Ratua Private Island

We stayed for 6 nights at Ratua. Overall we enjoyed our time there , however there were some things that weren't great . Halfway through our stay we ran out of hot water and had three days of cold showers only. Ratua offers lots of great activities which many were cancelled or not offered due to to it raining . It felt like the staff couldn't be bothered because of some light rain . We had two days of sitting in our room due to cancelled activities that could easily have gone ahead . When confronted with asking why , the general manager was aggressive and defensive and left my family feeling very uncomfortable with staying for the remaining two days . There were other families feeling frustrated with their lazy approach also staying . There was a group of older couples staying who left because of the lack of hot water or general care taken around guest comfort . It was a real shame that their senior management created this environment for guests when their staff were kind hard working people . I felt extremely uncomfortable with how I was spoken to and the aggressive intimidating approach from their general manager

We had 3 nights on the island. The location was not too far from Santo & well worth getting away to what truly felt like a barefoot island. Leaving everything behind. The spa for both of us was high level. Rooms were out there with comp drinks in the fridge. The staff were so lovely, the chef Mary baked a delicious cake for our birthdays & set up a dinner with a bombfire on the beach. Food was high level with canapes to start with. Very exclusive. Love its a not for profit & the foundation gives back to the community & school for the outer island kids to board. Poultry & vegetable gardens give it a healthy & organic feel. We went by boat & truck to a neighbouring school to visit the children & donate money, sports gear & crafts.

We visited as a group of six from Queen Anne and were simply blown away. From a welcoming group that greeted and serenaded us upon our arrival to the exquisite attention to our every need during our stay this was 5 stars all the way. Staff throughout were excellent. I simply can't recommend this resort highly enough. If you have a chance to book it do not hesitate.

We spent 10 unforgettable days at Ratua in February — myself, my wife, and our 10-month-old baby — and I can honestly say it's one of the most special places I've ever been. The Staff — the heart of Ratua Where do I begin? After 10 days, these people didn't feel like resort staff anymore — they felt like family. The warmth, attentiveness and genuine care they showed us (including our little one!) was something I've never experienced at any other property. I genuinely miss them. I'm pretty sure the baby does too. Rooms & Amenities Stunning. Truly stunning. We visited during the hot and wet season, which gave me some concern beforehand, but I was completely comfortable throughout — and I'm very much an air-conditioning-at-home kind of person. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the amenities are immaculate. The Food — a revelation The chef is seriously talented, but what elevates the dining experience here is the provenance of the ingredients. Farm-fresh eggs, avocados picked ripe straight off the tree, their own livestock. Living in a big city, you genuinely forget what a privilege it is to eat food like this. The pork belly deserves a special mention — and I say this as someone who doesn't even typically like pork belly as a cut. It was the best I've ever had. Full stop. Activities — perfect for families The balance of relaxation and adventure was spot on. We had plenty of gentle downtime with the baby, but also the opportunity to explore. We took a day trip to Santo Island — visiting the markets, blue holes, and the breathtaking Champagne Beach. I also headed out fishing with a local guide and, despite being no expert whatsoever, casually reeled in a tuna and a barracuda. Incredible. A note on Vanuatu — and why Ratua is different Vanuatu itself is a beautiful destination with genuinely wonderful people. However, travelling the wider country with a young family requires a level of alertness that comes with exploring a developing nation. Ratua's private island setting means you get the very best of Vanuatu — the culture, the warmth, the people, through the incredible staff — but in a clean, safe and wholly relaxing environment where you can simply switch off and let the team take care of you. It's the perfect balance. Final word This is a genuine 5-star experience in every sense. You need to experience it to truly understand the quality. Whatever your budget, whatever your travel style — if you're considering Ratua, just go. You won't regret it.

If you want to get away from it all you can’t choose a better place than this. The waters are crystal clear, the coral is thriving, the fish are plentiful and the turtles are huge. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, the food is 5*, seriously amazing, and the accommodation is unique. There isn’t any air con in the villas which is the only downside. Each villa has its own section of private beach, it’s very safe to swim and snorkel, so many purple starfish, sea cucumbers, clams and fish. We went out in a boat to watch the turtles just off the beach, they were huge, clearly thriving in the beautiful environment. Horse riding in the sea was the pinnacle of the holiday. We were welcomed onto the island at the jetty and the gave us a brilliant musical farewell. A truly fantastic piece of paradise made all the more special by the wonderful team of people there.