What to do in Vila when You've done it all?

[PaxtonA]

Hi Guys,

 

We're on our third Cruise to Vila in July, and we're looking for something different. We did Fiji Adventure in February, and probably the best tour we did was the Oolala Island Day Cruise out of Port Denaru, which was over way too fast.

 

We have done the Cascades Waterfall twice now, and don't want to go back there again. Instead, we would rather go somewhere different, but also get to Fung Kwei on the way back, for Duty Free.

 

Is there anything out of Vila that offers something like this? We're after somewhere where you can escape completely, but also where you can have a few drinks, and enjoy yourselves.

[rugbypopsie]

http://www.erakorislandresort.com/index.php/discover-erakor

 

Take a taxi to Erakor only a very short drive from Vila...the driver will come back and pick you up later so you can shop. Great way to spend a day in Vila..we have always enjoyed it and most people dont find it!

 

Sue

[Mum81]

Last time we were in Port Vila we got a cab from the ship to Warwick La Lagon Resort - Cost $15 each way.

 

See staff at reception and tell them you want to buy a "day pass". We were travelling with a family of 2 adults & 2 children. The staff were lovely and told us that we would be welcome to come and use all the facilties within the resort for no charge as long as we purchased our drinks and our lunch there, which we were planning to do anyway.

 

The resort was absolutely beautiful. The nicest and largest swimming pools of any resort I have ever stayed in including in Bali, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Clean pool towels are provided by the pool hut at the resort.

 

We had the pick of large, padded deck chairs underneath large umbrellas. There is a swim up bar offering cocktail of the day specials. The kids favourite was the "Red Parrot" mocktail. The Barman serving us was dancing along to the caribbean style music being played and joked around with the kids the whole time.

 

At 12pm the "poolside grill" started up. I'm not one to complain about food and we found the food on the cruise satisfactory, but this was the nicest meal we had the whole trip.

 

I think is this a great option if like us, you have already done the cultural tours, the markets etc and are looking for something relaxing to do this time. We were there for 6 hours and kids didn't want to leave to return to the ship!!!

 

If you are thinking of doing this, a couple of things you might want to consider:

 

*The food and drink in the resort is not as cheap as you might expect. The drinks were around $8 for a beer and $15 for a cocktail. The food was around $15-$25 per dish, but keep in mind you are getting use of the full resort, for the full day for NOTHING!

 

*The cruise ship will tell you that you don't need Vatu and that AUS $$ will be accepted everywhere in Vila. It won't at this resort. We got caught out, but luckily the resort reception would exchange some for us. The exchange rate was not great though, so I would recommend getting some Vatu from the ship prior to disembarking.

 

*You might want to consider giving a donation to the staff Christmas Party fund at reception on the way out. They are not allowed to accept tips.

 

Hope this helps :)

[rugbypopsie]

Le Legon is directly across from Erakor and yes it has a day pass option too.

 

Sue

[thied]

blue lagoon

[thied]

blue lagoon

before you get the blue lagoon there a place were you can feed the turtles, what joke if you a family and you not want swim or feed the turtles then thats $18 or you have to sit in the car or but or at the front gate you can notwatch your any one feed them with paying the $18, if you decide to swim and feedthe turtles in a small tank then is $18 plus $12 per 15 mins.

[LuckiePuris]

P&O offer a day trip out to Pele Island:

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/findacruise/shoretours/Pages/ShoreTour.aspx?ShoreTour=VLI-200

 

From what it says on the above link, it is a marine protected area, great for swimming, snorkeling etc. Also includes lunch.

 

I am booked on this tour for next week :)

 

Earlier in the year, we did the Round Island Safari day tour as we have been to Vila before, and wanted to do something different. This was an amazing tour, a highlight of our trip. Went around the island, saw so many different things, and also had time for duty free shopping on the way back. Would highly recommend this tour.

 

Round Island Safari:

 

http://www.pocruises.com.au/findacruise/shoretours/Pages/ShoreTour.aspx?ShoreTour=VLI-020

 

I have found that the ships pricing of the full day tours are quite good, especially when comparing the cost to the shorter tours.