Vanuatu Paradise Found: Island Magic Resort Apartments Await!
Vanuatu Paradise Found: Island Magic Resort Apartments Await!
Vanuatu Paradise Found: Island Magic Resort Apartments - A Whirlwind (and Slightly Messy) Review
Okay, buckle up, because trying to condense my recent trip to Vanuatu Paradise Found: Island Magic Resort Apartments is like trying to wrangle a herd of playful, slightly sunburned goats. Seriously, this place is… an experience. And honestly, a pretty damn good one, with a few quirks thrown in for good measure. Let's dive into this glorious, chaotic mess, shall we?
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Getting Started (or, How My Arrival Was Like a Rom-Com):
The website promised "Island Magic," and honestly, from the moment the airport transfer whisked me away (smooth!), I was already feeling a little bit of that. The resort itself is a bit of a drive from the airport – embrace the winding roads! The first thing that hit me wasn't the turquoise ocean view (though that did hit), but the genuine warmth of the staff. Check-in was a breeze, thanks to the Contactless check-in/out. Which, after a twenty-hour travel day? Pure. Bliss. (Especially since I’m notoriously bad at remembering my passport). Plus, the 24-hour front desk meant I wasn't going crazy at the jetlag-induced 3 AM.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Wobbly:
Okay, so accessibility. This is where things get… nuanced. The website touted Facilities for disabled guests, which is great. And, I’ll be honest, I’m not a wheelchair user full-time, but I’m certainly no gazelle on a bad ankle.
- Good: The apartment itself was pretty spacious, and I could definitely manoeuvre with a crutch. The elevator was a godsend.
- Okay: Some of the pathways around the resort are a bit steep and uneven. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely required a bit more effort (and a good dose of cautiousness).
- Wobbly: The dining area, while gorgeous, could be a little challenging for someone with mobility issues, especially across certain terrains.
I’d give the accessibility a solid B- - definitely improving, but still room to grow.
My Apartment: A Sanctuary (Or a Beautifully Decorated Clutter Zone?):
Okay, let's talk about the Apartment itself. It was spacious, Air conditioned, and had everything you could need: a Coffee/tea maker, a Refrigerator, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (thank the WiFi Gods!), Ironing facilities (because someone needed to sort out the wrinkles from the flight!), and a Seating area that practically begged for a lazy afternoon.
The Bathroom was pristine and came with Toiletries, Towels, Slippers. Daily housekeeping kept the place immaculate, which was fantastic. I mean, I'm on vacation, not a cleaning lady!
That said… I'm not going to lie, it leaned towards a bit of a generic hotel room in some ways. A few more personal touches would have bumped it up to the next level.
WiFi (The Lifeline!):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank you, sweet, glorious internet gods! It actually worked decently. I mean, I even managed to upload some Instagram stories without wanting to throw my phone into the sea. (And, let's be real, that's critical for a holiday.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Tale of Two Curries and a Margarita Mishap):
The resort offers a plethora of Dining, drinking, and snacking. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Restaurants: Plural! They have several Restaurants. A la carte in restaurant and a Buffet in restaurant were the main events. The International cuisine in restaurant was pretty solid. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was AMAZING. I had the best green curry of my life (seriously, I'm still dreaming about it. They really outdid themselves.) The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a welcome start to each day.
- Poolside bar: I'm not usually a poolside bar person, but the view from the pool was to die for, so I indulged. They have a Poolside bar, it was the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The Happy hour specials kept me hydrated and happy.
- Breakfast: Served in the restaurant was a Breakfast [buffet] offering both [Asian] and [Western] breakfasts. A Breakfast takeaway service option was there too.
- The Mishap: One evening, I ordered a margarita from the Bar. What arrived tasted like a very, very salty lemon refresher. I politely mentioned it, and the bartender (who was lovely) immediately and sincerely apologized. Hey, it happens! The apology itself was what truly stood out as a win.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I'm not vegetarian, but I did take note of their Vegetarian restaurant. Room service [24-hour] came in handy too.
Things To Do (and How I Spent Most of My Time Doing Absolutely Nothing, and Loving It!):
Okay, so the resort has a LOT going on. I'm not one for the full-on activity itinerary, but here's a snippet:
- Things to do: They offer a range of activities.
- Ways to relax: This is where I lived. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a huge draw. Pure joy! They have a View to pool.
