The hype
Reviewers consistently praise the incredibly friendly staff, immaculate rooms, and the pristine snorkeling right off the beach.
Erakor Island Resort And Spa
$150-250/ night
Book this if Book this if you want a secluded, family-friendly private island escape with free water sports, just a 5-minute free ferry ride from Port Vila.
Why People Love It
- Free 24/7 ferry to the mainland
- Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
- Thursday night Melanesian Feast & Fire Show
Quick Take: It's a laid-back, rustic island vibe with no TVs or phones in the rooms—perfect for unplugging, but skip it if you need high-tech luxury or elevators.
Reviewed by @saltwaternomad: I loved my evening at Erakor Island! Taking the boat over for dinner was such a unique touch. We ate right on the deck overlooking the water, watched the fish jump, and saw the most stunning sunset. I felt so relaxed and happy the entire time.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms are intentionally low-tech with no TVs or phones, which is a shock to guests expecting standard modern hotel entertainment.
- You want a private island experience without feeling isolated
- You love free water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding
- You are traveling with kids and need a safe, fun environment
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is highly praised, with guests frequently calling the rooms 'immaculate'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean and well-maintained, though some feature outdoor or semi-outdoor elements that embrace the tropical setting.
- Maintenance: Well-kept rustic island vibe; the lack of modern tech (no TVs) is a design choice, not a maintenance failure.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and comfortable, with beach towels provided complimentary.
- Odors & scents: Fresh ocean breeze and tropical flora; no complaints of mustiness despite the humid environment.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thursday night Melanesian Feast music and fire show
- Occasional kids playing near the beach during the day
Before you book
Good to know
- The 24/7 ferry to the mainland is free and takes only 3-5 minutes
- There's a 2.5% credit card surcharge, so bring some cash
- The Thursday night Melanesian Feast is a must-do, so plan to be on the island that evening
What to pack
- Reef shoes to protect your feet while exploring the coral and starfish
- Waterproof gear and a light rain jacket if visiting during the wet season (Nov-April)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Beachfront Lagoon Villas for 323 sq ft of space and direct access to the water
- Honeymoon Pool Villas for ultimate privacy and your own plunge pool
Rooms to avoid
- Garden Rooms if you need space—they are only 161 sq ft and lack the iconic water views
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, we are so excited for our stay! We would love to request a Beachfront Lagoon Villa with direct water access. If possible, a quieter unit slightly tucked away from the main restaurant and Thursday night fire show area would be amazing for our sleep. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the ferry to the mainland free?
Yes, it runs 24/7 and is completely complimentary for guests, taking only about 3-5 minutes.
Are there TVs in the rooms?
No. The resort intentionally leaves TVs and phones out of the rooms to encourage a digital detox.
Do I have to pay extra for kayaks and snorkeling gear?
No, all non-motorized water sports equipment is free for guests to use.
What is the Thursday night event?
It's the Melanesian Feast & Fire Show on Calypso Beach, featuring local food, kava, and a fire performance. It costs around 5000 VUV.
Is the hotel wheelchair accessible?
No, there are no elevators and the property features natural terrain and steps.
How much is the airport shuttle?
It costs $20 AUD per adult and $10 AUD per child each way, and must be booked 72 hours in advance.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Attend the Thursday night Melanesian Feast—it's highly rated and saves you a trip to the mainland for entertainment.
- ✨
Take advantage of the free snorkeling gear to see the thousands of starfish in the lagoon right off the beach.
- ✨
You don't have to get up to order drinks; the staff at Calypso Beach Bar will deliver them directly to your sunlounger.
5 things to know before you go
💡The rooms intentionally lack TVs and phones to force you to disconnect and enjoy the island.
💡The 24-hour ferry means you aren't trapped on the island and can easily pop over to Port Vila for dinner.
💡There's a dedicated 'Beach Movies & All You Can Eat Pizza' night under the stars.
💡The resort has a 2.5% credit card surcharge, which can add up quickly on a long stay.
💡The Garden Rooms are surprisingly small (only 161 sq ft) compared to the spacious Lagoon Villas.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Erakor Island Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.