Ratua Island Resort is one of those rare places which lives up to its advertising. This is a truly eco-luxe barefoot resort. We spent a week here happily swimming, snorkelling, reading, eating and sleeping. We could also have gone horse riding but I had a bung ankle and wasn't up for that kind of vigorous exercise! You get to Ratua by flying into Luganville and then by being taken to a small dock where a speedboat will whisk you across the water (about 30+ minutes) to the resort. We were greeted by Ollie with welcome drinks, dancing and singing from some of the staff and a very attentive Boy (the resort dog). Brett and Leah, the owners, made us so welcome and went out of their way to ensure that we had a fabulous time. I am genuinely very grateful for their attentiveness and hospitality. The 200 year old villas, brought across from Indonesia, are simply gorgeous. Each villa has a bedroom (or two) and a separate pavilion bathroom, air- conditioning, and a stocked mini-bar. Ours had a lovely verandah and a dock sitting out over the water where we sat with drinks in hand and saw turtles sticking their heads out of the water at dawn and dusk. Sometimes you can see dugongs and we were told that manta rays had been seen out by the deeper reefs. What sets Ratua apart is a combination of the setting - beautiful buildings, easily swimmable beaches where you can find turtles, dugongs and manta rays amongst the coral - and the most wonderful staff. Ollie, the bar tender, is a joy and makes a mean cocktail. Edwige backed up Ollie in providing food and drink service. The kitchen (thank you Colleena and Noelle) presents beautiful, tasty food with plenty of choice. Patricia made sure our villa was maintained beautifully. Cyclone Harold did some major damage to the resort which has largely been repaired now. The owners, Brett and Leah, have taken the opportunity to make substantial improvements which I can't wait to go back to check out.

Ratua is heaven on earth. We were welcomed like returning family on our second visit to the island. The hospitality of the entire team is second to none - genuine warmth and care cannot be faked. We were treated to magnificent food and drinks all while being spoilt with picture perfect surroundings.

Ratua is an absolutely incredible part of the world. It has to be seen to be believed by most. I grew up in this beautiful part of the world almost 40 years ago, and it remains breathtakingly beautiful & unspoiled. The resort owners and staff are absolutely beautiful and nothing is too much trouble. We felt like we were part of the family. Please please do yourselves a favour, and stay at Ratua Island Resort. A three or so hour flight from Australia and you will land in absolute Heaven. From private beaches with the most magical blue water, turtles swimming by as you eat or sip on one of Ollie’s signature cocktails on the deck, scuba diving where the reef remains alive and unharmed, massages over the water in the day spa….HEAVEN ON EARTH. We cannot wait to get back here. Our stay was definitely not long enough. A huge thank you to everyone at Ratua for making us feel so welcome 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Came to status for an elopement wedding. Fantastic staff, food and service and to die for location. Crystal clear waters, swimming with turtles and great reefs to snorkel on. Quick trip from nearby Malo Blue Hole well worth a visit. Took an opportunity to swim with horses … if you’re into horses this a definite must-do. Rebuild post cyclone near complete and will be amazing when done. Villas are unique and well appointed. Absolutely magical place for us to get married and the wedding photos are spectacular due to the variety of amazing scenery options. Highly recommend for those who want a wedding with a difference in a very special part of Vanuatu. So good we are already thinking about which anniversary we will be back for!

Wow...we actually sailed here on our yacht Blue Moon into the most beautiful protected anchorage. This family run business was awesome and the owners have built something special here, the hosts and the staff lovely, food incredible and sourced from the farm, beers cold and great selection of top class wines. Take a trip with the horses or infact go swimming with them in the turquoise water, walk around the eco farm, snorkelling world class reefs, fresh water Blue pools, local villages, insane fishing...oh and swim with giant turtles Infront of the beach bar...the actual feeling you get from the island is revitalising and peaceful...there's way more to this place than we could ever say here just book it...trip of a lifetime for sure...if your sailing here I suggest you definitely stop for awhile and they have 4 tonne mooring block... Special thanks to Rueben Leah's son who took us under his wing to show us this place and was awesome with the kids...