- Spa & Wellness: The Spa/sauna was worth every penny. I indulged in a Massage and felt like a new woman afterwards, that included a Foot bath. They also have a Steamroom, and a Sauna.
- Fitness Center: I may or may not have visited the Fitness center, (but I certainly thought about it!)
- For the kids: Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal
- Couple's room: They even have a Couple's room if you want to be super romantic.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Perfect for a wedding, or even just a big meeting.
Cleanliness and Safety (Seriously, They Took it Seriously):
In the age of… gestures vaguely at the world, this is critical. And Vanuatu Paradise Found nailed it.
- Cleanliness and safety: From the moment I arrived, it was clear they were taking things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Used everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification: Yep!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Helpful, for the buffet.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Easy to maintain.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yep!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Very reassuring!
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Very evident!
- Sterilizing equipment: Present and working.
The Little Things (That Made a Big Difference):
- Staff Training: The staff. Oh, the staff! Genuinely friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They made the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
- The Terrace: Evening drinks on the Terrace were the perfect way to unwind.
- Gift shop / Convenience Store: The convenience store was a lifesaver for forgotten necessities.
Minor Gripes (Because No Place is Perfect):
- Soundproofing: The walls weren’t the thickest, so I could hear my neighbour's… let's call it "enthusiastic karaoke sessions".
- Room Decorations: As mentioned, a few more unique touches in the apartments would have been nice.
- Car Park: Parking was free, which is always appreciated!
Conclusion: Would I Go Back? Hell Yes!
Look, Vanuatu Paradise Found: Island Magic Resort Apartments isn’t perfect, but it's got heart. It’s got charm. And it’s got an amazing location. The staff, the food (especially the green curry!), and the overall vibe created an incredibly relaxing and memorable experience. Yes, the accessibility could be a little better, and yes, the soundproofing could be improved. But those are minor quibbles. This resort offers a fantastic experience and that is why I highly recommend it.**
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Sunsets (minus half a point for the slightly-salty margarita and the karaoke-loving neighbour!)
Busan's BEST Hotel? Ramada Encore Haeundae Review! (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this ain’t your grandma’s meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is…well, it’s my attempt at surviving (and hopefully thriving) in Vanuatu, specifically at the Island Magic Resort Apartments in Port Vila. Consider this less a schedule, more a beautifully flawed, slightly deranged diary of tropical survival.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Coconut Debacle
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI). Jet lag? Oh honey, it’s more like a giant, fluffy, tropical monster trying to eat my brain. Thank goodness for the airport transfer arranged by Island Magic. I half-expected to be greeted by a gaggle of brightly-clad locals singing “Bula!” (it's the Ni-Vanuatu greeting), but instead it was a very efficient, very normal bloke with a sign. Disappointing in a way, but also…necessary for navigating the chaos left in my wake.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in at Island Magic. First impressions? Sparkling pool, slightly wonky door lock, and a view that could make a cynic weep. The apartment itself is… functional. Cleanish. Let’s just say it’s been a long flight, and my standards are currently resting somewhere near "as long as there aren’t any spiders the size of my head, I’m good."
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Coconut Quest. This is where things get messy. After a quick dip in the pool (heaven on Earth, seriously), I decide I need a REAL tropical experience. That means…a coconut. I spy a palm tree laden with the little buggers and think, "I've seen a YouTube tutorial, how hard can it be?" Famous last words. Let's just say my attempts at de-coconuting resulted in: me looking like a war survivor, the coconut still stubbornly attached to the tree, and a near-fatal encounter with a rogue, albeit tiny, crab. Humiliation. Sheer, sweaty, coconut-flavored humiliation. I retreated to the apartment, defeated, and ripped open a pre-bought coconut water bottle. Ah, modern conveniences, you beautiful thing.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wandering around, discovering the magic inside. The first sunset and the discovery of a local cafe I thought was my saving grace.
Evening (6:00 PM - onward): Dinner at a recommended restaurant (TBD, probably something with fresh fish). Maybe I’ll stick with the fish. No more coconuts for me, thank you very much. And pray for me, friends. Pray I survive the night without any critter encounters.
