ERATAP BEACH RESORT
Our Resort Report
OUR Thoughts on Eratap Beach Resort, South Efate, Vanuatu.
In the context of the friendly, informal and laid-back South Pacific, Eratap Beach Resort Vanuatu is right up there with the best on offer. The location is simply superb. Vanuatu (at least on Efate Island) is not always known for miles and miles of perfect sand beaches, but on the little-visited south coast of Efate, there are a number of hidden-away places of spectacular beauty and the coastal area in the vicinity of Eratap is one of those. Once you leave Port Vila heading south, the paved circle-island road moves inland for quite a stretch and to get to the south coast resorts you need to leave the paved road and travel down local roads which are often heavily pot-holed, especially if it has been some time since the road was visited by a road grader. However, is some ways, this adds to the surprise and delight of finding such a great spot once you do arrive. The road to Eratap Beach Resort ends at the resort, so there is no dusty, passing traffic. Up-market Eratap Beach Resort is built on a small peninsular of land that hooks around from the mainland and forms a lagoon on one side which is studded with small uninhabited gems of islands and, on the other side, is lapped by the ocean where the waves break out on the reef which fringes the coast. Off shore, Castaway Island provides shelter from the prevailing wind.
The resort itself is built around the point of the peninsular where it curves back towards the north-west so guests enjoy the amazing sunset displays from their villas. And, what beautiful villas they are; big and airy with separate pavilions for sleeping and living. The Resort Reception, Lounge, Restaurant and House Bar are housed in a high-roofed contemporary Melanesian-style main building which is only metres from the beautiful white-sand beach. The 14 individual villa buildings stretch out from here along the beach and around the point to another beach on the other side of the point. The ocean beach is in front and the calm lagoon with its 2 private, sandy coves and the resort jetty is behind. The beautiful resort swimming pool is handily located between the ocean lagoon and the harbour lagoon.
Guests staying at Eratap Beach Resort enjoy the following complimentary inclusions - full cooked gourmet breakfasts, return airport transfers, use of the once-daily shuttle bus to Port Vila, use of motorised boats with driver, kayaks, snorkelling equipment & surf equipment, use of wireless internet at restaurant (bring own laptop or tablet), fresh fruit punch and bottled water on arrival, all resort activities run by activities staff and use of DVD library.
The sheltered lagoon side of the Resort with its many small islands provide a wonderful opportunity for novice or experienced kayakers to enjoy exploring the vicinity. This is also a good spot to try snorkelling before graduating to snorkel the ocean reef at high tide. The 2 resort boats (complete with driver), are available at any time free of charge to guests for trips on the lagoon for a romantic lunch on an uninhabited island, to transport guests to other snorkelling reefs in the vicinity or to take guests and their surfboards out to any of the local surf breaks. Eratap is not a “surf resort” as such, but from time to time there are excellent surf conditions for both experienced and novice surfers.
We have found the dining experience to be excellent. The big breakfasts included in the tariff mean you hardly need to bother with lunch, although the lunch menu is very tempting; but it is dinner that is the highlight of the day. Eratap Beach Resort has several covered “lounges” spread through the resort which can be used for shelter and relaxing during the day and on any one evening 2 of these are available for private candlelight dinners. We advise you to book your special dinner as soon as you arrive as these are very popular. Eratap are also happy to set up a candlelight dinner on your own villa deck and from time-to-time dinner tables are set up on the beach or on the restaurant terrace for dining under the stars.
With all this dining, less active guests will be pleased to know that there are several pleasant and safe walks that can be taken around Eratap Beach Resort. Whether it be just an early morning stroll along the bush road, a 3 kilometre stroll up to the village or a more energetic walk around the entire Eratap Peninsular as far as Teouma Bay, there is always the opportunity to walk off some of the good times, or maybe you should be happy with a visit to the beachfront Day Spa for pampering and a good massage! Over recent times additional facilities have been added for guests' enjoyment. There is now a friendly little gym and a tennis court as wel as a resort shop.
