Nasama Resort: Hotel Review

Ellie Nikolovski

Nov 6, 20193 min read

The pool and cabana overlooking the ocean

My trip to Vanuatu was a myriad of firsts. My first time travelling to Vanuatu , my first time travelling with Air Vanuatu and my first time staying at Nasama Resort on Efate Island, Vanuatu which is serviced self contained accommodation. You can catch a bus or taxi to the resort which are identified with a capital red B or T on their registration plates. It is about a 20 minute drive from Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila, I was keen to see what the hotel looked like . When we arrived I saw reception was in a cute little hut like …….. A short walk past Cafe Vila , the hotel restaurant and volleyball net, near the pool area. I got the keys to my room 119 which was right on the Pacific Ocean with views of the pool and a balcony. On first impressions, I saw it was quite spacious, which is always a big plus. Because November is the beginning of cyclone /wet season , (still very humid, as typical year round) the hotel was quiet, which of course is fantastic, as it means cheaper prices and less tourists , where you can enjoy a greater degree of space and quiet.

My apartment complex as seen from the pool area

I was welcomed in a very hospitable manner in my room , ( a Beachfront Studio coming with a King Bed and Single Bed,) a lovely lady (forgot her name) gave some good tips such as beach safety, things to do and what is happening at the hotel. The hotel does have wifi, however my gripe was that connectivity was only strong outside the balcony and not inside the room itself. To save electricity, you have to insert your card in for lighting and powerpoint connectivity. Shower wise, water is controlled by solar which means sometimes hot temperatures take longer time to get but I had no problems at all showering . I did think this was a fantastic initiative .

The bed was especially comfortable and I had a very good night’s sleep every night of my stay. There is a fan to keep cool and you can open the shutters which lets air into the hotel room, as it gets very humid. There is a Samsung flat screen TV, however the channels are very limited, with only 6 satellite channels. Though, this wasn’t too much of a problem considering we were only in the hotel for small periods at a time.

The pool area is amazing and has very tropical island vibes . It has a cabana with two sun decks as well as sun decks on the outside. The pool temperature is cool, but it was humid, so wasn’t too bad. The pool area directly leads to the beach with a little hut on the rocks right on the ocean providing an excellent vantage point, and of course the perfect instagram photo . There is also a safe natural rockpool to swim in, free of currents . You will also find the massage hut offering different massages varying in price depending on treatment , the hot stones do command higher prices. The entry massage, a half body 30 minute massage, starts at 3,000 Vatu.

Overcast day on the beach where the rockpool designated swimming spot is

Other facilities and services offered include Gym, Table Tennis, BBQ, babysitting , cots and highchairs, tours and activities pick up from resort, book and DVD movie hire, free on site parking, snorkelling, surfing , over water wedding chapel and mobile phone to hire

I mostly had lunch and dinner at “Cafe Vila” which is a combined hotel restaurant and sports bar. Service and the food as well as cocktails were impeccable!. I particularly loved the chicken curry. My favourite cocktail I enjoyed own the menu was the much loved Pina Colada and Toblerone Cocktail , as I am a sweet tooth. You really do feel like at home with the friendliest hotel waiters/waitresses , that do make sure your experience is a memorable one. Ensure before Vanuatu you exchange money for the Vanuatu Vatu , which is the only cash they take, they also take credit/debit cards, but that comes with a 3.5% surcharge fee.