5-Star Hotels in Shefa, Vanuatu

Fantastic Family Stay – Even Better Than We Remembered! We spent 5 wonderful nights at Iririki Island Resort and absolutely loved our time there. Although we went into town for lunch and dinner a few times, we mostly stayed on the island and soaked in the beautiful surroundings. The kayaking and snorkeling were a highlight, especially thanks to Etella and Teraa—these two went above and beyond to look after our family and made the experience memorable. The ocean view villa was spacious, airy, and perfect for watching the fish swim right by our deck. The breakfast buffet was excellent and included halal chicken options, which we really appreciated. The staff catered to our dietary needs and made sure alcohol was left out, which meant we could enjoy every meal without worry. Only downside: they didn’t accept Amex and charged a 3% surcharge on Visa/MasterCard, which, combined with international bank fees, added up. Although we had a discount from Trip.com, we couldn’t really take advantage of it due to these charges. Next time, we’ll prepay online instead of using the “pay at hotel” option. This was our second visit to Port Vila after 13 years, and both the city and Iririki were just as magical as we remembered. A special shoutout to Taste of India in town—absolutely fantastic food! Highly recommended for families, couples, and anyone looking to unwind in paradise.

I was initially very satisfied with this hotel, but my entire experience was completely ruined on the morning of March 29 at 10:00 AM. A staff member knocked on my door in an extremely aggressive and urgent manner. Even after I clearly told them to wait, they continued banging loudly on the door without any respect for my privacy. When I finally opened the door, expecting something urgent or important, I was shocked to find out that they were simply asking whether I needed housekeeping. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable. There was no emergency, no prior request, and no justification for such intrusive and disrespectful conduct. This was not only unprofessional, but also extremely disturbing. I do not need or appreciate this kind of forced “morning call.” It shows a serious lack of basic training and respect for guests. Because of this incident, I immediately decided to check out and leave the hotel. I strongly do NOT recommend this property.

We stayed at Tamanu for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The room was cozy and beautifully maintained, offering a perfect space to relax. The staff were exceptionally helpful and welcoming throughout our stay. Fiona and Anthony did a fantastic job managing the resort — their attention to detail and warm hospitality really stood out. A special thank you to Anthony, who went above and beyond by personally returning our wallet after we accidentally left it behind in the room. We are truly grateful for such kindness and care. Highly recommend Tamanu for anyone looking for a memorable and stress-free getaway!