Included in the room rates:
● Full, cooked gourmet breakfast
● Arrival and departure transfers
● Daily Shuttle Bus to Port Vila (Out 10:00am back 1:00pm)
● Use of motorised boats with driver,
● Use of kayaks, snorkel and surf equipment
● Wifi internet connection
● Fresh fruit punch and bottled water on arrival
● All Resort Activities run by Resort Activities Staff.
● Evening entertainment in Restaurant 3 nights a week
● Free use of Resort's Private Island (Castaway Island)
including boat transfers.
● Use of Resort DVD Library & in-house movie streaming
● Vanuatu Tourism Levy
Optional Activities (available at additional cost):
● Offshore fishing
● Day Spa & massage treatments
What Eratap Beach Resort Say About Themselves:
“ERATAP Beach Resort is one of Vanuatu’s most luxurious boutique resorts. It is situated on the best beach on Efate island and the only resort in Vanuatu offering direct access to lagoons and surf.
Encompassing an entire peninsula with three separate beaches and twelve acres of tropical gardens it is a complete natural sanctuary and remarkably only 20 minutes from Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.
Surrounded by pristine reefs, uninhabited islands, azure lagoons and great surf it is a haven for those who seek adventure or complete relaxation.
With only 14 luxury absolute beach and waterfront villas the number of resort guests is limited. A stunning beachfront lounge & restaurant, large private pool and bar area, Day Spa, jetty, boats and kayaks, provide guests with all the facilities they need for a complete, idyllic escape.
Eratap Beach Resort caters for the discerning guest who is seeking a private, high quality resort with personal service in a beautifully preserved natural environment.”
Minimum Stay Policy
Eratap Resort requires a minimum stay of 3 nights year-round except for stays including 25 December 2019 to 01 January 2020, when the minimum stay requirement is 5 nights:
During designated Family Weeks the minimum stay is 5 nights for:
- 2 Bedroom Villas
- 3 Bedroom & Plunge Pool Villa 10
- Deluxe 2 Bedroom Villas
Designated Family Weeks:
31 March 2023 to 23 April 2023
17 June 2023 to 16 July 2023
16 September 2023 to 9 October 2023
15 December 2023 to 26 January 2024
Your Accommodation Options
Of the 14 villas that make up Eratap Beach Resort, 5 are 1 Bedroom Villas (1 of which has a private pool), 4 are 2 Bedroom Villas (1 with a private pool); there is one 3 bedroom Villa and 2 very special 1 Bedroom Honeymoon Villas. There are two Deluxe 2-bedroom Beachfront Villas each with a private pool. All villas are absolute water-front and lie around the peninsula, each having their own unique and uninterrupted view of the ocean. All are extremely spacious with separate pavilions for both the bedroom and lounge room. The bedrooms are air conditioned and all pavilions have ceiling fans for natural air flow. With louvered windows, high pitched ceilings and large front opening glass doors the villas are cool, bright and airy.
To quote Eratap Beach Resort:-
“Our Villas have been built using a combination of local and imported materials to create a truly Melanesian feel with luxurious finish; tastefully decorated using modern Melanesian and Asian furnishings that provide a comfortable tropical ambience. The villas have outdoor lounge areas (nakamals) set out on the water’s edge. These nakamals provide the perfect setting for quiet reading, a sunset drink or romantic meal.”
Room Categories (In ascending order of tariff)
One Bedroom Beachfront Villas:
Ideally suited to couples or singles looking for space and privacy, One Bedroom Beachfront Villas have separate lounge and master bedroom pavilions and are 70m2 in size (excluding decks and outdoor shower). The air-conditioned master bedroom features two sets of double French doors opening out onto private decks for uninterrupted ocean views. A large ensuite bathroom includes a generous bath and separate shower. There is also another romantic external courtyard shower. The separate lounge room pavilion features lounge chairs, tea and coffee making facilities, bar fridge, TV and DVD player. This pavilion opens out onto a vast deck, with sun loungers and a lawn stretching out to the beach just metres from the door.
