Tamanu on the Beach

The resort has been closed since Cyclone Pam, soon after which it was sold. Although most of the existing bungalows had limited structural damage the new owners decided to totally revamp and extend before reopening.

Resort manager Virginia Shore says the existing five villas have been kept but the Tamanu that opens early next month will have a total of 15 villas, an extended restaurant, new pool area and an open air chapel which serves as an alternative to a wedding on the white sand beach.

The resort, situated on the Tamanu beachfront about a 30 minute drive from Port Vila, was a popular romantic retreat and dining spot for international visitors until it was extensively damaged by the disaster.

Two local business partners took over the property in April this year, and are funding its recovery and expansion.

Tamanu on the Beach director Ryan Foots says the resort has been ‘reimagined’. ‘We've recaptured the elements that made Tamanu such an attractive property,’ says Foots.