rooms, each with stunning views overlooking Erakor Lagoon. Photo: Ramada Resort

We’ve found a luxury resort literally nestled into a cliffside and spilling down onto the sandy shores of a peaceful lagoon

Minutes from downtown Port Vila, the Ramada Resort Port Vila is a brand-spanking new retreat perfect for couples wanting a secluded break.

Just a three-hour flight from Australia, the resort boasts all the modern-day offerings you expect including a pool, gym and buggies that drive you around the resort (yes, you kind of feel like Queen Bey at this point).

The pool is the showstopper of the property – mainly due to its epic swim-up pool bar. Ahem, cheers to that.

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The pool with its swim-up bar is the highlight of the property. Photo: Be
The pool with its swim-up bar is the highlight of the property. Photo: Be

Be stayed in a junior suite and you could really tell that the place was new – I felt like I was the first person to have slept in the fluffy, king size bed. We couldn’t get over how spacious the room was and for once, the photos on the website do not exaggerate the size.

For once the photos on a hotel's website DOES NOT exaggerate the size. Photo: Ramada Resort
For once the photos on a hotel's website DOES NOT exaggerate the size. Photo: Ramada Resort
The fully-equipped kitchen is perfect if you want to spend the night in with your SO. Photo: Ramada Resort
The fully-equipped kitchen is perfect if you want to spend the night in with your SO. Photo: Ramada Resort

For those who want to show off their new holiday activewear, the resort offers complimentary access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear to use in the lagoon.

But, tbh, we’re mostly here for the dining experience. The hotel’s waterfront Akiriki Restaurant serves up fine-dining vibes with menu items influenced by Melanesian and Polynesian cuisine, with a French flair. We had the beef fillet with Vanuatu pepper, flambéd with rum, kumala gratin. So good.

The Akiriki restaurant is literally on the water. Photo: Ramada Resort
The Akiriki restaurant is literally on the water. Photo: Ramada Resort
This was hands down the BEST beef I've ever tasted. Photo: Be
This was hands down the BEST beef I've ever tasted. Photo: Be
If you're lucky, you may catch some live entertainment on the sand. Photo: Be
If you're lucky, you may catch some live entertainment on the sand. Photo: Be

Outisde the resort, you can take a 15-minute walk down to the Port Vila market to pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables or souvenirs. It's also worth trying laplap, the national dish of Vanuatu, which is made of grated yams or banana smothered in coconut cream and cooked in an earth oven.

Such a tough life waking up to this every day! Photo: Be
Such a tough life waking up to this every day! Photo: Be
It's only a five-minute drive into town to get those sunset views. Photo: Be
It's only a five-minute drive into town to get those sunset views. Photo: Be

Other websites to check out if you're planning a trip:
Airport transfers: Adventures in Paradise
Airfare: Air Vanuatu
Advice: Vanuatu Tourism

This writer was sent to Vanuatu courtesy of Ramada Resort Port Vila, Vanuatu Tourism and Air Vanuatu.

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