Vanuatu

Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary

Vanuatu Travel PackagesHideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary is a picture perfect tropical island with sand and coral beaches surrounded by turquoise blue water. It is only a short 15 minute bus and ferry trip form the airport and Port Vila.

Hideaway Island's Marine Sanctuary is one of the few places on earth where you can hand feed hundreds of 'tame' brilliantly coloured fish right from the beach. As a marine sanctuary there are many wonderful dive sites near by and their excellent facilities and dive instructors will ensure you have memorable diving experiences.

Accommodation
Twin share rooms: Also called twin-dorms, the six twin-share beach lodge units are ideal for the budget conscious couple or single traveller who'd like a little bit more privacy than a standard dormitory offers. Located right on the beach, the lodges are in a prime position for lazing and watching the world go by. They are located in a house-like structure with a wide under cover veranda with tables and chairs out the front and sides, making it ideal for lounging on and taking in the dramatic views. The rooms are furnished with a double or twin beds, a small cupboard and a hand basin. Shower and toilet facilities are close by.

Hideaway Island Resort, Island HoneymonStudio Ocean View Bungalow: The four Studio Ocean View Bungalows are located on the south-eastern side of the island to catch the prevailing breezes and have a private garden with a hammock so you can laze and overlook the waters of beautiful Mele Bay. These Melanesian-style huts are all free-standing structures with coral walls and local art works to decorate them. Each bungalow has its own unique flavour due to the materials available at the time they were built and their position on the island. They all feature clamshell sinks and many also have bathrooms where you can enjoy a shower and the view at the same time, a testament to the privacy afforded by their lush tropical surroundings. In these bungalows the living and bedroom area are in one room. Each contains a double bed, lounge setting, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities.

One Bedroom Ocean View Bungalows: There are five free standing deluxe bungalows and three that share a wall with another building. These bungalows feature a Melanesian feel with coral decorating the outer walls and local artifacts adorning the interior ones. All the deluxe bungalows have spectacular views over the water and are placed to see either the sunrise or the sunset. With interior floor space of approximately 60 square metres, they are more than generously proportioned: the bathroom, living area and separate bedroom all working together to help you make the most of your prime position. Double doors in the bedroom mean that, depending on the degree of privacy you require, you can even lie in bed and take in the views. The escape from the work-a-day world continues outside, as each deluxe bungalow has either a wooden or coral deck with chairs and a double hammock, to really help you get into the swing of things. As an added bonus, deluxe bungalow patrons have free use of the resort's spa. Furnishings inside the bungalow include a fridge and coffee/tea making facilities, comfortable sofa setting and table and chairs in the living area. All the finishings in the deluxe bungalows are made of local hardwoods, and they all have Hideaway's signature giant clam shell sinks in the bathrooms.

Dining
Dining, Bar and RestaurantThe food served up in the "On the Beach" bar and restaurant is just one thing that keeps the guests coming back here year after year. Where else can you sit with your toes in the sand over looking beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear tropical waters while enjoying first rate food served up by a chef who's worked around the world, but now calls Vanuatu home. A real local character, Bruce is as likely to share his humour with you as he is his food. Either is a real treat, and if you can get both, you're bound to have a great night. There is a blackboard menu that changes daily depending on the produce available. But whether you're after a simple burger, a slice of cake or pie, or wonderfully fresh seafood, chances are there'll be something there to tempt your palate. And if you have any special dietary requirements or desires just let the staff know, and they'll do their best to help.

Activities
When you're staying at a marine sanctuary, the obvious attraction is the coral and tropical fish life and guests have unlimited use of the complimentary snorkelling equipment so that you can make the most of the wonders at your doorstep. Wander off the shore to hand feed thousands of 'tame' fish, or join the daily snorkel safari to the fringing reef where you can see more than 130 different varieties of coral in 2-4m of water.

For the sailors, or would be sailors, there are a pair of Maricats for you to try your hand with. Sailing on beautiful Mele Bay following the tropical breezes, these twin hulled sporty little vessels can provide an idyllic way to pass the time. For those who'd rather rely on muscle power, there are always our ocean kayaks in which you can circumnavigate the island, or our pedalo to keep you amused.

On land, borrow a ball from watersports and have a game of beach volleyball, try your hand at petanque, or settle down to an afternoon or evening of board games available from the office. To get a taste for life in a modern Ni-Vanuatu village you can go for a walk through nearby Mele one evening. The adventurous are free to stop at a kava bar, where the traditional version of the national drink is available. A relaxant that is now being sold as a sedative, it's an experience that defies description.