Day 2: Diving into Disaster (Almost! And a Fish) & The Market Madness
Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Scuba diving! The brochure promised vibrant coral reefs and a chance to commune with… well, fish. I, on the other hand, almost drowned. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. But the mask kept fogging up, I swallowed half the ocean, and for a solid five minutes, I thought I was going to become one with the marine life…permanently. Thankfully, the dive instructor was a saint. After much sputtering and gasping, I managed to… sort of… enjoy it. The coral was stunning. The fish were cool. But I'm pretty sure my lungs are still recovering.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Post-dive breakfast. I need carbs and caffeine. Preferably in large quantities. Found a little cafe with the strongest coffee I've had in forever. The local fruit… oh, the fruit! Mangoes so juicy they dribble down your chin, pineapples that taste like pure sunshine, and papayas that somehow manage to taste both sweet and clean. It was pure bliss, and I kinda forgot about the near-death experience a few hours earlier.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Port Vila Central Market. This is a sensory overload in the best possible way. A riot of colors, smells (mostly delicious), and the most enthusiastic vendors you’ve ever met. I bought some kava (apparently, it's a root that helps you relax… I might need it after the diving), some hand-woven baskets (because, souvenirs), and a whole bunch of spices that I'll probably never use but couldn't resist. The bartering? Hilarious. They love a good haggle. I'm convinced I overpaid for everything, but felt bad for the kids helping their mothers. Good karma? Maybe… or just a sucker.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the apartment for a nap. I need to recover.
Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): The fish, finally. Dinner at a beachside restaurant, eating the best fish of my life. I'm thinking about starting a fish only diet.
Day 3: Volcano Views & That Kava Thing
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): A day trip to Tanna Island (weather permitting): I'm going to see the active volcano, Mount Yasur! The brochures promised "a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Crossing my fingers that the once-in-a-lifetime part doesn't involve lava raining down on my head. This requires an early start and a small plane.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): On Tanna - hiking around the volcano. The roar and rumble of the volcano is both terrifying and exhilarating. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The ashy taste in my mouth? Less so.
Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Kava time. Back in Port Vila. Having been warned, my expectations are cautiously optimistic. Apparently, it’s… mind-numbingly relaxing. The taste is, well, earthy. I plan to sample it with an open mind. And a friend. And maybe a backup plan involving ice cream. Let's just say I'll let you know how it goes… tomorrow. May the ancestors guide me.
Day 4: The Beach Bonanza & The Great Retreat
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Beach Day! Mele Beach has to be the star of this day. It's time to relax by the ocean. I can't wait to finally put my toes into the beautiful crystal blue water.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): I need to start to pack my things. It's so sad to leave the place.
Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): My flight leaves tomorrow so I'll have one last dinner at the perfect restaurant and call it an early night.
Day 5: Farewell, Vanuatu (Until Next Time?)
Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping (because, let's be honest, I haven't bought enough). A final island breakfast.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Saying a reluctant goodbye to Island Magic. The place might have been a bit wonky, and I might have looked like a drowned rat more than once, but in the end I loved it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Airport chaos, hopefully not involving any more coconut-related incidents. Plane, please be kind.
Afternoon (3:00 PM Onward): Departure from Bauerfield International Airport. Reflecting on the chaos and the beauty, the absurdity and the magic. Would I come back? Absolutely. Though maybe, just maybe… I'll avoid the coconuts next time. And perhaps invest in better lung capacity.
Okay, so… Vanuatu. Sounds AMAZING. But what's Paradise Found REALLY like? Is it insta-worthy or... not? (Be honest!)
Alright, strap in. Because the brochure pics? Yeah, they're... embellished. Paradise Found is, in a word, charming. Let me tell you, I was sweating bullets thinking, "Is this going to be a disaster?"
First, the good. The view. Seriously. Jaw-dropping. Waking up to that turquoise ocean? Worth the price of admission. And that sunset? Forget about it. My wife, bless her heart, actually *cried* the first night. Not from disappointment (thankfully!), but from sheer beauty. It's THAT good. And the staff? Lovely. Smiling faces, genuine warmth, even when you're fumbling with your rusty French (because, hello, French is practically the national language, right? Wrong. It's Bislama. Rookie mistake).
Now the "real" part...
The "apartments" (and I use that term loosely, sometimes) aren't exactly the Ritz. Think: comfortable, with a healthy dose of island time nonchalance. My air conditioning unit sounded like a dying walrus. And the hot water? Well, let's just say there was a delicate dance involved between "scorching lava" and "glacial ice bath". And one time, I swear, a gecko the size of a small dog wandered in. My screams were... impressive.
