Tamanu on the Beach Reviews

Our Vanuatu Trip We had an amazing time in Vanuatu! Tamanu on the Beach was fantastic—delicious food, cocktails, and a spacious villa with stunning views of the beach and ocean. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much trouble. One of the highlights was our visit to the Blue Lagoon, such a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkeling. The only downside was the private beach. We chose this resort because of the beach along with a villa on the beach. While it was a gorgeous spot, the relentless wind made it hard to relax on the beach and swimming wasn’t possible due to the coral reef. They had a small area in the coral reef cleared, but it was only knee-deep and still required reef shoes, so no proper swimming.

My partner and I visited for lunch on a Saturday around 11:15 AM. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were friendly. We ordered wedges, prawn fettuccine, lamb rack, and two trio ice creams. The wedges and prawn fettuccine arrived promptly, within about 15 minutes. However, we waited longer than expected for the lamb rack. A waiter came by to check on us, and when I asked about the lamb, she was surprised to find it had been out of stock. I was then asked to order something else. I opted for the eye fillet steak, which arrived 30 minutes later. Unfortunately, I found a piece of plastic wrap under the potato gratin that came with the steak. Since I was quite hungry after waiting, I simply removed the plastic and continued with the meal. The waiter came over to address the issue, but given the delays, we decided it was fine and canceled our ice cream order, as it was already 12:30 PM. Overall, the staff were kind, and the environment was enjoyable. However, I would suggest that waitstaff confirm the availability of dishes before taking orders and that the kitchen staff carefully check meals before serving them

Dorothy at Tamanu Beach Resort Aitutaki has magic hands. The Body Manava massage was the best I have ever experienced. The massage felt totally professional and she explained what she was doing, making me feel comfortable and at ease. My body felt better for it and I had the best sleep ever that nignt. My facial was divine and I highly recommend.

This place would make for nice photographs, the rooms look nice, the beach is beautiful. Compared to the previous place we stayed at, there are problems if you look past the cosmetic: - You are somewhat trapped here. There is no easy transport to eat elsewhere, nothing else in walking distance. You are in the middle of the country area, so reasonably remote. - The food prices, although not egregious when compared to other hotels, is excessive. Particularly since you are a captive audience. Expect $20-30 AUD for the most basic of menu items. - The staff seem passive aggressive, and I struggle to explain why (we just kept to ourselves). They seemed to have an attitude towards us. - Privacy is limited. Some units face the eating area, some are next to it. The paths to the unit get used by others so it’s common people will walk up right next to your balcony. The showers area is enclosed but outside, with not curtains, so it’s exposed very slightly. - The wifi requires you to trust a certificate. Definitely a no go for a corporate device. - There are little activities. No snorkelling because the beach has waves, no kayaking, swimming in the beach is limited because of the reef. - The pool is ok, but an awkward setup. It is just one pool with deck chairs around it. With a kid it feels awkward like you have an audience and are disrupting people from relaxing. - The rooms felt like they were barely cleaned. They looked ok until you look at the details. Black between the tile grout, marks on surfaces from the previous people, soap still in the soap holder. Overall it is ok, but for its price there are better options which we experienced. If you are after good photos, then this might be the place for you.

Words cannot describe how perfect this resort really is. My now husband and I feel incredibly honoured to have been one of the last weddings at Tamanu on the Beach. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect location to say I do! First and foremost, the staff are incredible. They are all so friendly and go above and beyond. Nothing is ever a problem and they are always smiling :) The location is impeccable - it is 30 mins from Port Vila but feels like you are on your own private island! And the food!!! All our wedding party commented about how incredibly fresh and delicious the food was. Every single meal we ate at Tamanu was scrumptious! The spa was fantastic too! I had the best, most relaxing facial of my life there - thank you!!! We loved how family friendly Tamanu is too! We had quite a few kids staying at the resort during the wedding and it was so wonderful to see how quickly they bonded to both the staff and each other. The staff are incredibly attentive and love kids, which made us, as parents, feel incredibly safe. Not once did we feel like our kids were inconveniencing the staff- even when they ran over to them during dinner service for big hugs!! It was just so beautiful to see. And Tamanu offers kids club and babysitting, which we used and was incredibly handy for us to get some time together. It was also so beautiful to see how quickly the kids bonded with each other (without reliance on devices). Being out in the beautiful beach setting, they were kept busy running down to the beach together, chasing waves and catching crabs. So wholesome! To Fiona, Anthony and the team, thank you so much for making our wedding and our stay so incredibly special. Our wedding was honestly the most magical day of our lives and we are so grateful to each and every one of you. We will be back! I cannot recommend Tamanu more highly. If you are looking for a tropical holiday to get some real relaxation and get away from it all, Tamanu is for you!

