Pleasure Pleasure ISLAND
ART DIRECTOR ANNA REVELL SOAKS UP THE SIGHTS OF VANUATU
It’s not far to go for a taste of paradise – only three-and-ahalf hours in the air. I’d just finished my meal and we were already preparing to land. There I was, standing in Port Vila’s Customs queue, overdressed and with my jeans sticking to my legs, using my boarding pass as a makeshift fan and regretting not taking up the earlier offer of a cold beer.
Thankfully, the Ramada
Resort lies just a short ride from Port Vila. The view from my room is beautiful. Beyond the lagoon is a lush, green jungle, with no other building in sight. I am soon beside the pool with a glass of the local lager feeling like I have travelled back in time.
Waking early the next day, the heat reminds me where I am. A man is raking the beach and the pool is empty. I think I’ve just had the best sleep of my life.
The day’s first outing is to the Port Vila markets, but I am so distracted taking snaps of the gorgeous flowers that the group moves on without me.
I search for my colleagues through the rainbow of dresses and woven bags, wondering if I can find them and, if not, where would I find a taxi?
Deciding to try and absorb more of the local atmosphere, I start walking back to the resort, underestimating the effect of the heat. Thankfully, Vanuatu has the most friendly locals – I receive three offers of a ride and enquiries to ensure I am alright. Every exchange with the people of Vanuatu leaves me feeling happy and safe.
That afternoon, we head for Vanuatu Jungle Ziplining. I’m not the most adventurous type and haven’t done anything that challenging since abseiling at Kaitao Intermediate school camp. Not only are we high up in the trees, but we are high up in the mountains as well.
After being fitted with some thigh-squeezing straps and attached to a wire, I am ready to fly. Each launch off the platform is accomanied by a screech of fear, but the breathtaking views of the jungle I had admired from my room the night before soothe my nerves.
As a nature enthusiast, my favourite part of the trip is the Ecotour river kayak. If learning about and being close to the outdoors is your bag, this is a must-do.
Paddling – or being paddled, in my case – down a pristine river, I get to see the real Vanuatu. Most of the people still enjoy a village life and grow their own food, and I feel privileged to be able to witness this. I am named
the “River Queen” as I am able to lie back in my double kayak, which makes up for being left behind earlier!
There is no pollution and no other tourists, just banyan trees and the quiet splash of the paddle. Cyclone Pam made a dent in Vanuatu tourism after it hit in 2015, but visitor numbers are slowly starting to pick up.
We enjoy a tropical fruit platter at the end of the trip – the perfect post-paddling treat. The ride there and back in the open-air truck enables us to further enjoy the beauty of the countryside.
This short break leaves me feeling as if I need a few more days to visit other parts of the island nation, but I am thoroughly impressed by the wonderful hospitality and warmth shown by the good folk of Vanuatu.