Vanuatu’s newest up market boutique accommodation, The Havannah, has opened on one of Efate’s most spectacular stretches of beach alongside Vanuatu’s first World Heritage site.

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To celebrate the launch, the resort is offering a ‘pay six, stay seven’ deal for bookings until December 15 and for travel until December 17.

Prices for the seven night package, which includes breakfast daily and return airport transfers, start from $3690.

With just six free standing bungalows, each with a private infinity plunge pool, water views and luxurious design and finishes, The Havannah is the newest addition to Vanuatu’s growing range of ‘boutique upscale’ properties. 

Located 25km from Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, the resort is nestled on Vanuatu’s most significant natural and cultural sites. The area surrounding The Havannah, known as Chief Roi Mata’s Domain and was added to the coveted UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. The protected region is literally teeming with life including colourful coral, fish, dugongs and spinner dolphins. 

This surrounding islands including Mangaas Beach on North Efate, Artok Island and Lelepa Island have three early 17th century sites which are associated with the life and death of the last paramount chief. The chief bought peace to warring tribes and is central to Ni-Vanuatu oral traditions and moral values. He died in the area and was buried with 50 of his court, who agreed to be buried alive with him on Artok Island. 

The burial site has been ‘taboo’ with even locals forbidden from accessing the area until 2006 when remains were carefully excavated photographed, recorded and re-buried. The records are housed in Vanuatu’s National Museum in Port Vila and reveal a fascinating history and the sad story of a mass burial which until now had only been shared verbally. Tours of the area and museum can be booked at the resort or in Port Vila. 

Annie Niatu, general manager of the Vanuatu Tourism Office said both The Havannah and the Roi Mata Cultural Tours are indicative of Vanuatu’s offering.

“This type of boutique style accommodation and such interesting, authentic cultural experiences so close to Australia, is precisely what is making Vanuatu so popular with Australians,” she said.