We booked our one week stay with TravelOneLine who offered a great package, which included meals, massage and cocktails . We chose Tamanu On The Beach Resort & Spa due to its peaceful and coastal location and we could not have been happier . Although just one negative was difficulty swimming in the ocean due to the wind, tides and coral . This resort is 20 minutes drive from Port Vila but the dining here was exceptional . I am Vegan and we chose this resort as they have vegan/ vegetarian on their menu . The chef was very accomodating to make me other meals not on the menu, so there was plenty variety . These actually exceeded those listed . Finding Vegan options in and around Port Vila can be very difficult so I really recommend this resort for food choice if you are Vegan or Vegetarian. Thank you for a wonderful stay !

My husband and I stayed at Temanu for a week in September 2024.The resort is so beautiful and comfortable.The large king bed was firm but comfy.The inside /outside shower and toilet was an enjoyable novelty.It was perfect for relaxing,reading and resting. The food was consistently excellent.The seafood,steak and lamb were of a very high quality.Breakfast was a highlight,so many yummy choices and all delicious.The staff were so welcoming and took such great care of us over our stay.We had two spa treatments that were absolutely fabulous.Couples massage and a full body scrub.The beach was beautiful but very windy.We highly recommend this beautiful resort.

Tamanu on the Beach Resort and Spa, Efate, Vanuatu, truly stands out as the pinnacle of luxury from our month-long stay in Vanuatu. Nestled on the wild and woolly south coast of Efate, this five-star boutique resort offers a unique blend of seclusion and serenity, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The culinary experience was an island stand-out. Each meal was a culinary delight, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and creative flair. The staff's service was impeccable, always friendly and attentive, ensuring our needs were met promptly and with a smile. The spa services at Tamanu are world-class. We indulged in massages and treatments that were both rejuvenating and relaxing. The high-end spa facilities and skilled therapists made for an unforgettable experience, leaving us refreshed and pampered. We stayed in a waterfront villa offered breathtaking views of the rolling ocean. The villa was spacious, well-equipped, and provided a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Housekeeping was exceptional, maintaining our villa with ninja-like efficiency, often turning the room over while we enjoyed our breakfast! Tamanu provides a good base for exploring the beautiful surroundings. Whether you prefer organized tours or your own adventures, the resort facilitates both with ease. The island of Efate offers rugged coastlines, verdant countryside, cascading waterfalls, and isolated sandy bays, all within close proximity. For newcomers to Vanuatu, it's worth noting that the west side of Efate is more sheltered. Tamanu’s location on the south coast exposes it to the elements, adding to its wild charm. While the resort is nearly perfect, minor attention to detail regarding upkeep, such as rusting and wear due to the seaside conditions, would elevate it to an undisputed five-star rating. Overall, Tamanu on the Beach is a gem in Vanuatu, and we highly recommend it for an unforgettable luxury experience. A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We had a lovely and relaxing stay at Tamanu on the Beach Resort and Spa. As a family of four, we opted for the 2-bedroom villa with its own plunge pool, and it was the perfect choice for our getaway. The intimate setting of the resort, with only 15 villas, created a peaceful atmosphere that we truly appreciated. The luxurious accommodations were complemented by amazing food and wine options that certainly didn’t disappoint. The hotel was immaculate, and every staff member we encountered was attentive and friendly. Isabel stood out for her exceptional service, making us feel right at home. The resort is very well managed by Fiona, who ensured everything ran smoothly during our stay. One of the highlights was the fire dance show on the beach—a must-see experience that added a magical touch to our evenings. We also booked a day trip to Lelepa Island through the hotel, which was a fantastic adventure and one of the trip's highlights. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday where the staff embodies a can-do attitude, then Tamanu on the Beach is the place to be. We can't wait to return!

