Paradise Found: 10 Best Eco-Friendly Stays in Port Vila, Vanuatu

Perched on the edge of a pristine marine sanctuary approximately 30 minutes from Port Vila's center, The Havannah represents everything I believe luxury eco-tourism should aspire to be. This adults-only haven has mastered the delicate art of offering indulgence with a minimal environmental footprint.

During my most recent stay last February, I was immediately struck by how seamlessly the villas blend into the landscape—thatched roofs and natural materials creating harmony rather than disruption. The property operates on a comprehensive sustainability program that includes rainwater harvesting, solar power, and an impressive organic garden that supplies their exceptional restaurant.

The beachfront villas, my personal recommendation, feature private plunge pools that seem to merge with the horizon. Waking up to that view, with nothing but the sound of gentle waves, is worth every penny of the premium price tag. What truly sets The Havannah apart, however, is their marine conservation program. Guests can participate in coral restoration projects alongside marine biologists—an experience that transformed my understanding of reef ecosystems.

The property's restaurant deserves special mention, as Chef Immanuel has created a menu that celebrates Vanuatu's rich culinary heritage while incorporating modern techniques. Do not miss the coconut-crusted local fish—it's become something of a personal obsession.

For capturing those Instagram-worthy sunset moments, I found my compact camera perfect for the job. The low-light performance allowed me to capture the spectacular orange and purple hues reflecting off my plunge pool without lugging around heavy equipment.

A 30-minute boat ride from Port Vila transported me to what feels like another world entirely. Ratua Island Resort & Spa operates as a private island sanctuary where luxury is redefined through simplicity, authenticity, and deep ecological consciousness.

What makes Ratua truly special is their commitment to the 'less is more' philosophy. The 13 meticulously restored 200-year-old Indonesian wooden villas operate entirely off-grid, utilizing solar power, collected rainwater, and locally-sourced materials. Yet somehow, they manage to deliver an experience that feels more luxurious than many conventional five-star properties I've visited.

My beachfront villa opened directly onto powder-white sand, with vintage furnishings and an open-air bathroom that made showering under the stars an unforgettable nightly ritual. The absence of television, WiFi in common areas only, and minimal mobile reception initially caused this perpetually connected travel agent some anxiety—which transformed into profound gratitude by day two.

The resort's farm-to-table dining experience sources approximately 80% of ingredients from their organic gardens and surrounding waters. Their sustainability initiatives extend beyond the property to include significant contributions to local education and healthcare projects—100% of the resort's profits go to the Ratua Foundation.

For couples, the horseback riding along deserted beaches at sunset creates one of those rare perfect moments that remain etched in memory. The spa, built over the water and utilizing local coconut oils and botanical ingredients, offers treatments that seem to synchronize with the rhythm of the waves below.

During my stay, I found my waterproof dry bag invaluable for keeping my essentials protected during island-hopping excursions and water activities. The 10L size was perfect for my camera, phone, and a small towel.

Sometimes the perfect eco-luxury experience doesn't require venturing far from civilization. Iririki Island Resort sits just a short 3-minute ferry ride from downtown Port Vila, yet feels worlds away—offering that rare combination of accessibility and escapism that makes it ideal for couples seeking both seclusion and convenience.

The resort occupies its own private island, with 130 rooms ranging from garden bungalows to premium overwater villas. What impressed me most during my stay was their comprehensive sustainability program, implemented after extensive renovations following 2015's Cyclone Pam. The property now operates with solar hot water systems, energy-efficient lighting, comprehensive recycling programs, and an innovative gray water system for garden irrigation.

I opted for one of the Deluxe Overwater Farés, where the gentle lapping of waves beneath the floor became my natural sleep aid. The private deck with direct lagoon access meant morning swims became an essential part of my daily ritual—a far cry from my usual coffee-and-emails routine back in Bristol.

The resort's multiple dining venues offer impressive variety for an extended stay, though I found myself repeatedly drawn to Azure Restaurant, where local seafood is prepared with French-influenced techniques. Their commitment to sourcing from local fishermen and farmers is evident in the freshness and quality.

The Iririki Spa deserves special mention for incorporating traditional Melanesian healing practices and locally-sourced ingredients into their treatment menu. The Coconut Ritual body treatment—featuring coconut scrub, wrap, and massage—left my skin feeling better than it had in years.

For couples, I recommend booking the sunset sailing excursion around Efate Island. Watching the sky transform into impossible shades of pink and orange while sipping local champagne creates the kind of moment that justifies the long journey to reach this corner of the Pacific.

On island-hopping days, I was grateful for my reef-safe sunscreen, which provided excellent protection without harming the delicate marine ecosystem we were there to enjoy.

