SD › Vanuatu Hotels › Chantillys on the Bay Review
Updated: January 7, 2021
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Chantillys on the Bay – Exquisite, convenient, charismatic, and harbor views all over.
A cross between a beach resort and boutique city hotel, Chantillys lies on the northern edge of Port Villa, flanked by numerous likable restaurants and not far from Vanuatu’s only mall. The curved design ensures that all rooms offer good views of the harbor and islets just offshore. Although the décor contains no reminders of France or Melanesia, the Studios on the upper floors have kitchenettes and small balconies, and the one-bedroom apartments cater well to families with fully-equipped kitchens. The pool faces the sea, with lounge chairs offering wonderful views, and is very popular. And there is a beach next door, albeit undersized and rocky.
Chantillys on the Bay – The Basics
- Location: About 700m north of Port Vila, on the main island of Efate. Along Kumul (aka Lini) Highway, the main road through town, which is also accessible along a pretty seaside path. About 15 minutes by taxi from the airport.
- Guests: Caters reasonably well to families, but the overall vibe is about older guests.
- Beach: There is a passable beach at the Banyan Beach Bar next door, but it’s not great for swimming. Otherwise, catch a minibus along Pango Road, and use the beach around the Breakas Beach Resort, about 6 km south from the hotel along the peninsula.
- Views: All rooms have views of the harbor and islands.
- Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited for all guests throughout the hotel.
- Parking: Just enough free parking spots at the entrance, but the resort is along the main road, so there’s no guarantee of security.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (678) 27079
- Email: reservations@chantillys.com.vu
- Website: Facebook
Chantillys on the Bay – Amenities
- Pool: A top-notch setting overlooking the harbor, but the pool is small, crowded, and noisy.
- Spa: The Body & Soul Day Spa on the ground floor offers a wide range of massages and treatments.
- Fitness Center: Not expected or provided at this sort of resort/hotel.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
Chantillys on the Bay – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: Tilly’s Restaurant – A chic bistro offering superb harbor views, with seating inside under the air-conditioning or along the pool deck. Focuses on fresh local produce and provides an extensive wine list.
- Bar: Banyan Beach Bar – Next door, fronting a small rocky beach. Open from 3 pm for drinks at adorable wooden counters. Also, sofas on the sand, lots of shade, and a playground. Snacks available.
- Breakfast: Some rates include a continental buffet breakfast, but check when booking.
- Room Service: Available daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
Chantillys on the Bay – Rooms
- Room Types: Studio • 1-Bedroom Apartment
- Smoking Rooms: Smoking is not allowed in any rooms or public areas, but permitted elsewhere.
- Best Room: The 1-Bedroom Apartments offer some of the finest views in or around Port Vila. With separate living areas, kitchenettes, and space for 2 extra single beds, they are ideal for families.
- For families: The 1-Bedroom Apartments can comfortably cater for a family of 4, while some studios have connecting doors and/or can squeeze in 1 extra single bed.
Chantillys on the Bay – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars
These places are within 500m north or south of the hotel:
- The Lookout – Just up the hill, for garden setting, divine views, and French cuisine. And, um, lookout for daily specials.
- Crystal Palace – Cavernous Chinese restaurant, with a seemingly endless menu and more terrific views across the harbor.
- Au Faré – Harbor-side French restaurant, popular for seafood platters and cocktails. Attached is the Pizza Hot pizzeria with takeaways, happy hours, and weekend entertainment.
- Reefers Restaurant and Rum Bar – Long-established expat hangout for cold beers and tall stories. Fabulous for tacos, burgers, seafood, and salads. Romantic tables available.
- The Office Pub & Flaming Bull Restaurant – Street-side hub for gossip and grills. Affordable and friendly, with lively happy hours and trendy DJs on weekends.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- Tana Russet Plaza – Vanuatu’s only shopping mall, about 350m north of the hotel.
Local Transport
Public minibuses head into Port Vila and beyond every few seconds.
Chantillys on the Bay – The Hotel

Aptly-named, Chantilly’s faces the harbor on the northern edge of Port Vila.

Sporting a stylish design, the hotel is also along the main road.

The pool is small and often crowded and noisy.

The pool is nicely positioned, with broad views across the harbor.

Tilly’s Restaurant at the hotel provides seating inside and out.

Tilly’s offers tasty meals in a wonderful setting.

There is a bar with comfortable sofas at Tilly’s Restaurant.

The beach next to the hotel is small and not so good for swimming.

The spacious Studios feature a modern décor.

Studios also come with sofas which can convert to single beds.

The balcony attached to each studio and apartment is small, but provides divine views across the harbor.

Studios have kitchenettes, while the apartments feature full kitchens.

One very good reason to stay at Chantilly’s is the view from the rooms across the harbor.

The Banyan Beach Bar next to the hotel offers a shady beach.

The bar has a real tropical flavor, with wooden décor and furniture on the sand.

Within a two-minute walk, the Reefers Restaurant and Rum Bar has been a popular expat haunt for a long time.

About 350m north of the hotel, Tana Russet Plaza is the only place that could be called a mall in Vanuatu.

A delightful seaside path connects the hotel with the center of Port Vila, about 700m away.

The capital is pleasantly located alongside the harbor.

Port Vila is small and likable, with plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop.

One reason to walk or catch a minibus to the town center is the produce market.

A seaside path lines much of downtown Port Vila.

A small souvenir market is set up in the town center, close to the produce market.
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