Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts

HISTORICAL PROFILE OF AORE ISLAND Exciting Archaeological Discoveries made at Aore Island Resort indicate that the first Melanesian navigators who canoed down from Papua New Guinea settled at the site where the resort is now built. In June 2003 French Archaeologist Jean Christophe Galipaud led a dig at Aore Island Resort and discovered pieces of Lapita Pottery dating back to over 4,000 years old. These fine examples of pottery proved the theory that some of the first Melanesian settlers in Vanuatu were on Aore Island.

Melanesian culture is strongly upheld today, particularly in the Outer Islands of Vanuatu such as Santo, where traditions have remained unchanged for years. The traditional customs are very important and involve all aspects of life including marriage, death and land ownership and the chief system ensures law and order is maintained. Vanuatu is considered to be one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries. Ni-Vanuatu (the name given to the local people) live harmoniously with numerous other communities including French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders.

In 1980 Vanuatu came into being as a nation and gained it’s independence from Britain and France. Bislama is the common language of Vanuatu it is a form of pigeon English and is relatively easy to understand.

Aore Island and Espiritu Santo are also historically interesting areas from the time of the Second World War. USA desperately needed a secure base from where they could push back the Japanese. Santo’s Segond Channel was ideal. American forces constructed a major military supply base accommodating over 100.000 servicemen with several major air fields, hospitals, department stores, factories, churches and roads. One time Santo even boasted over 40 cinemas. The beaches on Aore Island were used by the serviceman to relax and unwind and ammunition was stored in bunkers in the jungle. With Japan’s defeat in 1945 the Americans departed as quickly as they arrived, what remains are now tourist attractions especially for divers. The most famous are the wreck of the SS President Coolidge and Million Dollar Point.

CLIMATE & NATURE Aore Island Resort has a tropical climate, from November to April it can be hot and humid but cool breezes along the coast generally keep the temperature at a comfortable level. The cooler season is between May and October with breezes, sunny days and lower temperatures. In these months you may need a long sleeve shirt or light jacket at night. The temperature of the sea is always pleasant varying form 24 degrees in the cooler months to 28 degrees in summer.

Aore Island is 11km long and 9km wide, the resort is built on a flat coastal area and has views to the wide escarpment leading up to a higher rainforest level. The resort is surrounded by working cattle and coconut plantations. On the upper level there is natural untouched rainforest, a botanical wonderland with huge banyan trees. Guests can wander safely alone or join a guided tour.
RESORT The Resort Ferry takes you away from Santo and is only a short trip to the private Aore Island Resort. On arrival you will be impressed with the clear blue water and the number of fish, we call it our natural fish pond. The wharf leads to the large Traditional Melanesian Style Nakamal. The Nakamal is situated on the waterfront and has views across the channel. The Beachfront Bungalows spread out on either side on a sandy coral beach running the full length of the resort and large shady trees offer a cool retreat from the sun. The 12m pool is set beside the Nakamal.

The Large Nakamal with a wide balcony is the centre of the Resort. It houses the Bar, Restaurant and Lounge Area. A continental breakfast is included in your room rate and a cooked breakfast is available at an additional cost. Lunch can be eaten in the Nakamal, on the verandah or around the pool. Evenings are relaxing and guests can wander down from their bungalows and sip cocktails as they watch the sunset or relax in the Lounge area and listen to a Local String Band. Dining on the verandah with the lights reflecting across the water from the town creates a special ambiance unique to Aore Island Resort.

The Restaurant offers an All Day Dining Menu and a Specials Blackboard for lunch and dinner. The All Day Dining Menu allows guests to enjoy a light meal, salad or maybe a pizza any time of the day. The Specials change daily and include local delicacies such as famous Santo beef, lobsters and coconut crabs when available. All meals are cooked on order and the chef is more than happy to cater for your individual tastes.