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Hideaway Island Resort is located on the private island with a protected Marine Sanctuary with a full service 5 Star PADI Dive Shop (recently awarded the PADI green star for our environmental efforts). House guests enjoy free use of snorkel gear, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, net ball, beach movies, and can take Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkel Safari Tours for free. Beach Restaurant and Bar. Continental breakfast included. Free Wi-fi for all guests in lounge. Accommodations include self contained Vilas, Bungalows, Beach Lodge and Dorm rooms.
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Hideaway island is a beautiful place, with chill island vibes I love it. It’s not a fancy 5 star resort but I’m used to camping and staying in hostels so it was perfect for me. There is so much incredible marine life to look at while snorkelling and scuba diving.
The staff are AMAZING!! They really made the trip great, and went above and beyond to make this a great holiday for us all. The diving guys are really good blokes, had a lot of fun with them. Stella and Louisa are so friendly and kind. The rest of the staff are all so friendly and hard working. Huge shout out to Edwin too, he really made this trip memorable.
Some things I was a bit let down by: our package included kayak and paddleboard hire, but there were no paddles, and the paddleboards were really gross and in poor condition. The bar/restaurant was out of stock of a lot of ingredients, most of the time when I tried to order something off the menu “no we can’t make that” “no we don’t have that”, so we ended up going across to the beach bar which was a shame as I would have liked to eat/drink on the island. There’s a lot of things that need maintenance and are a bit run down.
ALSO! Very important there are some cats on the island and they’re really cute and sometimes friendly. There are also lots of dogs on the beach across from the island, and most of them are pretty chill and like pats just make sure you watch their body language cos some get spooked.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an unforgettable 2 nights on Hideaway Island and we left wishing we had more time there. From the moment we arrived at the airport to the day we left we were welcomed so warmly by Stella, Louisa and the team at Hideaway. We were lucky enough to have the whole island to ourselves at night once the day trippers left - what an experience! The bungalows are simple but clean and comfortable. Even when it rained heavily one night we felt dry and safe, the staff even dropped off suprise unbrellas for us to use to walk to dinner. The snorkelling to the left of the furthest pontoon is INSANE - you feel like you are on the “set” of Finding Nemo. Thousands of different types of fish everywhere. We ate on the island both nights - the fish curry is delicious! And you have the beautiful sound of the ladies in the kitchen laughing together while they cook in the background. If you want a relaxing, simple, castaway island feel holiday with some comforts from home while being cared for by the sweetest people on the planet then you can’t beat Hideaway. You’ll pinch yourself the whole time.
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow ! What an amazing and pristine experience. A tiny island and very welcoming. We did the glass bottom boat tour and had the most delicious fish curry for lunch, hosted by Stella. The boat trip is only 10-15 minutes from the main island and absolutely worth it! Thank you :) Adventure All stars
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from R Habla, Owner at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 30 May 2023
Juliet it was our absolute pleasure to host the Adventure All Stars and the crew on your visit, it was wonderful to see how much you enjoyed yourselves and how you embraced every opportunity Hideaway had to offer, we look forward to welcoming you back one day soon🌺
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I have been to Hideaway for many day trips in past years but not for 8 years. This time was not good. We arrived on a cruise ship in Mele Bay and were beset with taxi and van drivers wanting $75pp or more to go to Port Vila town (20 mins). A boat driver offered to take us to Hideaway Isle for Aus$100 return. Upon arrival at Hideaway the high entrance charge was $20pp. The snorkelling was soso but there was 15ft of dead sharp coral all at the waters edge (the beach) and removing fins and getting up to the sand was extra painful. A concrete ramp to the water or a ladder at the dock would make it easy. It seemed money hungry people now manage it. The public toilets were also on the nose. I will never visit again.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We only went to Hideaway Island for the day, so this review will not discuss accommodation.
We took the small boat across to the island from the mainland. The island access fee for day trippers was about $25AUD for adults. This does NOT include anything except access to the island.
It was disappointing to find we then had to pay for snorkel and fins separately. (About $10AUD each). We had a family of 5, and I would say 2-3 of the snorkels leaked. So I would recommend bringing them if you can. Reef shoes or footwear is a must.
The underwater post box is quite novel and the kids loved posting a letter to the grandparents.
We had lunch which was pretty simple, and a few drinks there also, but it was quite busy, and only really had one person serving. So it did take a while to get a cocktail, but I guess that's island time.
The ONLY reason I would go is the snorkeling. It is out of this world incredible. Visibility for us would have been about 20m+. I have done quite a lot of diving and snorkeling, and I think this one of the best snorkeling I have seen. Take an underwater camera for the fish as well as the letter box.
Would definitely recommend with the above costs and equipment in mind.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 22 July 2023
Well addressed to your comments, and appreciation to your AMAZING snorkeling experience in Hideaway Island.
