SD › Vanuatu Hotels › Erakor Island Resort & Spa Review
Updated: January 7, 2021
By Santorini Dave
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Erakor Island Resort & Spa – Tropical island paradise, yet oh-so convenient and perfect for families.
The concierge in Melanesian attire bellows from a conch shell upon arrival, and the gracious welcome and tradition continues throughout. Immaculately-raked sandy paths lead through flourishing tropical gardens to some budget rooms and a range of villas – some semi-detached and others with two bedrooms. Most villas face the sea, with waves sometimes lapping just meters away. Some feature private plunge pools, with wooden decks, sloping palms, and swinging hammocks adding to the tropical vibe, while others have outdoor jacuzzis (which are not that private). Perhaps surprisingly, there is no pool, but the beaches are divine. This is a genuine island getaway, yet only ten minutes from downtown Port Vila. If not staying, certainly get a day pass.
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – The Basics
- Location: On the private Erakor Island, about 4 minutes by boat from a terminal on the mainland near Port Vila on the main island of Efate. A total of about 10 minutes by bus/taxi and boat from downtown and 30 minutes from the airport.
- Guests: Caters very well to families, though everyone is welcome.
- Beach: On a private island with 3 beaches given idyllic names: Sunset, Coconut, and Calypso. They are small, but serviceable, and the 1 near the reception is exceptionally inviting.
- Views: Most villas face the sea very close by, but not all have perfect views or direct access to a beach. Budget rooms face the gardens.
- Wi-Fi: Available free for all guests throughout the island, although access is not always that good.
- Parking: Ask management about parking at the boat terminal on the mainland. There are no vehicles on the island.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (678) 23098
- Email: book@erakorislandresort.com
- Website: erakorislandresort.com
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – Amenities
- Pool: Surprisingly, there is no resort pool for guests.
- Spa: The Essence of Erakor Day Spa is outstanding, with pricey but luxurious packages. Get pampered using local products. The building doesn’t look much from the outside, but is popular among day-trippers from other resorts.
- Fitness Center: None.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Some villas feature jacuzzis, while a few have private plunge pools.
- Activities: Free rental of snorkeling gear, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Also available: beach volleyball, petanque, and pool table.
- For families: Fun stuff includes basket-weaving, sand-drawing, and cooking classes. Also, a wooden playground alongside the sea, children’s movies on the beach, and bonfires.
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – Food and Drink
- Restaurants & Bars: Aqua on Erakor Overwater Restaurant – Magnificent setting overlooking, and on top of, the lagoon. Pleasingly affordable considering its monopoly. For breakfast, as well as seafood and steak all day. Daily specials, children’s menus, live music, and happy hours • Calypso Beach Bar & Café – Casual, on the sand, for cocktails, simple lunches (e.g. burgers and wraps), and all sorts of shakes, juices, and ice creams.
- Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is included in all rates.
- Room Service: Available during restaurant hours – 7 am to 9 pm. Also, romantic private dinners available on the beach or in a hut over the water.
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – Rooms
- Room Types: Garden Room (with 1 or 2 bedrooms) • Lagoon Villa • Beachfront Deluxe Spa Villa • Honeymoon Pool Villa • Deluxe Honeymoon Pool Villa • Beachfront Family Loft Villa • Sunset 2 Bedroom Loft Villa • 1 Aqua Blue Beach House (with 4 bedrooms and private beach)
- Smoking Rooms: No smoking in the rooms or public areas, but okay elsewhere.
- Best Room: Other than villas with 2 or 4 bedrooms, the best options for couples are the Beachfront Deluxe Spa Villas. Within meters of the lagoon, they are particularly spacious and luxurious, with jacuzzis on the patios overlooking the water.
- For families: The 1-bedroom villas can accommodate families of 4. Others have 2 or even 4 bedrooms.
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – What’s Nearby?
Restaurants & Bars
It’s possible anytime of the day or night to get the resort boat to the mainland, and take a taxi (usually unmetered) to Port Vila, but most guests won’t bother. If keen, however, try these places along the main street in Port Vila:
- Le Café du Village – Idyllic Mediterranean-style bistro alongside the harbor. Coffee, breakfast, and tasty snacks. An interesting changeable menu, with daily specials.
- Jill’s Cafe – Popular and casual. Specializing in Tex-Mex as well as wraps, salads, and coffee. Great Wi-Fi.
- Jungle Café – Bright-green street-side setting, with tasty meals, lunchtime specials, and Wi-Fi.
- Nambawan Café – Pleasingly cheap considering the perfect waterfront spot. Juices, baguettes, pizzas, and free moonlight movies.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- A small shop sells basic supplies on the island, but guests are advised to stock up beforehand or head into Port Vila.
Local Transport
The only way on and off the island is by the resort boat, which leaves from a terminal on the mainland near the Warwick Resort. Departing when required 24 hours a day, travel is free for guests. Pre-arrange a pick-up from the mainland at night. Unmetered taxis loiter around the mainland terminal for transfers to Port Vila and anywhere else.
Erakor Island Resort & Spa – The Hotel
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About Santorini Dave
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.