Sanma - 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.

This resort is unique. The food is excellent and constantly changing. The location is fantastic and the staff are incredibly helpful and always have a smile on their face.

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!

This place is absolutely stunning! Marie is incredible! She is so kind, prepares the most delicious meals for us, and always greets us with a warm smile while engaging in friendly conversations. We wholeheartedly endorse this bungalow without any hesitation. We are eagerly looking forward to our next visit!

Upon arriving at Sails Beach House, I was immediately impressed by the beauty of the place. Nellie, the owner, has clearly put a lot of thought into every detail, making the whole place look stunning. The outdoor hammocks and al fresco dining area were perfect for the tropical setting. The rooms were spacious and beautifully decorated, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a bottle of champagne waiting for us in the fridge. It was a fantastic way to start my Vanuatu adventure. The house also had a private lagoon area and a beach right in the backyard. Since we were on Aore Island, we had to take a water taxi to get to town, which required some planning ahead. The cost was 1,000VT each way, and sometimes the taxis operated on 'island time,' so it's something to keep in mind. However, I soon realized that the boat rides were one of the highlights of my trip, and I now miss the daily commute by boat. During high tides, the boat could even dock right at the backyard, providing a unique experience. Nellie was incredibly helpful and had everything prepared before my arrival in Vanuatu. She provided a comprehensive guide to Santo, allowing us to plan our activities from the comfort of our home. George, the caretaker, was also fantastic, taking care of all the little details and checking in on us regularly. I highly recommend Sails Beach House as one of the best places to stay in Santo, regardless of the type of group you're traveling with. I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to Vanuatu.