Resorts and Bungalows in Tanna Vanuatu

Accommodation in Tanna is divided into three categories - resorts, village bungalows, and guest houses.

The White Grass Ocean Resort (shown above) is perhaps the most up-market resort on Tanna and it is close to the airport. But up-market in Tanna still means thatched bungalows, ceiling fans and "sea breeze ventilation."

The resorts tend to be clustered around the airport while the village bungalows are closer to the capital city of Lenakel or on the southeastern coast near the prime tourist attraction, the Tanna Volcano.

In the end you might enjoy the adventure of staying in a village bungalow like Friendly Bungalows (right next to the Volcano) where you will have more contact with the people of Tanna in their native surroundings and also be closer to the primary attractions of the island.

If you would like to see a satellite map showing the location of the primary resorts and bungalows on Tanna, visit www.vanuatu-vacations.com or download a copy of the Rocket Guide to Vanuatu.

Planning your Tanna Holiday

Village bungalows are built by the people who live in the nearby village - sometimes they are just outside the village, sometimes they are right in the village.

They are built entirely of local materials and are often really inventive with porches, split level interiors, and normally they are raised off the ground.

Not many of the village bungalows have mosquito screening but they do all have mosquito nets to drape over the beds. When we visit them we normally bring our own mosquito nets anyway - just in case theirs has a hole or two.

You'll need to bring your own soap, shampoo, and we also bring along sheets, pillow cases and towels. They might not be needed but on the other hand they will probably be in better shape than the villagers can provide. You can also leave them there when you go.

This is the interior of a bungalow at Friendly Bungalows - where they have a generator to make electricity for lights during certain hours at night. At other times you will be offered lanterns or even candles.

Some of the village bungalows have hot water showers (usually gas heated) and bathrooms - others have a common cold water shower/toilet facility.

The villagers welcome visitors in the most sincere way and make every effort to see you have a good experience. They have a very high success rate.

Tourists, however, can sometimes offend the villagers if they are unfamiliar with how to behave in rural villages. The Rocket Guide to Vanuatu has two very important sections on how to be a welcome guest in Vanuatu rural villages that every visitor should read.

It also gives relevant information on health concerns, what to bring with you, and exactly where the village bungalows and their facilities are located. This program will give you a complete understanding of every aspect of Vanuatu tourism (It was designed for educating travel agents). You can download a copy from their site or order the program on DVD.