1 Bedroom Villas are numbers 2, 3, 4 and 7.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child during High Season Family Weeks
Existing bedding: 1 King bed.
Additional Bedding: During High Season/Family Weeks 1 rollaway bed can be added to accommodate 1 child aged 7 to 15 inclusive.
Two Bedroom Beachfront Villas:
Two bedroom villas are ideally suited for either friends, two couples or a family. These villas have two separate bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms. The master bedroom, similar to the one bedroom villas, has an outdoor shower courtyard and there is a separate lounge villa pavilion with private deck. The second bedroom opens off the lounge pavilion so it is totally separate from the first bedroom. Each bedroom is air conditioned. The lounge room has a TV and DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and bar fridge. As the villas have separate pavilions with each bedroom located on either side, privacy is maintained. Villa size is 95m2 (excluding decks & outdoor shower courtyard).
2 Bedroom Villas are numbers 1, 5 and 6.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 Adults or 2 adults and 3 children during the High Season Family Weeks.
Existing bedding: 1 King bed in the Master Bedroom - the second bedroom has a King bed that can be split to provide two single beds. This bedroom also has a Single Bed, making 3 Single Beds when the King is Split.
Additional Bedding: No additional beddinf is accommodated.
One Bedroom Waterfront Villa with Pool - Villa 9
The same layout and facilities as One Bedroom Beachfront Villas 2,3,4 & 7, Villa 9 is a One Bedroom Villa situated on the point overlooking the two islands offshore from the resort. A beautiful pool has been added to this villa to provide a very romantic and private setting. It has the same configuration as a One Bedroom Villa and also has its own waterfront lounge pavilion.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 adults
Existing Bedding: 1 King bed
Additional Bedding: During High Season/Family Weeks 1 rollaway bed can be added to accommodate 1 child aged 7 to 15 inclusive.
2 Bedroom Villa with Pool - Villa 10
“Villa 10 is a two-bedroom villa situated next to Honeymoon Beach. This is a stunning location with very similar views to Honeymoon Villa 11, which sits at the other end of the beach.”
This is the only 2-bedroom villa with a plunge pool. It is ideal for couples, friends & families wanting their own pool and privacy. It has exactly the same configuration as the Two Bedroom Beachfront Villas.
Maximum Occupancy: 5 Adults or during High Season Family Weeks - 2 Adults and 3 Children
Existing bedding: 1 King bed in the Master Bedroom - the second bedroom has a King bed that can be unzipped to provide two single beds plus 1 Single Bed.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding is accommodated
Honeymoon Villa 12 with Pool:
The only villa facing inward to the lagoon, Honeymoon Villa 12 is extremely private with wonderful views across the lagoon. With a beautiful outdoor lounge pavilion and a romantic plunge pool on the water’s edge this is a perfect villa for couples. The configuration is the same as the One Bedroom Beachfront Villa and has a separate lounge and master bed pavilion and is 70m2 in size (excluding decks and outdoor shower courtyard).
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults. Children are not accommodated in Honeymoon Villas at any time.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Honeymoon Villa 11 with Pool:
Situated on its own point this villa enjoys spectacular sunrises and sunsets all year round. With views of all four offshore islands and its very own covered outdoor lounge area it holds a premium position in the resort. The configuration is the same as the one bed villa and has a separate lounge and master bed pavilion and is 70m2 in size (excluding decks and outdoor shower courtyard). In addition to the master bedroom, ensuite bathroom and lounge the honeymoon villa also has a plunge pool by the water’s edge for the ultimate romantic dip.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults. Children are not accommodated in Honeymoon Villas at any time.
Existing Bedding: is 1 King Bed.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Three Bedroom Beachfront Villa:
“There is one 3 bedroom villa situated on the main point of the resort. This is a large commanding villa with three separate pavilions, each facing a different direction to fully utilize the 180 degree views.”