We leave honest, constructive reviews to help other travellers and the business itself improve. Unfortunately, there is nothing good we can say about this “resort”. We had to ask housekeeping to come back twice to reclean the room upon checking in. The sheets were dirty (second time they had blood on them) and the bathroom was covered in body hair - it was everywhere in the bathroom. Our patio door didn’t unlock or open and despite asking at reception three times, no one came to look at it. The cocktails were undrinkable and the food was sub par. The location is far too remote and there are not enough amenities to pass time here. The pool was tiny and the sea too rough to swim in. Unless you get a package from luxury escapes to stay here, it is a complete rip off. Would we stay again? Never.

We had a wonderfully relaxing and most enjoyable week at Tamanu. Our villa on the beach had the most beautiful view of the beach and ocean and felt very private. The villa was very spacious and beautifully set out. Fiona and all the staff at Tamanu were so friendly and happy to help with anything you needed. The restaurant also has stunning views and the food was great! It takes about 30 minutes to drive into town and there are no shops or restaurants near Tamanu. That suited us perfectly as we wanted a quiet and peaceful location. We were more than happy to enjoy our time at Tamanu and only went into Port Vila (on the free shuttle) once and did two of the trips that Tamanu offers, which were great!

Our recent stay at Tamanu was nothing short of magical. Nestled in a serene setting, this intimate resort exceeded our expectations in every way possible. We opted for a spacious 2-bedroom villa with its own private plunge pool, and it was pure luxury. The villa was immaculate, offering both comfort and privacy, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. The service was exceptional, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly, and the staff made sure we felt welcomed throughout our stay. Special thanks to Fiona for managing the resort so impeccably, and to Isabel, whose genuine hospitality stood out. One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptional dining experience. The resort's food and beverage offerings were outstanding, featuring a delightful wine list and scrumptious meals that surpassed our expectations. The evening fire dance on the beach was a mesmerizing experience, adding a touch of magic to our evening. We also took advantage of the Lelepa Island tour arranged by the hotel, which was both educational and breathtaking. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens and pristine surroundings that added to the overall serenity of the place. The villa was spotless upon our arrival, reflecting the high standards of cleanliness and upkeep. Our time at Tamanu was simply unforgettable. From the personalized service to the stunning accommodations and delicious cuisine, every detail was thoughtfully curated to ensure a memorable stay. We only wish we could have extended our visit, and we highly recommend to anyone seeking a luxurious and welcoming retreat. Tips for Future Guests: - Don't miss the opportunity to experience the fire dance on the beach. - Consider booking the Lelepa Island tour through the hotel for a seamless and enriching adventure.

Our 7 day stay at Tamanu on the Beach was nothing short of amazing. The staff were super friendly and go above and beyond to ensure your stay is complete. Staff take great pride in what they do to ensure your needs are met. Very well run facility. We stayed in a 2 bedroom villa with plunge pool which was well appointed, clean, fresh and more than big enough to house a family of four. The food was spectacular- Fresh and delicious with a broad variety to suit everyone’s needs. If you are looking for a holiday that has everything, this is the place to stay. Highly recommend!

It is abundantly clear from arrival that Tamanu is a well managed resort that is complimented by highly motivated and professional staff. It’s obvious there is a lot of resort pride by staff in their brand and your holiday experience is in very capable hands. The villa we stayed in was an ocean view with private plunge pool. The privacy screens between villas are functional and provide both privacy and protection from the elements (trade winds). The villas are tasteful decorated and well appointed. Being a resort (14 villas only) that targets a personalised touch for guests, both couples and families have the space and options to find their own space, which works really well, noting the communal pool which is great for families. If you are looking for a resort with great service, delicious cuisine and impeccable accommodation Tamanu is an outstanding choice.