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.
