Erakor Island trip bliss

By Alcina Charlie: Stepping ashore Erakor Island felt great since I last visited, which was two years and too long ago I must admit. Today the resort is tagged ‘new look, new feel, same tropical paradise’, and whilst on the island, it was crystal that the resort had gone through thorough revamp luring in the long gone ambience Erakor once had, but better this time. The premises looked immaculate, lush, and fresh. Now under the ownership of Ms Cris Hardman who also owns Lagoon Beach Resort Apartments and Villas, bookings have risen again after long periods of silence in past years. Onsite, we saw groups of couples and families having a good time on the beach, or perched on sun lounges reading and having a private moment. Brenda, Nancy, Rachel, and I visited last Tuesday and were impressed.

On arrival, we were met by the bright and bubbly guest relations officer Natalie, and were led to the restaurant for a refreshing fruit punch to cool off on hot afternoon. Natalie gave a run down on the facilities, services, including an insight on future plans for Erakor. We were then met by Linden Lawson, Building and Renovations Manager, followed by a quick tour around the resort with Natalie. The restaurant ‘Aqua on Erakor’ menu had choices to suit all taste buds, light and heavy. Guests could start the day with a breakfast buffet and end with a succulent seafood platter or Santo eye fillet steak. In between, a delicious menu of tropical juices and smoothies can be ordered at the Calypso Juice Bar, plus selection of rolls, wraps, burgers, ocean fresh fish, home-made cakes and tropical fruits. Erakor Island hosts functions catering from 2 to 100 people at various locations from cocktail parties on Calypso Beach to seafood buffets in Aqua Restaurant.

What a pleasant surprise when we arrived at a waterfront villa. The villa was freshly painted, spic and span, and carried a relaxing atmosphere. Wall decorations were frangipani and hibiscus portraits which ideally added to the tropical ambience. The king bed and sitting area opened to a timber deck and looked directly to the sea capturing the ocean breeze. Our next stop was the Loft Villa which was ideal for families or friends and slept up to 5 people with a separate mezzanine loft. When we got to the far end villa next to Sunset Beach, we noticed that it had a spa jaccuzi in the sitting room viewing the ocean, perfect to get totally spoilt! After the villas was the Starfish Lodge. Before reaching Starfish, we passed two of the islands’ most ancient and monumental sites which were Efate’s first missionary’s house and relics of the church built in the 1800’s. Surrounded by gardens, lush greenery, and coconut palms, this looked perfect for an island wedding. We saw the cemented pulpit and was told that the site has re-opened again for weddings. Bookings have flowed in already. Starfish Lodge could fit large groups, extra wedding guests, and included up to 8 bedrooms set as doubles, twins, and triples. There was a huge lounge area, fully self contained kitchenette, and M/F showers and toilets, three in each set.

As we approached the water sports hut, we noticed that it had also been refurbished with bamboo walls and ceilings, and new stock. Kayaks included ones that you could see through completely, great for those who want to just rest out on the lagoon and watch the marine life through their kayaks. When asked about in-house activities guests can do on the island, Natalie mentioned craft-making, beach volley, coconut climbing demonstrations, trivia nights, karaoke, beach parties, and crab racing. There was plenty to keep guests occupied on the island if they wanted. Just over an hour and a half and it was time to go. We head for the jetty but were asked for a final stop at Aqua to sample chef’s special seafood, and curry nibbles, accompanied by the signature fruit punch. I savored every moment of it especially the prawns in mango sauce which clearly would make anybody want to revisit. The trip concluded with an exchange of thank you, good byes, and a ferry ride across to the mainland before returning to work. Visit Erakor Island Resort on www.erakorislandresort.com. Phone +678 26983.

The VTO we would like to thank Erakor Island Resort management for the invitation and we applaud you for all the work done to the resort. We look forward to future developments and working closely together in promoting Vanuatu.