There's something undeniably special about Breakas Beach Resort. Perhaps it's the 22 traditional fare-style villas dotting the black volcanic sand beach. Or maybe it's the 22-meter infinity pool that seems to pour directly into the Pacific. Whatever the alchemy, this adults-only property has mastered the art of barefoot luxury with impressive environmental credentials.

During my week-long stay last year, I was particularly struck by how the property has been designed to minimize its environmental impact. The open-air design of the villas eliminates the need for air conditioning (though ceiling fans are available for particularly still evenings). Solar water heating, rainwater collection, and an extensive organic garden supply much of the kitchen's needs.

The beachfront villas, my accommodation of choice, feature private terraces where I spent many evenings watching the spectacular sunsets with a glass of Australian Shiraz in hand. The partially open-air bathrooms create a sense of immersion in the tropical surroundings that conventional hotel rooms simply cannot match.

Breakfast deserves special mention—local fruits, house-made pastries, and eggs from the resort's own chickens create a morning ritual worth waking up for. The dinner menu changes daily based on what's fresh and available, a practice I wish more resorts would adopt.

For couples, the weekly Melanesian feast and fire dancing demonstration offers both cultural immersion and entertainment. The resort can also arrange private picnics on nearby deserted beaches—an experience that epitomizes romantic seclusion.

What truly sets Breakas apart, however, is their community integration. Many staff come from the neighboring village, and the resort supports local education initiatives and traditional craft preservation. This connection creates an authenticity in interactions that can be lacking at more corporate properties.

For capturing memories of our snorkeling adventures, my underwater camera proved invaluable. The underwater setting perfectly captured the vibrant coral and fish life just offshore from the resort.

Sometimes the most luxurious experiences come in small packages. With just 12 villas spread across a stunning private peninsula, Eratap Beach Resort offers an intimacy and attention to detail that larger properties simply cannot match.

My three-night stay at Eratap last year revealed a property deeply committed to both environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. The resort was designed to minimize its footprint from inception—built using sustainable materials, powered significantly by solar energy, and implementing comprehensive waste reduction systems.

I stayed in one of the Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villas, which offered expansive living spaces opening directly onto the white sand beach. The villa's design brilliantly balances luxury with sustainability—high ceilings and strategic cross-ventilation eliminate the need for air conditioning in main living areas, while bedrooms offer climate control for comfortable sleeping.

What truly distinguishes Eratap is their marine conservation program. The waters surrounding the peninsula have been established as a locally-managed marine protected area, with resort guests invited to participate in reef monitoring and restoration activities. During my stay, I joined a coral planting session with the resident marine biologist—an experience that was both educational and deeply fulfilling.

The dining program deserves special mention. Rather than a standard menu, Chef Marie creates daily offerings based on the freshest local ingredients available. This approach not only reduces food waste but results in truly exceptional meals. A standout was the coconut-crusted local lobster with papaya salsa—a dish I'm still attempting (unsuccessfully) to recreate at home.

For couples seeking romance, the private beach picnics arranged by the resort create unforgettable memories. Staff will set up a gourmet lunch, complete with chilled champagne, on one of the deserted beaches accessible only by boat.

During my explorations of the surrounding reefs, my full-face snorkel mask proved invaluable, allowing me to breathe naturally while observing the vibrant marine life just offshore.

While the above properties represent my personal favorites, Port Vila offers several other exceptional eco-friendly options worth considering:

1. Tamanu on the Beach This boutique resort has pioneered sustainable practices in Vanuatu, including an impressive solar array that powers much of the property. Their 15 villas blend seamlessly into the landscape, and their turtle conservation program offers guests the opportunity to witness hatchlings making their way to the sea during the right season.

2. Mangoes Resort Perched on a hillside overlooking Erakor Lagoon, this adults-only property features 29 villas surrounding tropical gardens and an infinity pool. Their commitment to hiring and training local staff, combined with extensive use of locally-sourced materials and ingredients, makes them a standout for socially-conscious travelers.

3. The Moso Situated on Moso Island, a short boat ride from Port Vila, this intimate retreat offers just seven villas in an unspoiled setting. Their partnership with local villages supports education initiatives, while their extensive gardens supply much of their excellent restaurant's needs.

4. Sunset Bungalows This smaller property offers excellent value while maintaining strong eco-credentials. Their 17 rooms include overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access. Their comprehensive recycling program and support of local artisans through their gift shop demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

5. Nasama Resort This self-catering option features 43 apartments and penthouses on a beautiful beachfront location. Their extensive use of solar power, rainwater collection, and locally-sourced building materials demonstrates their environmental commitment, while their on-site dive center promotes marine conservation awareness.

For extended stays at self-catering properties like Nasama Resort, I found my portable water filter invaluable. It allowed me to drink tap water confidently while avoiding single-use plastic bottles.