Eton boasts the finest beach locations in Efate, and for me, this was the ultimate swimming destination. The sand consists of finer coral grains, eliminating the need for reef shoes, and the water is simply stunning. We arrived in the morning around 10am. Besides a French couple briefly passing through and a local village family tidying up the beach, my companion and I had the entire beach to ourselves until 1pm. A reef serves as a natural barrier against the rough waves, resulting in very calm waters. We found a shaded tree where we spent the remainder of the afternoon reading and conversing. The entrance fee is VATU 500 per person, which I believe is quite reasonable considering the well-maintained beaches. They diligently clean up garbage and bottles left behind by visitors from the previous day or night.
For dining options, I recommend picking up some sandwiches from Tanna Plaza Boulangerie or getting takeout from Au Bon Mache in Nambutu. There are few dining establishments outside of Port Vila, and those that are available tend to be pricey and not worth the cost. It's best to disregard reviews prior to 2023, as the food industry is still in the process of recovering from the twin cyclones in March. As a result, restaurants have not fully restored their menus or staff. Always consult more recent reviews before making plans.
While Blue Lagoon is located further ahead and tends to be more crowded and commercialized, if you're seeking a secluded and unspoiled experience, this is the place to be. Santo offers even more stunning lagoons for those looking for a visually appealing destination.