This monster villa (Villa Number 8) is 110m2 in size. The central lounge room pavilion has a large deck area and a TV and DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and bar fridge. It has sweeping views of Eratap beach and Castaway Island. The bedroom wings are linked to the central lounge room pavilion by enclosed corridors. The master bedroom pavilion is air conditioned with ensuite indoor bathroom and an outdoor shower courtyard. The air-conditioned second and third bedrooms share a second bathroom. While ideally suited to larger families or two couples this villa is available to anyone wanting a very special experience.
Maximum Occupancy: Up to 6 guests. This may include up to 4 children (aged 7 to 15 years) during designated High Season Family Weeks.
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed in the main bedroom and the second bedroom, the third bedroom has 2 single beds.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
Deluxe Beachfront 2 Bedroom Villas with Pool
Situated on the main beach these two deluxe villas provide superb luxury and space. These villas are unique in that they offer two master bedroom wings each with ensuite and outdoor showers. Attached to both these wings is the main lounge room building providing a wonderful space to relax and enjoy the sweeping westerly views. Each villa has its own private pool, beach pavilion and covered lounge decks all just metres from the beach and waves. The deluxe villas are designed to be ideally suited to either a couple, friends travelling together or a family. Each Deluxe Beachfront 2 Bedroom Villa is 117m2
Maximum Occupancy: 4 Adults or during High Season Family Weeks - 2 Adults and 3 Children
Existing bedding: 1 King bed in each bedroom.
Additional Bedding: During designated High Season a single rollaway bed can be added making villa maximum for families 2 adults & up to 3 children aged 7 to 14 years.
Getting To and From Eratap Beach Resort
Airport meet and greet and airport transfers by minibus are provided to all guests.
Eratap Resort provides a complimentary daily shuttle bus service into Port Vila which operates from Eratap at 10:00am and arrives back at 1:00pm. This gives guests plenty of time to enjoy Port Vila and its harbour, grab a coffee and maybe stock up on snack foods etc at one of the supermarkets. Eratap is only 20/30 minutes away from Port Vila, (depending on how fast you attack the pot holes on the portion of unsealed road) so it is possible to contemplate taking a taxi into town for dinner as a dining option. However, in our experience, you will be hard-pressed to find better food and service than that provided at the resort and the taxi ride back from town at night can be a little “hairy” after you leave the environs of Port Vila as there are few street lights to light the way. The Resort staff will happily organise one of the local taxi/buses to take you on a day trip around the island and this is a good way to experience the rest of the sights of Efate Island.
Kids’ Policy
Eratap Beach Resort is generally an adults-only resort and does not accommodate children aged under 7 years, year round. However, the resort does accept children aged between 7 and 15 years (inclusive) during the following High Season Family Week periods.
31 March 2023 to 23 April 2023
17 June 2023 to 16 July 2023
16 September 2023 to 9 October 2023
15 December 2023 to 26 January 2024
Children are not accepted at any time of year in either the two Honeymoon Villas or in the One Bedroom Waterfront Villa with Pool (Villa 9).
Minimum stay requirement:
Minimum stay requirement is 3 nights, but during the High season when children are accommodated, the minimum stay policy for 2 Bedroom, 3 bedroom & Plunge Pool Villa 10, Deluxe Two Bedroom Beachfront Villas with Pool is 5 nights.
Kids Play Free
During High Season Family Week periods when children aged 7 to 15 years are in-house, organised kids’ activities are offered free of charge.
Check-in/Check Out
Standard check-in and check-out times:
Check In Time: 2:00pm
Check Out Time: 11:00am
Early Check-in and Late Check-out
Eratap Beach Resort will do all possible to accommodate requests for early check-ins and late check-outs. Requests for this service are always subject to availability of accommodation at the time of stay and if available, are provided free of charge.
The information on this page is correct as at 21 April 2023 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 31 March 2024. All information shown is subject to change without notice.