With the South Pacific islands increasingly garnering attention for their tropical azure waters and fascinating Polynesian culture, we thought it was about time we brought you the ultimate guide on how to island-hop the South Pacific islands in total luxury. If you’re tired of the Caribbean and disenchanted by Bali, the South Pacific islands are the perfect up-and-coming paradise vacation, that are currently only really frequented by New Zealand and Australian tourists.
After a lot of research by our team we sent our resident Australian-based writer, Catherine Lux, in search of the ideal itinerary for those short on time, and tasked her with just one week to see three of the dreamiest islands; Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa. What she discovered was a breath of fresh air when it comes to exploring relatively untouched countries and islands, and so without further ado, let us take you to paradise…
Visiting Vanuatu
The Melanesian islands of Vanuatu are a hive of volcanic activity, and a popular vacation destination for Australians as it’s a short three hour flight from Sydney. Vanuatu is made up of around 80 islands, but the two main tourist islands are Efate and Espiritu Santo. Efate is home to Port Vila – the capital city and location of the international airport – while Espiritu Santo is where many of the popular ‘nature’ attractions and resorts are located. If you’re short on time and island-hopping as we were, we recommend flying into Efate and staying there. Warwick le Lagon is situated on Erakor Lagoon and is a stunning resort within easy-driving distance of Port Vila and the famous Mele Cascades waterfalls. You’re also able to hire a private driver to see the rest of what Efate has on offer.
How to get to Vanuatu:
From Australia: Fly direct from Sydney and Brisbane with Vanuatu Air or Qantas
From the US: Fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Port Vila via Nadi (Fiji).
From the UK & Europe: With Fiji Airways you can fly from any European city to Los Angeles, and then from LA to Port Vila via Nadi (Fiji). You could also fly from any European city to Singapore, then Singapore to Port Vila.
Local Currency: Vanuatu Vatu
The current exchange rates as of June 2018 are:
1 GBP = 147 VUV
1 USD = 110 VUV
1 AUD = 84 VUV
Where to stay in Vanuatu: Warwick le Lagon
Warwick le Lagon’s newly refurbished overwater villas are similar to those found in the likes of Bora Bora and the Maldives. Set over the sparkling waters of Erakor Lagoon, the flawless interiors are contemporary and luxurious with a large open-plan suite. Sit on the terrace overhanging the water and count the starfish (or stars!) whilst sipping on champagne. The lack of light pollution means the Milky Way and the surrounding stars (including the Southern Cross) are clearly visible are night time. The resort itself includes watersports, a swim-up pool bar, a spa, and an excellent Teppanyaki restaurant.
What to do in Vanuatu:
Vanuatu is made up of multiple islands, but if you’re island-hopping you’ll likely want to stay on the main island of Efate for travelling ease. We recommend hiring a private tour guide through your hotel, as there’s plenty to see and do on the main island, including the breathtaking waterfalls at both Lololima Falls and Mele Cascades, the stunning Mele Beach, and the Blue Lagoon swimming hole. Erakor Island is a small resort island just across from Warwick le Lagon and a short 5-minute boat ride across the lagoon. Port Vila itself is a small town with not much on offer aside from the famous markets where you can browse the plethora of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the Cultural Centre where you can learn more about Vanuatu’s history, culture, and way of life.
You also need to try Kava while you’re in Vanuatu. Although it’s famous throughout the South Pacific, Vanuatu has the most potent as they use a different part of the root to the other islands. Even Prince Charles drank it when he was in Vanuatu!
Where to eat in Vanuatu:
Erakor Island beach bar serve a fantastic selection of traditional Melanesian and Polynesian food, including the delicious Oka (raw fish marinated in citrus and served in a coconut milk salad). Lava Lounge in Port Vila serve french fries with coconut, Mele beach bar also comes highly recommended, and for the oldest restaurant in the town go to L’Houstalet, which has been around for more than four decades.
Visiting Fiji
Fiji is without a doubt the most well-known of the South Pacific islands, with a reputation around the world for being the place to go for paradise and tranquility. Many of the ‘luxury’ hotels in Denarau on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu are actually very run-down these days and lack an actual beach to sunbathe on and swim off, so we recommend flying into Nadi airport on Viti Levu, and then heading to one of the smaller luxury private islands. We adored Royal Davui, which is an adults-only and eco-friendly hideaway a short 20-minute helicopter ride from Nadi airport. Fiji is really all about the relaxation; make the most of your time here by bringing a good book, getting a massage, and snorkelling among the reefs in Fiji’s crystalline waters.
How to get to Fiji:
From Vanuatu: Fly direct from Vanuatu with Fiji Airways
From Australia: Fly direct to Fiji with Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, and Qantas
From the US: Fly direct from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Nadi (Fiji) with Fiji Airways
From the UK & Europe: With Fiji Airways you can fly from any European city to Los Angeles, and then from LA to Nadi (Fiji). You could also fly from any European city to Singapore, then Singapore to Nadi (Fiji).
Local Currency: Fijian Dollar
The current exchange rates as of June 2018 are:
1 GBP = 2.7 FJD
1 USD = 2 FJD
1 AUD = 1.5 FJD
Where to stay in Fiji: Royal Davui Private Island Resort
Royal Davui Island Resort is a very special adults-only private island resort featuring just 15 villas. After a quick helicopter transfer from Nadi Airport, or a slightly-longer flight and then boat option, you’ll arrive on paradise. The resort has been built into the natural surroundings of the island, with the main restaurant and bar a large and luxurious tree-house surrounding a huge and ancient Banyan tree.