Diving
Hideaway Island is fast becoming known as a paradise for divers and snorkellers. Where else in the world can you roll out of bed and be SCUBA diving in less than 15 minutes and for snorkellers even less. Hideaway Resort have more than 15 dive sites within 10 minutes of the shore examples of a few of the dive sites are listed below.

From the beach:

The Beach - Depth 15m Bottom time 45 minutes
Coral, marine life, night dive, photographic
This site just in front of the restaurant is within the marine sanctuary and is the island's main snorkeling area. The coral is varied, growing along the reef wall and several bommies within the area. In many places, healthy corals will grow within 20 cm of the surface. Thousands of friendly fish live in the shallows eager to eat out of the hand of any passer-by, and if you look carefully it is also possible to find clams, small octopii and young stingrays. Good visibility and warm currentless waters also make this an ideal spot for beginner divers and snorkellers. This site is also a great spot for a refresher dive. With plenty to see, experienced divers who just need to brush up on their technique can comfortably go to around 15 metres.

The Bommies - Depth 30m Bottom time 30 minutes
Marine life, Night Dive, Photographic, Deep, Shore dive
Situated on a sloping wall, this series of Bommies are a popular night dive, with plenty to see in the day as well. The Bommies stand in between 10 and 35 metres of water on a drop off just 30 metres from the beach. This site has variously been described as stunning, or startling - a place where you can see a huge range of life in a compact area. The Bommies are both a nursery and feeding ground, providing a home for a large variety of fish. Many new hard corals and small gorgonian fans can be seen on this dive site. Mantis shrimps can be found if you look, and smaller life is also prolific. Large schools of reef fish, trevally and surgeonfish are also common along the drop off, as are lionfish and occasionally eagle rays. An excellent shore dive and a " must " night dive.

Boat Dives:

The Pinnacles - Depth 25m Bottom time 45 minutes
Marine life, Coral, Photographic
Right on the reef edge of Hideaway Island, this site is another popular one amongst experienced and new divers alike. Starting at 6 metres the swim along the drop off displays a multitude of perfect hard coral specimens, whips, and schools of reef fish that are as colourful as a rainbow. Pinnacles also features a number of 'canyons' which make for an interesting dive. But while the site itself is something to behold, arguably the most spectacular part is on the safety stop over the shallows. The 6 metre by 8 metre piece of encrusting coral in the shape of a wigwam, or pinnacle, is truely amazing. All in one piece and perfect condition, it's not only stunning, but also extremely rare.French Authorities believe it is one of the largest single pieces of coral in the world.

The Wall - Depth 40m Possible 90m Bottom time 12 minutes
Marine life, Coral, Deep, Wall, Photographic
This is the dive for those who like narcosis and coral. The wall is a near vertical descent and although they don't go lower than 40 metres, and can be dived very comfortably at much less than that, the drop off itself doesn't stop until it hits 97 metres. A popular spot for those on deep diving or specialty courses, this site offers a rare chance to see black coral trees of stunning proportions and in immaculate conditions. There are also nice gorgonians of equal splendor growing along the drop-off. Use of computers for deco-stops is a must and experience is necessary. Divers the instructors feel are not ready to dive these depths will not be taken.

Package Inclusions

  • Roundtrip Economy Air from Los Angeles (upgrades available – please ask for details)
  • Meet and Greet with Flower Lei
  • Round-trip transfers from Airport to Resort
  • 7 Nights accommodation in Studio Oceanside Bungalow (upgrades available – please ask for details)
  • Includes Continental Breakfast Daily
  • Cultural Walk & kava tasting in Mele Village (Tuesday afternoons)
  • One Glass bottom boat ride
  • Use of snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boat and Maricat sailboat
  • Snorkel safari to Coral Gardens any day at noon


7 Night Package from $1,999 per person

The above rates are valid for departures up until 31 March 11. Airfare based on Air Pacific lowest fare and subject to availability. Flights depart Los Angeles on Thursdays & Sundays (arriving Saturdays and Tuesdays) and then return on Saturdays and Tuesday (arriving in LAX same day). To get this rate we recommend you book early. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Add-on fares available from other cities. Hotels are subject to availability. US/foreign taxes/fees/fuel surcharges of approximately $330, including September 11th Security Fee, are additional. Prices reflect a 3% discount for purchases made by cash/check. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. There may be black-out dates on this package. Prices are subject to change at any time due to availability or exchange rates.