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We were booked (09/03/23) in days after the two cyclones came through. The island suffered a lot of damage and after contacting me explained that it would be weeks before all was back to a standard, we didn't mind as I had been there a couple of times before. This is not a 5 Star resort, but the location is definitely 5 Star. We had the best time, the whole community on the island worked hard every day, cleaning up and re-building. They ensured our bungalow was clean and tidy, menu was limited but still amazing, beers were cold. The island has the best location for diving/snorkeling. Diving was not an option at the time, due to the damage on the island, but we snorkeled the reefs continuously every day. The friendly people that work on this island couldn't have been more helpful. I love this place and booked again to go back again at Xmas, this time taking the grandchildren. Ventia, thank you for all our help with the bookings, see you again soon. J & G
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 2 July 2023
Thanks you and look forward to your family visit in coming Xmas.
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Hideaway island is ideal for anyone who loves snorkelling. The staff are extremely helpful and courteous. Plenty of lovely coral and fish just off the shore and no crowds, safe for kids to snorkel, Kyak and swim. We did the included coral safari to feed the fish each day. The beach bar is just across on the mainland for food, shows and drinks although you can choose to eat at the resort and the free ferry runs back and forth.
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
With a few families we took a day trip to this lovely little island and its fabulous reefs. The short boat trip led to the idilic paradise where we paid entry (1250vt) and hired snorkels and other bits. Add to this the obligatory water proof postcard for the underwater mailbox. We saw beautiful fish and coral which has been protected and cultivated. Lunch was great as was the hospitality. A taxi/bus for the 12 of us from the holiday inn was 7000vt shared. All done it was a great day out to a beautiful place for a similar price you might pay for a day trip but with better views and facilities.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from K Habla, Guest Services / Front Office at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 11 Dec 2022
We are very happy to hear that you all had a wonderful time visiting hideaway. Thanks so much for taking the time to tell other people about your great experience, thanks again and we very much look forward to welcoming you back in the near future 🌺
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We’ve been a few times over the years. It’s now changed owners and it shows.
The “resort” is extremely run down, rat infested broken accommodation. Not at all a resort.
Food is expensive and service is incredibly slow as they only ever have 1 person serving.
Snorkelling is ok. The visibility is good but compared to snorkelling in other locations, it’s not great.
The post office is novel and most will like that.
It absolutely is not as it’s constantly advertised and people will be disappointed.
It is also not talking about cyclone damage (as there is some of that). The accommodation has needed maintenance for years and it’s clear that’s never happened in all the years we’ve visited.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Other resorts have better amenities and their fees includes some towards food.
Don’t stay at...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 15 Aug 2023
After sucessful handover of Hideaway Island, the new management have lots of improvement already, and guests reaction can easily be seen through our daily updates in Facebook page.
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This was my fourth visit to Hideaway Island. My first visit was in the mid-1980's then twice more in the mid to late 1990's when I visited for business as a diving store owner when I took tours to Hideaway. I loved it then and always knew I'd be back but, unfortunately, it just took a bit longer than I 'd hoped.
This time was my first chance to take my family and introduce them to this beautiful place. I was so pleased to find that it really hasn't changed much in all those years. Proudly 3.5 stars (because it's often nice not to be perfect) and still offering the same genuinely warm, accommodating, local feel with great service, great food and bar AND, of course, the easy diving and snorkeling on a fantastic coral reef, in warm water, straight off the beach.
Best tip is to take time to meet and mix with the locals. It's a very short walk to the nearby village of Mele where you can find a couple of little grocery stores to purchase local food, or buy fresh local food from the street stalls and/or even visit one of the Kava bars after 5pm. People are very willing to talk and share local stories or history etc (we've come home with a couple of 'secret' recipes that we're definitely going to try to recreate. Also, they love it if you make an effort to learn even a few words in their village language - even if it's just good morning or good night.
If you're looking for a wonderful place to really relax and unwind this is it. I've been 4 times over a 40 year period and I will definitely be back - hopefully a lot sooner this time.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Try to avoid booking tours on days that cruise ships come into Port Vila because everything gets...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager, Owner at Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
Responded 1 Oct 2023
Thanks for your compliment, my friend. Hideaway Island is one of the most popular spots in Port Vila to snorkel and dive, with a variety of accomodation ranging from private Villas, oceanfront bungalows to twin share. We look forward to welcoming your next visit at the soonest. Lukim yu.
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Hi Jokers,
The boat ride from Mele beach is a short 5 minute trip. Our staff will help with your luggage.
We do not have a bus but all throughout the day there are busses and taxis at Mele beach. The busses are share ride and are inexpensive (300 to 600 vatu)
We hope to see you soon!
There are more places to choose from in the Mele Maat area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$85 - AU$174 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hideaway island hotel port vila, hideaway island port vila, hideaway island resort
LOCATION
VanuatuEfateMele Maat
NUMBER OF ROOMS
44
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