Hotel Review: The Warwick Le Lagon, Vanuatu

The Warwick Le Lagon in Port Vila Vanuatu is a stunning resort well equipped for families and honeymooners alike.  I travelled here in June 2013 and stayed in a garden view room for 2 nights while on a work trip.

Situated on the edge of the Erakor Lagoon, and with tropical gardens and grassy lawns sprawling over more than 70 acres, This 4-star hotel is a lovely destination for a relaxing holiday.

We were welcomed at the front of the main pavilion by staff offering us a small cocktail and shell necklace while we checked in. A small band were set up at the door playing drums and ukuleles. It was a lovely display of Vanuatu’s hospitality and really set the scene for the rest of the stay.

The open walls of the building gave a fantastic resort feel, so we really felt like we were on holiday as soon as we stepped inside. The main buildings are airy and relaxed, with neutral tones and cane furniture to set off the tropical feel.

The hotel has a large swimming pool complete with a pool helper and a swim-up pool bar (Perfect for a cocktail on a summer’s day!) with plenty of deck chairs and 2 spa pools.  You can swim in the Lagoon, or lay on the beach out the front, but on the days we were staying, a wedding was being set up down there (It looked amazing!) so we weren’t able to explore in case we got in the way of the staff.

For families, there is a kids club for children aged 3-12, and babysitting is available for VT250 per hour (About $3 AUD) There is also a kid’s swimming pool along with a pretty cool looking playground! The staff at the resort also organises plenty of kid’s activities too, such as volleyball, arts and crafts, beach soccer and teeshirt painting (fun!)   Given I don’t have kids, I’m going to assume this exhaustive list is enough to keep kids occupied while on a family holiday for a while?

And for the couples, the resort puts on cultural dances and bonfire nights. There is a spa on-site where you can have facials and massages (Oasis Spa) while hubby pops out to play a 12 hole round of Golf. You are also able to use the hotel’s windsurfers and canoes out in the lagoon for something a bit different.

The garden view room was lovely, but the walls are pretty thin… I could hear the kids screaming next door for most of the day. ( Maybe they were just really loud?) I would probably suggest paying a little bit extra and upgrading to the Garden or lagoon Bungalow. These are set closer to the water but are all individual huts. They are also bigger and have upgraded furnishings.

I was lucky enough to have been able to take a peek into the newly built Erakor Residence, the presidential room if you will. A stunning modern 2 bedroom bungalow with a private pool, and overlooking the lagoon. Perfect for larger families, or those looking for something a bit more luxurious and private.

The resort is a one-stop shop, even offering meal inclusive packages. But of course, make sure you take the time to visit Port Vila too. The township is just a short taxi ride from the hotel and is a great little town to wander around for a few hours.