Escape to an authentic beachfront paradise at Phoenix Plantation on Aore Island, Espiritu Santo. Hand-built from local bamboo and native palm, our unique traditional eco-bungalow sits directly on a crystal-clear coral beach with modern conveniences. Enjoy privacy, the home is within our 170-acre cocoa farm, located a short 7km transit from the airport terminal and the house is a convenient 5km from Luganville Santo. Experience a real local island-life with tours on Aore with local families.
The space
Staying at our beachfront house on our historic working chocolate plantation gives you an immersive, authentic island experience with incredible locals who are happy and excited to greet you. The house has no immediate neighbours and is in a safe swimming and snorkelling area, with lots of nemo and colourful fish to see. Guest frequently see dugongs and turtles.
The home.
Bed 1. Upstairs bedroom with ocean views. Queen bed
Bed 2. Detached traditional stone cottage Queen bed or 2 x singles
Lounge and kitchen are together with 2 x single day beds. Large fridge, oven, stove and kitchen utensils.
Bathroom has toilet, hot shower and hand sink with ammenities. The house is self catering we give you a starter pack to get you started, pantry basics, toilet paper and bathroom products.
Snorkelling gear and reef shoes hammocks are supplied, or go spearfishing or learn free diving (breath holding) or scuba diving they can be booked via our preferred operators.
Scheduled Boat Transfers:
Enjoy scheduled boat rides across the channel directly to and from Luganville for easy access to town and markets scheduled twice daily.
Private Beachfront:
Step right out of the house onto the sand to swim, snorkel, over vibrant coral reefs in complete peace no crowds. See our dugongs and turtles, if you leave fruit on high tide they often swim in.
The Airport Transfer
Sam our local guide collects you for your 10-minute taxi from Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) Santo, straight to the waterfront jetty in Luganville.
The Water Crossing:
Our scheduled boat takes you smoothly across the Segond Channel 2km. Where a local island taxi will collect you and take you to the house.
Location & Dining:
The home is located 5km from the Santo Island, (2km by boat.)
For dining, shopping, and scuba diving, boat scheduled boat transfers place you a short walk away from the island style restaurants. Getting food: We can organise a pre shopping service, or a driver can be arranged while you go shop in Santo Island at supermarkets and fresh food markets.
Tours to tourist locations like blue hole and champagne beach can be booked by the tour operators pick you up at jetty.
Every day we offer a different Aore island experience. Depending on the day, you may enjoy:
* Tour a working cocoa plantation
* Visit the ancient Nambanga (banyan) trees
* Explore World War II bunkers
* Traditional weaving lessons
* Local cooking classes
* Learn local-style fishing techniques
* Village walks and cultural experiences
Each day is a little different, making every stay unique.
Guest access
Your Daily Activity & Adventures
Guests can experience daily an authentic island experiences right on the plantation:
Ocean Adventures (On-Site Instructor): Learn the ropes or hone your skills with our resident Scuba Diving and Freediving instructor. Explore pristine reefs right off our beachfront. (Paid)
Spearfishing Excursions: Head into the crystal-clear waters of the Segond Channel with our team to try traditional island spearfishing. (Paid)
Tribal Hunting & Jungle Treks: Journey deep into our 170-acre private jungle for an authentic, traditional tribal hunting and tracking experience.(Paid)
The Plantation Tour: A guided walk through our working farm to see how cocoa, coffee, and vanilla are grown.
Traditional Weaving Workshop: Learn the historic art of weaving using local palm and pandanus leaves Island
Cooking Class: Discover traditional fire-cooking methods and taste fresh, farm-grown island ingredients.
Other things to note
Save Over $800 AUD in Hidden Island Costs!
We believe in unbeatable, upfront value.
On a standard 7-day holiday, staying at Phoenix Plantation saves a couple more than $800 AUD in transport and activity fees:
FREE Daily Cultural Experiences: We provide one complimentary tour or workshop every single day of your stay.
From our guided farm walks to hands-on traditional classes, this saves you $50 AUD per person, per day ($700 AUD total value for a couple over a week!) compared to booking outside excursions.
Scheduled Boat Transfers: Saves you $50 AUD per day ($350AUD over a week) compared to paying for private water taxis across the Segond Channel.
Your Complimentary Daily Aore Activity Schedule:
Guests love waking up knowing there is a unique, authentic Aore island experience waiting for them right on the plantation:
The Plantation Tour: A guided walk through our 170-acre working farm to see how cocoa, coffee, and vanilla are grown.
Traditional Weaving Workshop: Learn the historic art of weaving using local palm and pandanus leaves with our team.Island
Cooking Class: Discover traditional fire-cooking methods and taste fresh, farm-grown island ingredients.
Cultural Village & Land Insights: Hear the rich stories, history, and customs of the region from our local staff.i
