Tropicana Lagoon Resort in Vanuatu

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Updated: January 10, 2021

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Review of Tropicana Lagoon Resort in Vanuatu

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – Cozy, popular, self-catering, and beachfront.

Along a stretch of the Second Lagoon (which resembles a river), the Tropicana is a likable midrange resort with self-contained villas and apartments in two-level blocks facing the water and/or pool. The apartments with one bedroom are compact, functional, and motel-style. Those with two bedrooms are more spacious, and the villas feature plunge pools. The décor throughout all accommodations is ‘woody’: the floors, benches, sofas, and bed-stands are all crafted from different grains of wood. The prime selling points are the affordable rates, delightful location, kitchenettes, and rare beach (which is artificial and raised, with sand not actually sloping into the water). It feels isolated, but in a good way, yet is only five minutes by minibus from downtown Port Vila.

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – The Basics

  • Location: At the end of a 200m lane, starting almost opposite the Korman Stadium on Teouma Road, the main road heading east from Port Vila on the main island of Efate. About 4 km from the center of the capital and 8 km from the airport.
  • Guests: Most seem to be younger, with more of a party vibe around the resort than a family ambience.
  • Beach: The beach is artificial, not the sort that merges into the water. Although still tidal, the lagoon looks exactly like a river, with a bank of mangroves barely 100m across the water. The setting is more about views than swimming or snorkeling.
  • Views: Half the rooms face the water, sometimes only 10m away, while others overlook the pool. Those on the upper floors would have better views, of course.
  • Wi-Fi: Available free throughout for all guests, although access may be less reliable in rooms further from the lobby.
  • Parking: Only a couple of parking sports at the reception area.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: (678) 555 2223
  • Email: info@tropicanalagoon.com
  • Website: tropicanalagoon.com

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – Amenities

  • Pool: Between a block of rooms and the restaurant/bar, the pool could become easily crowded and noisy.
  • Spa & Fitness Center: Not expected or provided at this sort of midrange resort.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Each of the 4 villas features a private plunge pool.
  • Activities: Free use of kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – Food and Drink

  • Restaurant & Bar: The adorable Lagoon Bar & Grill is perched above the water. The menu is limited, but the setting is superb and the food tasty. Great for seafood and locally-raised beef. Lunchtime specials and happy hours help offset the reasonably high prices.
  • Breakfast: Breakfast is not included because guests are expected to use their kitchens. However, it is available for an extra cost at the restaurant.
  • Room Service: Available during restaurant hours – 7.30 am to 8 pm.

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – Rooms

  • Room Types: Deluxe Villa • Deluxe Beach Front Apartment (with 1 or 2 bedrooms)
  • Smoking Rooms: No smoking in the rooms, like most other resorts, but permitted around the pool and gardens.
  • Best Room: The Deluxe Beach Front Apartments (with 1 or 2 bedrooms) feature a colorful tropical décor and well-equipped kitchens. Those located on the top (second) floor have broad balconies offering optimum views, while the ones at ground level have direct beach access.

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars

    The choice within walking distance along the main road is limited to 2 places:

  • Vila Chaumières Restaurant – Much-loved island-wide, if only for the chef who’s been there over 20 years. The setting over the water is romantic, but prices are European. Virtually next door in the Vila Chaumières Resort.
  • The Beach Bar Café – In the MG Cocomo Resort, 500m towards town. A limited selection, including pasta, curries, and burgers. The Deck bar offers happy hours, movie nights, and live music/entertainment.

Otherwise, catch a minibus to Port Vila, and try these places along the more convenient northern end of the main street:

  • Jill’s Cafe – Popular and casual. Specializing in Mexican food, but also great for wraps, salads, coffee, and Wi-Fi.
  • The Rossi Restaurant – Stylish bistro with Italian cuisine, garden setting, sea views, and tiny playground. At the northern end of the seaside path.
  • Nambawan Café – Perfect waterfront spot near the market. For affordable juices, baguettes, pies, and pizzas. Also, moonlight movies.

Nearby Market or Grocery

  • About 600m along the main road towards town, the huge Au Bon Marché supermarket also offers a limited range of takeaway food.

Local Transport

    Plenty of public minibuses hurtle along the main road outside and head into Port Vila. To charter minibuses to anywhere further, talk to the drivers who hang around the Au Bon Marché supermarket.

Tropicana Lagoon Resort – The Hotel

Resort is located in a quiet area close to the capital.

The resort is at the end of a lane, 200m from the main road, and only 5 minutes by minibus from the capital.

The open-air loby and guests's lounge is very welcoming.

The casual open-air lobby and guest lounge set the welcoming tone across the resort.

The Second Lagoon by the resort resembles a river.

The Tropicana is based along Second Lagoon. But with mangroves across the narrow waterway, it resembles a river and is nothing like those in Fiji and Tahiti.

The lagoon by the resort is very photogenic.

The lagoon alongside the resort is very scenic.

The gardens and lawns are beautiful and feature tropical plants.

The Tropicana offers spacious grounds with lawns and tropical plants.

The artificial beach is better for lounging.

The resort provides a raised area of sand, but the artificial beach is more suitable for lounging than swimming or snorkeling.

Kayak rental is free at the resort.

The resort offers free rental of kayaks.

The pool is appealing but small.

The pool at the resort is pleasant but could become crowded and noisy if occupancy is high.

The swimming pool is located by the restobar.

The pool is located between one block of rooms and the restaurant/bar.

Lagoon Bar & Grill is located right by the water.

At the resort, the Lagoon Bar & Grill is superbly positioned above the water.

The resort restaurant serves tasty but pricey food.

Views from the restaurant are pleasant and the food is very tasty, although prices are a little high.

Having a chilled Tusker beer at the Lagoon Bar & Grill is perfect.

There’s nothing better than a cold Tusker beer during sunset at the Lagoon Bar & Grill.

Apartments are in attractive blocks.

Apartments are in attractive two-level blocks.

The simple bedrooms and comfortable and appealing.

Bedrooms are simple but comfortable and colorful.

The kitchens in all accommodations are well-equipped.

All apartments and villas feature well-equipped kitchens.

Apartments are furnished and well-furnished.

Apartments are reasonably spacious and filled with nice furniture.

The restaurant at the Vila Chaumières resort is popular for its French menu.

The restaurant at the Vila Chaumières resort next door offers French cuisine in a splendid setting.

Vila Chaumières resort also features a bar.

There is also a bar at Vila Chaumières.

Restaurant at Cocomo Beach Resort is within walking distance.

One of only two restaurants within walking distance of the Tropicana is at the Cocomo Beach Resort.

The Deck Bar is popular for happy hours and entertainment.

The Deck bar at the Cocomo offers happy hours, movie nights, and live music/entertainment.

Rossi Restaurant in Port Vila is very stylish.

At the northern end of the seaside path in Port Vila is the stylish Rossi Restaurant.

Jill’s Café is popular for its Mexican fare.

One of the most popular eateries in the capital, Jill’s Café specializes in Mexican food.

Nambawan Café serves excellent drinks and meals.

A superb place for a drink or meal is the Nambawan Café near the market in Port Vila.

Port Vila is located right on the harbour.

The Vanuatu capital is nicely located alongside a harbor.

The produce market in Port Vila is worth a visit.

A great reason to catch a minibus into Port Vila from the Tropicana is the produce market.

Port Vila's main street has a lot of shops.

Almost all shops are along one main street in Port Vila.

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