WHITE GRASS OCEAN RESORT & SPA
Tanna Island, Vanuatu
OUR Thoughts on White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa
In the context of Tanna, White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa offers a very good quality and reliable resort experience. The beautiful open, high-roofed, architecturally Melanesian-style restaurant and lounge has recently been totally rebuilt and takes pride of place on the low bluff overlooking the rocky lagoon and the ocean.
The whole of Tanna Island is volcanic in origin and the coast at White Grass Ocean Resort certainly shows off that feature. The resort grounds and gardens are spectacular in the environmentally friendly way they have been developed in concert with the many natural features of this area. The individual bungalows (Bures) are set throughout the lawns and gardens, each one providing guests a near perfect outlook of the gardens or the resort swimming pool and all have views of the ocean. There is not a lot of sand on the rocky foreshore, but there are pockets of white sand throughout the colourful gardens.
This is a place for snorkelling, swimming and exploring the natural pools and coves, the blue holes and the reef. It’s a place to see turtles in their natural habitat and whales can surprise when cruising past in the whale migrating season. It’s also a place to relax and get away from TV and the telephone while enjoying high quality meals and friendly company. Recognising the importance of the internet to their guests, White Grass Ocean Resort has recently introduced complimentary wifi in the bures with an additional hotspot in the lounge/bar area.
White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa offers a good range of services and facilities such as hot-rock massage in the massage hut overlooking the ocean, Scuba Diving and a big range of tours to the volcano, visits to special local places and more.
Day Spa
Nabisa Day Spa. The treatments are unique, making use of the natural organic, Vanuatu-made materials found all over the island. Enjoy a rejuvenating Aromatherapy massage or the signature treatment – the Volcanic Hot Stone massage in which fine volcanic pumice is used for exfoliating facials, scrubs and body wraps. The Nabisa Day Spa, at White Grass Ocean Resort is located at a private sunset point in an open bure with uninterrupted views over the coastline and the most amazing sunsets.
SCUBA Diving
Volcano Island Divers, operating from White Grass Ocean Resort is the first ever dive operation on Tanna Island and is opening up Tanna's world-class dive and snorkelling reefs to the world, offering ‘unspoilt, untouched & unbelievable aquatic experiences’. Dive with the resident PADI MSDT Instructor or PADI Divemasters. Full hire gear is available. Courses available from beginner to PADI Advanced Open Water Course. A highlight of diving from White Grass Ocean Resort is the fact that all dive sites are accessible by boat or straight off the shore.
As well as the new Scuba Diving, there is a huge range of land-based tours and cultural activities on offer and we urge you not to under estimate the number of nights you spend on Tanna; many people only take a 1 night option which gives them a chance to visit Yasur volcano, but Tanna and the White Grass Ocean Resort is worth a lot longer stay than that.
What White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa Say About Themselves:
“Tanna Island languishes in the blue waters of the South Pacific, and is one of the southernmost islands of the Vanuatu archipelago. Stunning White Grass Ocean Resort is a haven for even the weariest traveller, as a guest can stay in this idyllic location to laze away many hours under a shady palm or take a dip in the sea.
Alternatively there is a vast array of activities at your disposal – from visiting mighty Yasur volcano which seethes and belches at 30 minute intervals, to being welcomed into custom villages, fishing or snorkelling on our pristine reef, to name just a few.
Upon landing at Tanna International Airport following a short flight from Port Vila, most guests get an inkling of the pleasures that this lovely, three and a half star, boutique resort has, as here smiling staff assist you in the collection of your luggage and then drive you the 2 kms to your destination.
White Grass Ocean Resort boasts a restaurant and terrace taking on the magnificent panorama of the bluest of seas and coral coastline. Fourteen island style bures nestle into the lush and colourful gardens – each with a sea view and in ambling distance to the swimming pool.
All rooms depict the Pacific Island lifestyle – with local timbers and decorative elements accompanied by comforts such as en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers, room fans mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities and private balconies.
Accommodation includes tropical breakfast, complimentary use of snorkelling equipment, free guided snorkelling to Turtle Reef, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, golf, tennis and petanque.”
Your Accommodation Options
The South-sea island/Clonial-style bures and Villas all face the sunset. All have en-suite facilities with hot water and 24 hour electricity and are fitted with cool tiled floors, netted, canopied beds and room fans. Every Bure has a small fridge and tea/coffee making facility.
A total of 18 Bures and Villas are available to suit singles, couples, 2 couples travelling together and families of up to five. Air-conditioning is not available, however, Tanna Island is located to the south of Efate Island so the climate is slightly less tropical and the fans and the flow-through ventilation generally provides enough cooling for guests to have a comfortable night sleep. Tropical breakfasts are included in the nightly tariff. All Bures and Villas have been rrefurbished over recent months.
Room Categories
(In ascending order of tariff)
Ocean View Bures:
Island-style Bures with lovely ocean views. Each offers a pleasant 5m2 terrace (covered deck)
The eight 35m2 Double Bures have a Queen Bed only and are suitable for up to 2 adults, while the six Double/Triple Ocean View Bures are 45m2 and can accommodate up to 3 guests
Maximum Occupancy: 3 guests.
Existing Bedding: A Queen Bed (plus a single Day Bed in the bigger Double/triple Ocean View Bures)
Additional Bedding: 1 porta-cot for a baby may be added.
The 1-Bedroom Family Ocean View Bure:
The 1-Bedroom Family Ocean View Bure is a good size at 64m2 with a separate bedroom and lounge as well as a kitchenette. Each has a thatched, veranda with a couple of patio chairs. This bure has garden and ocean views
Maximum Occupancy: 5 guests (Adults or Adults and Children)
Existing bedding: 1 Queen Bed in bedroom and 3 Single Beds in the lounge
Additional Bedding: 1 complimentary porta-cot for a baby can be accommodated.
All bures have an under-counter fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.
2-Bedroom Family Ocean View Bures:
The new 2 bedroom/2 bathroom Family Ocean View Bures are a beautiful 72m2 with a 24m2 balcony. The 2 bedrooms are located one on each side of a central lounge with kitchenette. With garden and ocean views these 2 new bures are ideal for families or 2 couples travelling together.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests but addditional bedding can sometimes, on special request, be added to the lounge area for children.
Existing Bedding: A King Bed in 1 bedroom and 2 Single Beds in the second bedroom.
Additional Bedding: 1 porta-cot for a baby may be added.
Getting To and From White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa
All guests are personally met at Tanna Airport and return transfers between Tanna Airport and The Resort are included in the tariff.
Note re Vanuatu Domestic Air Travel Tax
Domestic flights between Port Vila, Santo and Tanna, as well as all other islands in Vanuatu attract a domestic tax of VT200 (approximately NZ$3.00) per person per sector. Unfortunately, this tax cannot be prepaid, so is payable direct by travellers at domestic airports in Vanuatu.
Kids’ Policy
Kids Stay Free
Children aged under 12 years stay free when using existing bedding or 1 porta-cot which can be added to any Bure or Villa free of charge.
Check-in/Check Out
Hotel standard times:
Check In Time: 2:00pm
Check Out Time: 10:00am
In line with aircraft arrival and departure times, early check-in and later check-outs are not charged but are subject to availability of rooms at the time guests actually arrive or wish to depart.
The information on this page is correct as at 31 Mar 2023 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 31 March 2024. All information shown is subject to change without notice.