Each villa is set into the cliff-face of the island, and consists of a spacious and ultra-luxe living room, bedroom, bathroom, and large terrace balcony which overlooks the ocean. All 15 villas have their own private plunge-pools, but should you want a more social atmosphere, there is a communal pool by the main lobby, complete with an ’emergency cocktail’ flag system!
What to do in Fiji:
Fiji is the epitome of paradise and relaxation. You go to Fiji less for activities and adventure, and more for relaxation and luxury. Royal Davui Island provides the perfect combination of both, with snorkelling, diving, and watersports on offer to guests. They also have a private sandspit a 20-minute boat ride away, where you’re able to go for a picnic lunch. This experience is highly recommended – you feel both a sense of utter isolation and one of such tranquility that it’s impossible to wipe the grin of your face. And don’t miss a massage at the Royal Davui spa, it was one of the best I have ever had. Take the helicopter transfer between Nadi Airport and Royal Davui for the very best views of Fiji’s main island and the lush greenery that covers the volcanic mountains.
Visiting Samoa
Samoa is an incredibly popular destination with New Zealand vacationers, and is probably the best kept secret of the South Pacific! Previously located across the International Date Line, Samoa now sits just before it (it was shifted to account for the fact that Samoa mostly trades with New Zealand and Australia, and the huge time difference made it very difficult to work together) and is therefore 12/13 hours ahead of the UK.
The two main islands of Samoa are Savai’i and Upolu with just four smaller islands, but Upolu is where the International airport is located and is therefore more geared up for international travellers. Samoa, like most South Pacific islands, is a very conservative country with strong Christian values, and therefore it’s advised to keep your knees and shoulders covered out of respect.
How to get to Samoa:
From Fiji: Fly direct from Nadi with Fiji Airways and Samoan Air
From Australia: Fly direct from Sydney and Brisbane with Vanuatu Air or Qantas
From the US: Fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Apia (Samoa) via Nadi (Fiji).
From the UK & Europe: With Fiji Airways you can fly from any European city to Los Angeles, and then from LA to Apia (Samoa) via Nadi (Fiji). You could also fly from any European city to Singapore, then Singapore to Apia (Samoa).
Local Currency: Samoan Tala
The current exchange rates as of June 2018 are:
1 GBP = 3.3 WST
1 USD = 2.5 WST
1 AUD = 2 WST
Where to stay in Samoa: Sheraton Beach Resort
Tourism in Samoa hasn’t really boomed yet, and as such the hotels are lacking, however the Sheraton Beach Resort provides the modern comforts you come to expect from international resorts. On offer is complimentary (and excellent) wifi throughout the resort, a fantastic spa set within the lush tropical grounds where you can experience an outdoor massage, a large swimming pool with swim-up bar, and the most beautiful lagoon beaches with silky soft sand in the shallows. The bar at the Sheraton Beach Resort also serve the most incredible Samoan Oka, and very potent cocktails. In addition, the rooms are spacious, and the Cultural Night on Fridays is highly recommended – you’ll experience traditional Samoan dancing from a local dance group, which includes the very impressive fire dancing!
What to do in Samoa:
Sheraton Beach Resort is located about an hour from the main town of Apia, but the staff are able to arrange a taxi to the town for just 130Tala. Alternatively you could book a private tour through the hotel, or hire a car. We chose to hire a car to see as much of the island as possible, and absolutely fell in love with Samoa. You mustn’t miss the breathtaking To Sua Trench, but make sure you go when it’s high tide, and don’t go after it’s being raining. At low tide it doesn’t look as impressive due to the sand being spun about underwater, giving it a more murky look.
As well as To Sua Trench, there are also plenty of waterfalls, and the famous Lalomona Beach. Make sure you consider the Samoan’s conservative views however, and don’t strip down to your swimwear in public. One of the main reasons why we chose Sheraton Beach Resort is because they have their own private beach where you can sunbathe and swim without offending any of the locals. After Lalomona Beach drive towards Apia through the mountains, and visit Robert Louis Stevenson’s house. If you’re in Samoa on a Sunday, do not miss church! Church in Samoa is a huge deal (the main religions being Congregational, Catholic, and Methodist) and the atmosphere and singing is really quite something.
Where to eat:
Scalini’s and Paddles restaurants are two of the most renowned in Samoa, while Giordano’s Pizzeria is perfect for a more relaxed meal in lush tropical gardens. For drinks and a night out, Edge Bar at the Marina provide unique cocktails alongside the classics across their three bars; Edge, Mixology, and The Glass Lounge, and there’s a nightclub onsite. Despite the conservative and very religious culture in Samoa, be assured that drinking alcohol is OK, and I can attest that the locals in Samoa are some of the loveliest people I have ever met on my travels. All were willing to help us when we got lost or had a few too many cocktails!
Island-hopping the South Pacific is a magical experience
Island-hopping the South Pacific isn’t for the faint-hearted as it requires very stringent planning due to the irregular internal flight times, and the flight time from Europe in particular is long. But what you put in with planning and being organised you get back in abundance from the magical experience you will have. It truly is a vacation of a lifetime and has everything you could want from the South Pacific; waterfalls, snorkelling, nature, scenery, mountains, volcanoes, seafood, beaches, jungle, and the loveliest locals.
Nowhere else on earth have I felt so isolated yet strangely peaceful, nowhere else on earth have I experienced such hospitality and kindness from strangers, and nowhere else on earth have I heard such beautiful singing from absolutely everyone! Book your next vacation to the South Pacific islands, and I promise you won’t regret it.
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Catherine Lux is a food and travel contributor at AGLAIA, and a luxury lifestyle blogger documenting her life on her blog, Lux Life London. With Lux Life London having a large focus on travel and food, she loves nothing more than long-haul flights, excellent restaurants, and relaxing with friends in the coolest places in town.