But here's the thing: the imperfections are part of the charm. They're what make it *real*. You're not in some sterile hotel. You're LIVING, man! You're experiencing the raw, unfiltered, beautiful chaos of Vanuatu. So, is it insta-worthy? Yep. But it's more than that. It's a story you'll tell for years to come, with the occasional exaggerated scream about geckos and questionable plumbing. And that's pretty damn amazing, isn't it?
Are the apartments actually *apartments*? I'm picturing tiny hotel rooms... or are they proper, you know, living spaces?
Okay, so "apartments" is a generous description, bordering on optimistic. Think more "bungalow with a kitchenette". They're not cramped, thankfully. We had a good-sized living area, a separate bedroom (that gecko still haunts my dreams), and a balcony with that killer view. The kitchenette had the basics: a fridge, a stove, a kettle. But don't get your hopes up for a sparkling granite countertop and a dishwasher. Think more… "rustic".
But honestly? We ate breakfast (and occasional late night noodles) on the balcony every day! The view was so good, it made up for everything. And let me tell you, trying to cook a full meal while battling the heat, the occasional power outage (more on that later), and curious local chickens... that's an experience! I burnt the rice. My wife actually *wept* with laughter. It was perfect.
So, are they "proper" apartments? Well, they're proper enough. They're all you need if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the island. And believe me, you *will* want to explore.
What's food like around the resort? Do I have to cook everything myself? (Please say no.)
Thank the heavens, you DON'T have to cook everything! Although, after my rice-burning incident, I was tempted to just live on instant noodles.
Paradise Found has a restaurant on-site, which is convenient. The food is pretty good. The menu is a mix of Western and local fare. I highly recommend the grilled fish. Seriously, that fish was divine. Fresh, flaky, perfectly cooked... I ate it three times! The cocktails are delicious (and strong!), and the staff are lovely.
Outside the resort, you have options! Local restaurants offer authentic Vanuatu cuisine (which is usually a lot of fresh seafood and local vegetables). Just be prepared for "island time" service. Things move a little more slowly. Which, honestly, is part of the charm. No need to rush, right? Enjoy the moment, have another cocktail, and soak it all in. The only thing is, after my grilled fish episode, I became obsessed with a restaurant about 15 minutes away. So I really only ate at that restaurant almost all the time. So... I almost became a regular there. It was a love/hate relationship. I LOVED the grilled fish. I HATED the bill the last day.
Are there activities? Or am I just doomed to stare at the gorgeous water (not a terrible fate, admittedly)?
Oh, honey, you will NOT be bored! You can definitely stare at the water all day, and it’s a valid choice. But Vanuatu is begging to be explored.
Paradise Found can help you set up tours. Snorkeling, diving (the coral reefs are amazing!), volcano visits (yes, seriously!), and cultural experiences are all on offer.
We did a day trip to a local village. It was… eye-opening. We learned about their customs, ate some (delicious!) food, and saw how they live. It was humbling, and a true highlight of the trip. Then there's the famous Blue Lagoon: get there EARLY. Otherwise, you'll be fighting for space and a decent photo.
And me? I spent like, a whole day, diving. I think I was gone from dawn til dusk. Just me, some oxygen, and some fish. I don't know, I just needed to get AWAY from everyone. I think it was because I was the chef of the trip and had to cook all that rice.
How about the internet/Wi-Fi? Can I stay connected to the real world (or do I need to completely unplug)?
Buckle up, buttercup. The internet situation is… well, it's "island time" internet. Meaning, it exists. Sometimes.
Wi-Fi is available, but it’s not lightning-fast. Don’t expect to be streaming your favorite Netflix shows. Think more along the lines of checking emails and maybe, just maybe, posting a single Instagram photo (if you're lucky).
Honestly? Embrace the disconnect. Ditch the phone. Put down the laptop. Look up at the stars. Talk to the locals. Read a book. Just be. It’s a beautiful thing. I had to delete Instagram just to stop me from posting a pic of my perfect grilled fish every 5 minutes. My friends probably thought I was dead!
So, yes, you *can* stay connected. But you probably *shouldn't*. It's a chance to truly escape. And trust me, you'll need it when you get home and remember the geckos and the rice.
What's the best way to get around? Is it easy to explore the island?
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