Espiritu Santo island - all beaches

This beach is supposed to be world class, but let's be real, it's just another overhyped tourist trap. Sure, it might be pristine and top-rated in Vanuatu, but that's not saying much. The beach is huge, but don't expect any privacy when you're fighting for a spot with the other handful of visitors. And let's not forget about the two little beach bars that are probably overpriced and overcrowded. The bathroom facilities are nothing to write home about either, so make sure to pack your own toilet paper. Oh, and did we mention that this beach is in the middle of nowhere? Good luck getting there without a GPS and a sense of adventure.

We stayed at the Barrier Beach Resort for four nights, booking a beachfront fare. The room was a bit dated but still comfortable, with a soft king-sized bed and flat pillows that could use an update. The gardens have grown in nicely, making the place feel lush and green. Unfortunately, our flights were cancelled by Air Vanuatu, causing us to arrive two days later than planned. The resort was unable to accommodate our change in dates or offer a refund for the missed nights. The manager, Wayne, was not willing to make an exception, which left us feeling undervalued as guests. In contrast, the resort we stayed at in Tanna was very accommodating when our flights were cancelled multiple times. They adjusted our booking dates and deducted food and beverage costs for the nights we couldn't use. Despite the issues with Air Vanuatu, we were disappointed with the lack of flexibility at Barrier Beach Resort. The beach was pretty, but the coral was not healthy and the water was cloudy during our stay, limiting visibility. The restaurant was decent, with a variety of cocktails and menu options like poulet and Santo beef. However, there were some odd charges for extras like bacon and tropical fruit, and scrambled eggs were not very appetizing. There were also additional charges for credit card payments and new rules in place, such as restrictions on using certain towels and consuming duty-free alcohol on the beach. Overall, we felt that the resort had lost some of its Melanesian charm in favor of investor returns.

We arrived on a cruise and were looking for a nice spot to swim, eat, and unwind. Someone suggested Black Pearl, so we called to confirm if we could visit. The service was excellent! We had a couple of pizzas for lunch. They were pricey, but we could pay in AUD. The beach on the right was much better for snorkeling compared to the one on the left.

This place is unbeatable! I have been to Santo three times now, and during my last visit, we stayed at Hideaway Beach Bungalows and met Pascal. The hospitality shown by Pascal and his family is unparalleled. The location is stunning, and the handcrafted bungalows created by his family are truly remarkable. If you truly want to experience Santo, staying here is a must!

Unfortunately, much of the area was damaged in the recent cyclone. You can still see bits of metal and engine blocks scattered around. It makes for a costly swim. Despite this, it's still a beautiful spot, though somewhat marred by broken glass. I recommend getting reef shoes for swimming and a quality mask and snorkel.

This place is absolutely stunning, and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to visit and experience it. Marie and her husband were incredibly friendly and made us feel welcome. The house was impeccably clean and organized, and their children were adorable. Additionally, the chef prepared mouthwatering meals for us. They went above and beyond to assist me in any way they could. The sea was teeming with corals, fish, and even turtles. This place will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it is filled with cherished memories.