Port Vila

Hideaway island resort and marine sanctuary, an ideal holiday spot for people wanting to get away from it all.

Hideaway is the only marine reserve in the area with coconut palms, white sand and coral beaches lead into clear warm water that is home to thousands of tropical fish and pristine coral reef perfect for snorkelling or diving. If you prefer, you can also sit and enjoy the world class food in the beach bar and restaurant. Snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and a full PADI dive shop on- site provide many watersport options. With no phones, faxes or televisions in the rooms at hideaway there is little chance your relaxation will be interrupted.

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Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and lies on the southwest coast of the island of Efate.

Free of skyscraper office blocks, the sleepy capital is set within a magnificent natural harbour. It's a charming potpourri of cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes. Along the main street there are duty-free shops, restaurants and hand-craft galleries. Port Vila Market comes alive on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6am to 1:30pm. Wander through rows of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs and souvenir stalls. Savour the aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries tinged with the scent of blooming frangipani.

Within walking distance of the centre of town, a range of resorts offers a dozen different ways to cool off. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive; try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or fishing.

And when you've worked up an appetite, choose from more than 20 different restaurants. The most fascinating landmark of Vanuatu's capital is the Cultural Centre, which contains one of the most extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific. But these are only a few of the sights and interests in Port Vila - after all, half the fun of a holiday is discovering these things for yourself.

All around Efate there are things to do or see. There are beach and island resorts to visit within an hour's drive - bathe in a hot mineral spring or shower beneath a cascading waterfall, paddle or fish in a large fresh water lake, play a few rounds of golf or go horseback riding along a deserted beach. There are daily bus tours of the island and scenic plane flights or you can charter a sailboat and see it at your own pace from the water.

What's Included