Seachange Lodge in Vanuatu

SDVanuatu Hotels › Seachange Lodge Review
Updated: January 6, 2021
By Santorini Dave

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Review of Seachange Lodge in Vanuatu

Seachange Lodge – Charming and convenient, with waterside gardens and suburban setting.

The Seachange is the finest among a cluster of modest but comfortable lodges facing Erakor Lagoon (which looks more like a river). Of the seven self-contained rooms, some are in the main building set back from the street. Two others have adorable names like Lagoon Lodge and Garden Cottage – with two bedrooms and bathrooms, both are ideal for families. Accessible down a steep path through English-style gardens, the single Waterside Chalet features a private jetty attached to a patio perched over the lagoon. So spacious and stylish, the chalet features a huge bathroom with spa and an attic that sleeps another three. The lodge is about twenty minutes’ walk from downtown Port Vila, and is very accessible by the frequent minibus.

Seachange Lodge – The Basics

  • Location: On Captain Cook Avenue, along the other (eastern) side of the peninsula from Port Vila, in a suburb called Seaside on the main island of Efate. About 1.5 km from the town center and 7 km from the airport.
  • Guests: Caters to all – from backpackers to couples seeking a romantic getaway. And families, too.
  • Beach: There is no public beach along this part of the peninsula. Walk to Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort, just down a lane from Seachange’s sister hotel, Tradewinds (400m up the road). Or catch a minibus to the beaches near the Breakas Beach Resort, about 5 km south along the peninsula.
  • Views: The Waterside Chalet offers unparalleled views of the water, while views from the main building may be partially blocked by trees. Other rooms face the quaint gardens.
  • Wi-Fi Internet: Free and unlimited for guests throughout.
  • Parking: Free parking available.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: (678) 26551
  • Email: info@seachangelodge.com
  • Website: seachangelodge.com

Seachange Lodge – Amenities

  • Pool: Surprisingly, there is a pool. Nicely located under the main building.
  • Spa & Fitness Center: Not expected or provided at this type of lodge.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
  • Activities: Free use of kayaks and canoes, and 300+ DVDs to borrow.

Seachange Lodge – Food and Drink

  • Restaurant & Bar: Not large enough to warrant a restaurant or bar.
  • Breakfast: Basic supplies are available for a continental breakfast at a minimal extra charge, but most guests are expected to cook breakfast using their kitchens.
  • Room Service: Not available.

Seachange Lodge – Rooms

  • Room Types: Only 7 self-contained rooms – (1) Waterside Chalet • (1) Lagoon Lodge • (1) Garden Cottage • (2) Lagoon View Studio • (1) Garden Bungalow • (1) Vatu Holiday Home (a private house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms)
  • Smoking Rooms: No smoking in the rooms or public areas. Best outside on the street.
  • Best Room: The Waterside Chalet features one of the most scenic and secluded spots in the Port Vila area. With a kitchen and huge bathroom with a spa, it sleeps up to 6 guests. Perfect waterside setting with a private jetty.

Seachange Lodge – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars

  • Retreat Seaside Resort – Low-key expat hangout, with pub meals, daily specials, and happy hours. Only 150m down Captain Cook Avenue.
  • Leaf Restaurant – All-day dining facing the pool and sea. Great place to try traditional food. About 500m up the road, at Poppy’s on the Lagoon Resort.
  • Ristorante Casa Mia – Chic Italian bistro with barbecues, buffets, and live entertainment. At The Melanesian resort, about 500m west along Rue de Picardi street.
  • Spice – Classy Indian, with lunchtime specials and vegetarian meals, but more than just curries. Children’s menu available. About 700m south along Captain Cook Avenue.
  • L’houstalet – Atmospheric and typically French. For grills, pizza, seafood, and, um, snails and pigeon. Same premises and owner for over 40 years. Next to the Spice restaurant.

Nearby Market or Grocery

  • Along the main road to the west, Rue Dartois, are a few basic stores, as well as the massive Au Bon Marché supermarket.

Local Transport

    Public minibuses pass by along Captain Cook Avenue every few seconds towards Port Vila.

Seachange Lodge – The Hotel

The lodge is located in Seaside's suburb.

The lodge is located along a quiet suburban street in an area known as Seaside.

The colonial-era building of the hotel is amongst tropical foliage.

The Seachange is based in a colonial-era lodge and surrounded by tropical plants.

The lodge is located on a major thoroughfare in the suburbs.

The lodge is situated along Captain Cook Avenue, a quiet but major thoroughfare through the suburbs.

Captain Cook Avenue is a residential area.

Side-streets off Captain Cook Avenue are home to many local families.

The seaviews from the pool are blocked by trees.

Just below the main building, water views from the pool are blocked by trees.

The Waterside Chalet is connected to the main buiding by a steep path.

A steep path connects the main building with the Waterside Chalet alongside the lagoon.

The Waterside Chalet is connected to the main building by a rustic path.

The path between the main building and Waterside Chalet meanders through charming gardens.

The sunrise at the jetty is spectacular.

It’s worth getting up early for the sunrise from the jetty at the lodge.

The main building also has some rooms.

Some of the rooms are in the main building.

Waterside Chalet can sleep 3 in the attic.

The Waterside Chalet directly faces the lagoon, with an attic that sleeps another three people (more suitable for children).

The charming chalet bathroom has a spa.

There is a spa in the charming bathroom at the chalet.

The chalet's lounge area has a tradtional touch.

The lounge area in the chalet features traditional touches across the walls.

The chalet is spacious and stylish.

The chalet is so spacious and stylish.

Waterside Chalet also has a decent kitchen.

Like all rooms in the Seachange Lodge, the Waterside Chalet features a kitchen.

Waterside Chalet has a modern and appealing decor.

The décor in the Waterside Chalet is modern and very likable.

Lagoon View Studios are in the main building.

The Lagoon View Studios are on the ground floor of the main building.

The spacious studios have a decent lounge area and decor.

The studios are surprisingly spacious, with a substantial living area and agreeable décor.

The studios have a well-equipped kitchen.

The studios also have fully functioning kitchens, like all accommodations at the lodge.

Spice Indian restaurant is within walking distance.

Spice is a classy Indian restaurant, only a 10-minute walk down the road from the lodge.

L’houstalet French eatery has remain unchanged.

Next to Spice, L’houstalet is a French eatery that hasn’t changed much since it opened over 40 years ago.

Leaf Restaurant at Poppy's Resort is nice and nearby.

One of the nicest places to eat near the Seachange is the Leaf Restaurant at the Poppy’s resort, about 500m up Captain Cook Avenue.

Retreat Seaside Resort nearby is popular with expats.

The Retreat Seaside Resort, only 150m down from the lodge, is a low-key pub-style bar/restaurant popular with expats.

The Melanesian restaurant nearby is nice.

One of the better hotel restaurants within walking distance (500m to the west) is at The Melanesian.

Port Vila is located by the harbor.

On the other side of the peninsula, about 1.5 km away, Port Vila is nicely located alongside the harbor.

The capital has shady greens which offer good water views.

There are a few patches of greenery in the capital offering shade and views across the harbor.

The produce market in the town center is worth a visit.

One reason to visit Port Vila is the produce market in the center of town.

Souvenir shops can be found on Port Vila's main street.

There are always plenty of places to buy souvenirs along the main street in Port Vila.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio. 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.