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Le Meridien Vanuatu Review
The Le Meridien Resort in Port Vila is situated on 50 acres just 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from Port Vila.
It features its own private island and fantastic white sand beach. All rooms are air conditioned and the resort features its own casino.
Vanuatu's a laid back place. The people are friendly and the snorkeling and diving are great. There's plenty to see and do, including trips to an active volcano and many other highlights.
The trip to Vanuatu from Australia's east coast in only three and a half hours, which is great when you have a young family. Before the kids start to become bored and restless, you are about to land. Most family resorts in Vanuatu are close to the capital, Port Vila, so its just a five minute trip in a taxi or bus and you're in town. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and most offer kids meals. We visited in July 2000.
Accommodation
We found the garden view rooms very small. OK if there is only two of you but probably not suitable for a family of four. Book a lagoon view room with an interconnecting room. The views are much better and you'll appreciate the extra space. This extra room is sometimes listed as a free upgrade, so put some pressure on your travel agent.
Activities
 This is where the resorts excels. The poolside activities and beach activities are excellent. Fantastic catamaran sailing from the beach, canoeing, sail boarding, a great beach and a choice of two pools, one with a swim up bar. There's two tennis courts, table tennis and a 9 hole golf course. There is usually something happening around the pool or beach including volleyball, coconut tree climbing and swimming races in the pool. All the activities are free. Night time entertainment includes special nights on the beach with traditional displays from local tribesmen and theme nights.
Eating
Kids were to eat free (but read the fine print). Breakfast was good, there were no free lunches and there was a special kids meal at night from 5:30 to 6:30. The food quality and choice was not great compared to other places we've visited. If you miss this meal you will have to pay for the kids meal in one of the restaurants. The food for adults is good with special theme night buffets in the main restaurant and a choice of bar-be-que type meals in the poolside restaurant. There are some fantastic restaurants in Port Vila and most cater for kids with special menus. (make sure you try the coconut crab).
Kids Club
Not as good as we've experienced in other resorts, but the kids are well looked after by friendly staff. The activities are limited, but there's enough happening poolside or on the lagoon to keep the kids happy.
Shopping
Plenty of duty free shopping available in Port Vila (only 5 minutes by taxi). Cheap supplies can be purchased at a supermarket (usually at about half the price you pay at the resort). The markets in Port Vila are a good place to pick up some souvenirs and local fruits. Generally prices are high so take everything you need (e.g. AUD$40 for sun block out cream - we won't forget that next time).
Negatives
This place (Vanuatu) is very expensive. A typical theme night at the resort would cost $AU100 for 2(without drinks). A can of coke is about 4 dollars and a beer is 6 dollars. Drinks are cheaper in Port Vila so go shopping soon after you arrive. Buy beer, soft drinks, water, chips etc from a supermarket in town. The restaurants in town are a bit cheaper than the resort but you'll still pay $25 for a main meal and $12 for children's meals. The best value for money is Club Vanuatu. Visitors (and kids) are welcome and the bistro offers great food at reasonable prices ($9 for a steak).
Things To Do In Vanuatu
A day trip to Beachcomber Island is a must. Take the family package for 10000 vatu $AU125 (you can probably do it a little bit cheaper yourself - but only just). The fish feeding is unbelievable, they will take food from your hands. Take some bread with you (you can also buy bags of fish food at the island). If you own a snorkel and flippers then take them with you (or maybe buy some before you go).
See our Vanuatu travel guide page for more details.
Links
Readers Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
Le Meridien Website
Video
Travel Packages
Vanuatu Accommodation
Vanuatu Travel Guide
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