Luxury in the Raw

I first met Lisa Gray when she and her husband had reopened Aore Island Resort after an elegant refurbishment. She struck me as a woman who oozed tropical island style. Not out of place gracing an India Hicks or Tommy Bahama style book, Lisa’s flair could be seen in every detail at Aore (pronounced Ow-Ree) Island resort.

Lisa and her husband Brad, ex-wholesale fruit business owners from Australia were looking forward to cementing Aore on the barefoot luxury map and said their philosophy since opening, renovating, rebuilding and reopening the stunning resort off the coast of Espiritu Santo was to “keep our interior design authentic to the culture and heritage of Vanuatu.”

The resort is a 10-minute ferry ride from Luganville, the capital of Espiritu Santo in the north of Vanuatu.

Air Vanuatu flies direct from Brisbane to Santo weekly, with daily connections via Port Vila yet Aore feels a million miles from anywhere.

The iridescent clear waters surrounding the resort are calm and calming. Fish swim along the shoreline and the white sandy bottom is littered with starfish.

A jetty stretches out from the main feature of the resort – the stunning open air restaurant, bar and reception area.

Included in Aore’s rates are some extraordinary local entertainment including a local string band on Monday nights in the main Nakamal, when everyone gets up and dances.

On Tuesday nights, join a Kava ceremony on the beach – learn about the history and storytelling plus experience authentic custom Kava.

Wednesday nights it’s wood fire pizzas on the beach – our tip is to try the lobster pizza – seems to be everyone’s favourite, while enjoying the magic sounds of BamBam Bamboo Band, under the trees and stars.

On Friday night, a truly unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss – the Water Music Ladies, local women literally make music by clapping the water in the beach right out the front. Words do not do this justice – it is not to be missed and you will wonder for years how they do it.

Everything at Aore is authentic and a nod to tradition. From the waterfront and water view bungalows showcasing beautiful bed heads that were carved by a talented local carver, to the wall decorations woven from a village on neighbouring Malo island through Aore Island Resort’s local community project, The Woven Club.

The tea and coffee caddies, mats and cushion covers also all woven.

The bungalows are tastefully decorated and well appointed.

The emphasis is on ‘raw luxury’ – meaning there are no TVs or Wifi in the bungalows.

“Our tropical resort is ideal for those who really want to get away from it all. For those who might find that too much of a challenge, we offer free WIFI in the nakamal. We also have books and games to get the families together. Between snorkelling, sipping cocktails and reading, we promise you won’t miss it at all – especially the kids,” Lisa says.

Lisa and Brad also added a beach bar to the resort, open on select nights for relaxed sunset drinks and entertainment. Otherwise, guests can dine in the nakamal, on their balconies, by the pool or on the jetty.

A tropical breakfast is available everyday from 7:00am. Lunch and dinner is light and healthy. The specials’ blackboard changes daily and includes Santo beef, world famous for its taste and tenderness and local seafood straight from the boat.

“People go crazy for how close our bungalows are to the water’s edge, and the activities available on our island plus the cultural classes and nightly entertainment are also winners.

“We offer daily island classes at 10am; learn to weave like a local, or about the life of a coconut, how its harvested, its uses and what to make with it; sand drawing or a cooking class with island food,” Lisa says.

And if you’re celebrating a special moment, book a private dinner on the Jetty and watch the fish swim by.

Whatever your preference, Aore Island Resort is a welcoming boutique escape with all the comforts of home yet none of the everyday distractions. The resort caters for the active and adventurous as well as those just wanting to lie back an relax with easy access to all Espiritu Santo tours while enjoying an atmosphere of being miles away in your very own slice of paradise.

Aore Island Resort is well positioned to enjoy all Vanuatu’s big island of Santo has to offer. From the world’s largest, most accessible shipwreck, the SS President Coolidge (which is just across the Segond Channel from the resort) to Santo’s amazing Blue Holes, WW2 history, the Millennium Cave and Champagne Beach, all within easy reach by private guide, tour or car rental from Luganville.

The resort recommends Timmy’s Secret Snorkelling: embark on a full day east coast drive to Timmy’s secret snorkelling spot. Discover the underwater world and enjoy a BBQ lunch. Malo blue hole: enjoy a scenic local boat ride to Malo island and discover the hidden river leading to a deserted blue hole. Snorkelling and Dugong spotting: on east coast Santo. Horse riding: half day trail ride through village, mangroves and beaches. Taffuntari Waterfall: experience a rugged off road drive to reach the beautiful waterfall

For more, visit aoreislandresorts.com