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Tanna is a small island in Vanuatu south of the main island Efate and the best place in the world to visit an active volcano. When I finally had the chance to visit Vanuatu for a week a two-day trip to Tanna and the Mount Yasur Volcano was my priority. After a quick search I decided to stay at White Grass Ocean Resort as it’s the premier and most luxurious accommodation on Tanna. They also arrange tours to the volcano and lots of other Tanna day tours. I had a great stay at White Grass Ocean Resort and I’m sure you will want to stay to after reading this hotel review.
VANUATU – 7 days in Vanuatu itinerary: travel guide, tips & inspiration
The hotel
White Grass Ocean Resort is located just a 5-minute drive from Tanna airport which makes it very convenient especially on the day of departure. If the plane is delayed, you can easily stay longer at the resort as you just have to be at the airport an hour before the flight. When I arrived at White Grass Resort I was welcomed with a fresh welcome drink and directly put on the day trip to Mount Yasur to see the active volcano. Due to bad weather tours were sparse and night tours cancelled but the hotel made sure I was on a tour. That’s great service to pull that off in the conditions I visited. Read more about the Mt. Yasur volcano trip here.
The resort consists of the main building with lobby, relax area and restaurant and a large garden with villas. The garden stretches along the coastline where bungalows are scattered between the green. It’s a beautiful setting with magnificent views on the ocean and sunsets in the evening. It’s a perfect place to unwind and I highly recommend staying longer as the one night I did. I visited Tanna just to see the volcano but regret I didn’t plan a day off at the White Grass Resort. I’m sure you will agree with me!
The rooms at White Grass Ocean Resort
All the rooms at White Grass Ocean Resort are in private villas scattered around the garden. I was in 12A which is a villa for 2 persons. The resort has also family villas, multi-bed villas for up to 4 people and just recently opened two-bedroom villas. When I arrived, I noticed there wasn’t any air conditioning in the villa and I got worried I couldn’t sleep. Well, there is a constant breeze and with half open windows it even got chilly in the night! I had a great night of sleep.
The villa has a large bathroom with amenities from the Pacific Soap Company. I smelled like Pacific coconut all day 🙂 The water is from the resorts own well and save to drink! The villa has a veranda in the front where I enjoyed a martini in the evening breeze. It was really relaxing just enjoying the view over the ocean while clearing my mind. The villas at White Grass Resort are comfortable, spacious, and equipped with everything you require.
VANUATU – 7 days in Vanuatu itinerary: travel guide, tips & inspiration
Facilities at White Grass Ocean Resort
The facilities at White Grass Ocean Resort are the main reason I stayed there. They arrange every single tour on the island directly from the resort. I stayed just a night, so I had to get the most out of my time. When I arrived, I was told due to bad weather the Tanna volcano was flooded and if I wanted to go I had to leave immediately for a tour. No afternoon/night tours were possible due to safety. The car was ready for me and I departed 10 minutes after check-in. This was all arranged while I was in the air and that’s a very positive thing. The staff cares about their guests and will make any stay a memorable one.
In the evening I still had time for a SPA treatment with a view over the ocean while the sun was setting. Amazing isn’t it? The next morning, I went for a quick tour to the blue cave and snorkeling at turtle reef. A customized tour so that I was able to catch my flight back to Port Vila early afternoon. The hotel has a small pool too in case you stay longer. A great place to enjoy a cocktail and watch sunset. Of course, they also have all the standard facilities you can expect from a luxury resort.
Dining & Drinking at White Grass Ocean Resort
The restaurant & bar of the White Grass Resort are in the main building overlooking the ocean. What’s better than waking up with a cup of Tanna coffee and just looking into nowhere? Eggs cooked any style, toast, fruit, juice and local Tanna coffee were all included in the room rate. Various other dishes are available a la carte.
I really enjoyed dining there as the sea breeze made the temperature for a European very pleasant. Their calamari are great for a starter and the boneless rib-eye steak is a delicious main. Why meat on an island? Well, the meat is from locally fed cows on Santo island which I had to try. I’m a meat lover. Go for the creme brulee to finish the meal; it’s as good as in France. In general, there is a lot of French influence in Vanuatu as it once was a French territory. This influence makes the food a very interesting mix. I love French cuisine, which I tasted a lot of during my South France road trip.
Mt. Yasur volcano is one must see. Another must see is the sunset from the bar while enjoying a cold beer or as me a gin tonic. It’s the best place on the island to watch sunset.
Conclusion
The White Grass Ocean Resort is the place to stay on Tanna island. Their villas are large and comfortable. The garden setting is amazing with views over the ocean and beautiful sunsets in the evening. All meals are delicious; especially dinner was outstanding. The best thing of White Grass Ocean Resort are the excursions which can be booked on the spot. Just choose of the white board but make sure the Tanna volcano tour is the first you do! I had a great one-night stay and would have loved to stay longer. My time schedule didn’t allow for that as I had to go back to Port Vila as the next day my Solomon Islands trip would start.
If you would like to know what you can do in and around Vanuatu or Tanna Island then see one of these options: 7 days in Vanuatu itinerary, Tanna Island active Mt. Yasur volcano tour. I will add more destination information over time.
For more hotel information and booking options please visit the website of White Grass Ocean Resort or subscribe to the Facebook page of White Grass Ocean Resort to receive the latest hotel news.
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Gallery of White Grass Ocean Resort
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
