From the National Tourism Office: This week holds an exciting period for two of Port Vila's new tourist accommodations:

 Anabru Pacific Lodge

On Monday 11 December, representatives from the VTO and NTDO were invited to attend the launch of a newly built Anabru Pacific Lodge located along the main road at Anabru Area next to Peter Chan store.

Owned & managed by locals Nelly Chan and Edmond Colardo, the lodge aims primarily at couples and families who firstly seek an affordable accommodation with bargainable prices depending on budget, and secondly those who wish to stay in the city outskirts to experience the Ni-Vanuatu livelyhood so they may mix and mingle with the local Ni-Vanuatu.

The lodge charges at budget rates with a warm welcome and hospitality from the friendly local staff. Apartments are spacious with single bedroom or family apartment with two bedrooms, fully furnished with a bathroom, bar fridge, TV and access to Internet. Utensils and facilities are situated within very close proximity for customer convenience.

The Anabru Pacific Lodge accepts Visa and Mastercards and is a 5 minutes drive from the airport and to the main town. Beds are single to king-size, completed with fans, a television set, self-contained kitchen, laundry and more. For information call the lodge on 24852 and inquire. 

Lagoon Beach Resort Apartments

On Friday 15 December, another exciting property will welcome its first guests. This will be of the fresh-faced newly renevated Lagoon Beach Resort Apartments which is peacefully tucked along Erakor Lagoon set on wide open spaces and cooling shades with lovely lagoon breezes.

The family/couple apartments is managed by a local Ni-Vanuatu Mrs Sarah Bihu, and is especially targeting groups who are flying into the country to celebrate their bride and groom's wedding, or families simply seeking a relaxing tropical holiday. The owner of the property Ms Chris Hardman, has incorporated a Kids Club onsite with a variety of activities to keep the kids entertained during the stay at Lagoon Beach. Also accompanying the apartments is a swimming pool, bar, and a canteen. Lagoon Beach Apartments stand out as a unique product altogether that laps on the destination's authenticity to the architecture as having Tam Tam posts at entrances on all doorways with natangora roofing, and showcases the Melanesian style interior furnishings and décor. To find out more log onto www.lagoonbeachvanuatu.com

Banks Islands boasts Xmas and New Years package

 For visitors and locals alike who seek a unique opportunity to celebrate the festive season with local villagers on a remote tropical island paradise, this could be your ship to board.  

Visitors to the beautiful Moto Lava and Rah Islands in the Banks become special guest for a major festival from Christmas Eve till New Years Day. Enjoy the magic of the people and the place PLUS a week of CELEBRATIONS including singing, dancing, unique cross-cultural Christmas Ceremonies, a dramatic custom dance not performed in 30 years, a full custom wedding, and other Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities.

This will be truly unforgettable! Moto Lava & Rah islands have wonderful people, picture postcard white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, reefs, fishing, spectacular sunsets and a unique culture bursting with customs, beauty, music and fun.  The Rah Island Beach Bungalow is on a white sand beach surrounded by lush jungle.  The local meals are excellent, fresh and organic.  Our hosts have delicious recipes for crab, lobster and fish which are caught fresh each day. 

You can relax and unwind, hang out with the villagers, explore the islands, reefs or sea – PLUS there is a BIG CELEBRATION from Dec 24 to Jan 1 with singing, dancing, local parties, unique cross-cultural Christmas Ceremonies and celebrations, a dramatic custom dance not performed in 30 years, a full custom wedding, and other Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. This will be truly unforgettable!  The locals would love you to share this week with them.  Flights to Moto Lava from Port Vila are on Mondays and Fridays.  (Extra flights are available on Wednesdays for a ‘flight diversion fee’). 

Depart with Air Vanuatu from Port Vila for the Banks on Friday Dec 22 or Dec 25.  Or for the custom wedding, local parties, dancing, and New Years Eve celebrations depart for the Banks on Wed Dec 27 or Fri Dec 29.  Return flights will be on Mon Dec 1, Wed Dec 3 or Fri Dec 5 to Port Vila. (Air Vanuatu will schedule extra flights - dates to be confirmed). Contact Simon on 50626.