Aore Island Resort is a secluded and authentic island retreat located on Aore Island, a working cattle and coconut plantation in Vanuatu. Situated just a 10-minute boat trip from the mainland of Espiritu Santo and the town of Luganville, the resort offers a "barefoot luxury" experience, focusing on relaxation and a deep connection with nature. It is a boutique-style resort with 18 bungalows designed to blend with the natural surroundings, making it a peaceful and romantic getaway for couples while also being a family-friendly destination. The resort is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere.
The resort's central hub is a large, traditional Melanesian-style Nakamal that houses the main restaurant and bar, offering panoramic views of the channel. General facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a tour and activities desk, a gift shop, and a spa offering massages. For convenience, the resort also provides laundry facilities and babysitting services. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main Nakamal restaurant and bar area, and guests are given snorkeling equipment, bicycles, and kayaks to use at their leisure.
Aore Island Resort is very welcoming to families. It offers one-bedroom bungalows that are ideal for families with children and has a policy where children under 15 stay for free when sharing with their parents. The resort provides a dedicated children's menu in the restaurant and offers babysitting services for a surcharge, allowing parents to enjoy some alone time. The natural environment acts as a playground, with plenty of safe areas to explore and activities suitable for all ages.
Aore Island Resort offers a wide range of activities, both complimentary and at a cost, that take advantage of the island's natural beauty. Guests can enjoy free use of bicycles, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks to explore the island and its surrounding waters. On-site activities include snorkeling directly off the beach to view vibrant coral reefs, relaxing by the swimming pool, and hiking or horse riding through the island's cattle and coconut plantations. The resort can also arrange tours and excursions to mainland Espiritu Santo, including diving on the famous WWII wreck of the "SS President Coolidge," visiting the stunning blue holes, and exploring Millennium Cave.
Dining at the resort is centered around the open-air Nakamal Restaurant and the Aore Beach Bar. The Nakamal Restaurant offers a menu of locally and internationally-inspired cuisine, with daily specials featuring fresh local produce, including world-famous Santo beef and seafood. The Beach Bar offers a more casual "feet-in-the-sand" dining experience with a wood-fired pizza oven and grill. A complimentary tropical breakfast is included daily. The resort is also noted for its cultural "Island Nights" with traditional music, dance, and food.
The resort has 18 bungalows, each constructed with local timbers and traditional leaf roofs, featuring private bathrooms with hot showers, refrigerators, and ceiling fans. The bungalows are designed to provide a comfortable and authentic island experience.
Studio Gardenview Bungalows: These studios are located in the lush tropical gardens. They are 50 sq m / 538 sq ft and feature a comfortable living space with a queen or two single beds.
Studio Beachfront Bungalows: Similar to the garden view, these bungalows are located directly on the beach, offering stunning sea views. They are also 50 sq m / 538 sq ft and contain either a queen or two single beds.
One-Bedroom Gardenview Bungalows: These larger bungalows are suitable for families, featuring a separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a comfortable living area with two single beds. They are 56 sq m / 603 sq ft.
One-Bedroom Beachfront Bungalows: Offering the same spacious layout as the garden view version, these bungalows are located on the beachfront with direct ocean access. They are 56 sq m / 603 sq ft and include a queen bed and two single beds.
Studio Beachfront with Plunge Pool: These bungalows are a premium option for couples, featuring a private plunge pool and direct beach access. They are 50 sq m / 538 sq ft and contain a queen bed.
Aore Island is located in Vanuatu's Espiritu Santo province. The resort is just a 10-minute boat ride from the main town of Luganville on the mainland. To get there, you can fly into Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) from Port Vila (VLI) or from international hubs like Brisbane. The resort provides complimentary roundtrip airport and ferry transfers, picking you up from the mainland and taking you directly to the island via a short boat trip.
