Beachcomber Issue 40

VANUATU REBOUNDS WITH NEW FLIGHTS

In a dream come true for tourism operators and tourists alike, Vanuatu has gone from one main airline servicing the country to plenty.

After more than 40 years as the national carrier, Air Vanuatu went in to voluntary liquidation earlier this year. Since then, Qantas and Jetstar have announced plans to fly to Port Vila from Brisbane and Sydney, Solomon Airlines has commenced flights from Auckland to Port Vila and Nauru Airlines has made plans to fly from Brisbane to Santo.

Air Vanuatu has been given the go-ahead to resume much needed domestic operations, meaning visitors can once again explore Vanuatu’s amazing outer islands.

This title has had a long association with Vanuatu, it’s our spiritual home and we are delighted the tourism industry is finally recovering after many tumultuous years.

Take advantage of Qantas and Jetstar’s introductory sale fares and discover Vanuatu. We recommend a trip to Tanna to experience the true Vanuatu – its custom and culture, the active volcano, stunning Resolution Bay beach and more.

Or stunning Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island. Home to blue holes, the famed Champagne Beach, excellent wreck diving on the SS President Coolidge and interesting World War 2 history.

If you’re heading to Santo, we recommend you stay at the stunning Aore Island Resort – a short speedboat ride away from Santo’s capital Luganville.

Aore’s absolute beachfront property welcomes you with a long jetty and gorgeous nakamal (foyer, restaurant and bar), with a scattering of beautiful bungalows along the water’s edge and throughout the well established gardens.

Included in Aore’s rates are some extraordinary local entertainments each week. From string bands to kava nights on the beach and the once in a lifetime experience of Vanuatu’s Water Music Ladies, where local women make music using their hands as drums in the water, it really has to be seen to be believed.

Aore has bikes to tour the island and each room comes with a personal snorkel and mask, to explore the reef right outside.

Other Aore adventures include Timmy’s secret snorkeling – embark on a full day east coast drive to Timmy’s secret snorkelling spot; the Malo blue hole – a scenic local boat ride to Malo island where you will discover a hidden river leading to a deserted blue hole plus dugong spotting by boat on east coast Santo.

ZONING OUT IN THE CAPITAL

A new luxury spa in Honiara

Honiara’s Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, once the site of the Governor’s residence has a stunning new experience for guests and visitors.

A world-class spa, Zen Zone at the Heritage Park promises to be something unmatched in Solomon Islands and the perfect escape from Honiara’s heat.

With a serene space, qualified beauty therapists and a spa menu fit for a governor, the Zen Zone will ensure your visit to Honiara is a restful one.

The Heritage Park is the preferred hotel for business travellers and the new spa is a welcomed relief for the weary traveller.

Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with opening times and specials.

Seafood Spectacular in Fiji

Discover the essence of Fiji’s seafood at Bonefish Seafood Restaurant: A culinary landmark in the heart of Port Denarau

Since its inception in 2010, Bonefish has redefined the seafood dining experience in Fiji. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Port Denarau Marina complex, Bonefish isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination that embodies the spirit of Fijian hospitality and culinary excellence.

Internationally-inspired seafood with local flair and a commitment to sustainability is what Bonefish promises.

“At Bonefish, we pride ourselves on creating internationally – inspired seafood dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.

“Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our culinary approach. A unique blend of global techniques and Fijian cooking methods, ensuring each dish on our menu, from the popular Bonefish Seafood Platter to the celebrated Bonefish Grill, is not only innovative but also infused with local essence and a respect for our environment.”

This commitment to local sourcing doesn’t just enhance the flavour of their dishes, it also supports local fishermen and farmers, reducing Bonefish’s carbon footprint, and ensuring the freshest ingredients for their guests.

This is the place to try Fiji’s famous Kokoda (pronounced co-kondah) – thin slices of fresh walu marinated with coconut cream and fresh lime. Or try the Ahi Yukkee – yellow fin tuna with miso, soy, togarashi and sesame dressing.

The waterfront setting offers a tranquil backdrop. It’s hard not to get swept away by the romance of the place – from the moonlit water, to the yachts moored in the distance, it is also about location at Bonefish.

Fresh fish is the daily special but there are also prawns, calamari, mussels, crab and lobster when available.

For non-seafood eaters, there are a couple of steaks and pastas available as well as a kids menu and delicious desserts.

The most outstanding dishes would have to be the Big Fat Crabby Crab – cooked fresh to order and Yasawa lobsters.

More than just a meal, a visit to Bonefish is a journey through Fiji’s cultural landscape. Their commitment to warmth and communal spirit ensures each guest’s experience is not just a dining occasion but a cherished memory.

The friendly Fijian staff are happy to recommend their favourite dish or cocktail and love hearing stories about where visitors are from and offering tips on what to see and do in Denarau and beyond the island.

Bookings are recommended during peak seasons and school holidays.

Open seven days a week.

Discover more at www.bonefishfiji.com

Getting a-Waya From It All Without the Kids in Fiji

Waya Island Resort, in the Yasawa group of islands is an intimate resort for adults seeking a truly relaxing holiday is a stunning, remote paradise.

Opened in February 2024, the resort sits comfortably in the deluxe category with a total of only 18 bures and villas, and a maximum of 36 guests.

Located at the southern end of the Yasawa Islands archipelago, Waya Island Resort has pristine quiet bays fringed by luscious forests, well-established gardens, Ficus-covered buildings and an outlook to rocky volcanic peaks. It’s unique setting is what gives Waya Island Resort its point of difference.

Of the 18 bures and villas, four are deluxe garden bures, 10 are deluxe villas with partial ocean views and three are deluxe oceanfront – as the name suggests, absolute beach front.

The brand new Deluxe Grand Villa (minimum 3-night stay) opened in May and is the largest and grandest of all at 65sqm. It is perfect for honeymooners, those celebrating special occasion holidays or couples who value enhanced privacy and superior service.

The villa is beautifully appointed and nestled in lush tropical rainforest.

All bures and villas at Waya Island Resort boast both indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, satellite Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water and Pure Fiji products, along with all the usual amenities you would expect to find in any leading resort.

Activities above and below the water are aplenty.

Enjoy a treatment at the open-air massage pavilion – a must for guests looking to truly relax. Listen to birdsong and the gentle murmur of the nearby ocean as the therapists create an experience that will leave you rejuvenated and revitalised.

Join a guided hike, taking in the stunning mountain views and Waya Island’s most scenic spots.

Complimentary beach/water-based activities include stand- up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, guided coral reef snorkelling trips off the beach, The low-tide reef walks (reefshoes are provided free of charge for the duration of the stay) will surprise and delight with what you will find in the many rock pools.

Additional motorised paid activities are also offered to some of the most beautiful coral gardens in the Yasawas, village and school visits, fishing trips (handline, rods/reels, and trolling), private beach picnic or for the more adventurous – picnics on the peak… with those views.

To book a stay at Waya Island Resort contact the friendly reservations team at reservations@wayaisland.com or book online www.wayaislandresort.com.

Mention Pacific Island Living Magazine and receive 10% off your room rate and a free 60 minute massage per person.