RATUA PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT
Our Resort Report
OUR Thoughts on Ratua Private Island Resort, Ratua Island, Santo
Ratua Private Island Resort lies around 25/30 minutes by fast boat from Santo’s main town – Luganville, (en route to Ratua the boat passes close to Aore Island). Ratua Island is a beautiful island, big enough to host a light-aircraft airstrip on the side furthest away from the accommodation, but small enough that you can wander right around it in an hour or so. There are several features that make Ratua Island Resort so different. Every building is either constructed of 200-year-old Indonesian teak along traditional Indonesian lines for timber buildings, or is a Marquee incorporating quality Safari Tent characteristics. .
The 13 accommodation units are located on the western side of the island. Villas are grouped in 3 separate “villages” on either side of the central facility which is known as The Yacht Club. From the villas furthest away from The Yacht Club on the south-westernmost point of the island. It might take 7-10 minutes to slowly mander your way through the garden pathway to get to the central Yacht Club – this walk is a relaxing delight as you thread your way through the tropical gardens.
The magnificent overwater Coral Reef Spa is accessed via an overwater board-walk pier off the beach and the traditional-style Nakamal (meeting place) Lounge overlooks the water from its position on the south coast.
The Yacht Club is the centre of the property and what a magnificent facility it is. The arrival/departure jetty lands guests at the Jetty House and office in the middle of a perfect beach. The Yacht Club area comprises separate Lounge, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar buildings which all linked by the Central Deck which is open in front to the expansive Beach Deck. There are breath-taking beach, sea and island views from every part of the Yacht Club’s lounge, cocktail bar, (complimentary Wifi hotspot here for those wishing to stay connected) restaurant and deck. Between the Beach Deck and the jetty there is a sheltered area which is set up for beach BBQ lunches, and what good lunches they are too – plenty of food choices in a wonderful beach setting. A little further back there is a Media (Games) Room and off to the right a little jewel of a facility – a mini cinema, complete with popcorn machine. The Horse Ranch, the organic kitchen garden and the staff "Nivat Village" in the centre of the island completes the picture.
Horse riding is a feature of Ratua Private Island Resort – ride around the island or swim with the horses – that’s a great experience. Ratua Island Resort provides mountain bikes (excellent for teens) for guests to use as well as light fishing adventures with local boat captains, canoes, jogging & trekking as well as a games room, billiard table & library.
All meals are a mandatory inclusion at Ratua, there is a subtle French influence – just love those pastries. Meals included are breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a bar snack menu and sunset canapes. Having the meals included is a great idea as there are very limited options to dine elsewhere.
There are some excellent off-resort sightseeing options and Ratua Island Resort staff happily organise these for you. Don’t miss the Malo Island Blue Hole day trip. Divers can dive the famous President Coolidge wreck, adventurers can do the Millennium Cave or the Mount Hope River Adventures, or hire an authentic WW11 Jeep and cruise the sights of Espirito Santo to Champagne Beach and so on.
Ratua Island Resort is for relaxing. There is no TV in the villas. Just kick back, enjoy the scenery, the wonderfully friendly staff and the natural surroundings. Get to know the turtles that swim hereabouts, swim the horses, enjoy the special evenings put on at Ratua. Most of all enjoy the companionship of the other guests as everyone meets and mingles over cocktails in the evenings to swap stories and compare daily activities and experiences.
Click here for the Resort Map
Included in the Tariff at Ratua Prrivate Island Resort:
● Welcome Drink
● Access to Games Room & Library
● Access to Cinema
● Complimentary Wifi at Yacht Club
● All Non-motorised and un-guided watersports activities
● Use of Mountain Bikes
● Government Tourist Levy
Minimum Stay Requirement
Ratua Private Island Resort has a minimum 2-night stay policy. We reckon you should aim to spend longer if your schedule allows.
Your Accommodation Options
Boasting thirteen 200 year old hand crafted elegant vintage wooden teak beachfront villas, one beach view villa and two deluxe beachfront marquees. There is no air-conditioning, and neither is it needed. The ceilings are high, there is flow-through ventilation and ceiling fans. The four-poster beds are superbly comfortable, and every villa comes complete with a decent-sized bar fridge and bottled water. The bathroom of each villa is in a separate building beside the bedroom/lounge (or a courtyard bathroom in the case of the Grand Beachfront Marquees) and is joined by a short hallway (sometimes referred to as a ‘causeway’). There is a nice big covered deck/veranda on each villa – there is even a veranda on most of the bathrooms too! Each villa is a little different in its furnishings (apart from the bed), some have big solid, comfy lounge chairs, others have a rattan look and we’ve even seen one with a rocking chair on the veranda. Each villa has a name rather than a number.
Fish Village
Fish Village is a separate private enclave but still located within 25 metres of the resort’s main buildings. Fish Village is unique in that it contains just three 2 Bedroom Villas. Ideal for groups the entire Fish Village can accommodate up to 13 guests in 3 separate Villas.
Room Categories (In ascending order of tariff)
Deluxe Beach View Loft (Giraffe Villa):
The Giraffe Villa is the only one of its kind. Perched approximately 8 feet above the ground on 9 enormous tree trunks is quite a novelty in itself. Situated next to the kitchen and reception house with views of white sandy beach is ideal for solo travellers or couples who enjoy the gentle ruckus of resort environment. Access to the white sandy beach and calm waters of Ratua Bay is only about 5 meters away.
An authentic tree house on stilts, the Deluxe Beach View Loft offers rustic furnishings, en-suite facilities and view of Ratua Bay from the above.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
Deluxe Beachfront Villas
(Buffalo Villa):
The Buffalo Villa is the first villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the West Village group of villas. This villa is an ideal option for couples who prefer to be close to the resort facilities. In as short as 3-minute walk, guests can already enjoy island cocktails by our creative bartender. Otherwise guests may opt to enjoy stunning sunsets and calm turquoise sea views with wine or Vanuatu’s premium beer right at its patio. Snorkelling in front of this villa is amazing with its own private beach.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is air-conditioned and it is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
(Cobra Villa):
The Cobra Villa is the second villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the West Village group of villas. This enchanting villa is perfect for couples who wish laze all day on the sun loungers quintessentially located on a patch of sandbox bordering the shoreline and naturally shaded with trees. Taking pleasure in amazing sunsets and view of calm turquoise waters with wine or Vanuatu’s premium beer right at its patio is not a bad way to enjoy this villa. Snorkelling in front of the Cobra Villa is spectacular with its own private beach.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is air-conditioned and it is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
(Crocodile Villa):
The Crocodile Villa is the fourth villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the West Village group of Villas. This breath taking villa is one of the favourite abode amongst couples who wish laze all day on the sun loungers at its private deck overlooking layers of turquoise and cobalt blue waters. Guests may indulge in amazing sunsets with wine or Vanuatu’s premium beer right at its patio.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is air-conditioned and it is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
(Deer Villa):
The Deer Villa is the fifth villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the West Village group of Villas. This breath taking villa is one of the favourite abode amongst couples who wish laze all day on the sun loungers at its private deck overlooking layers of turquoise and cobalt blue waters. Additionally, this villa is conveniently located next to the over-water “Coral Reef Spa”, idyllic for those with series of spa appointments. Guests may also indulge in amazing sunsets with wine or Vanuatu’s premium beer right at its patio.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is air-conditioned and it is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment. Age Restriction: Only 13 years old and above are allowed except on Australia and New Zealand school holidays.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
(Bear Villa):
The Bear Villa is the seventh villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the South Village group of Villas. This villa is situated in a sandy cove just after the over-water “Coral Reef Spa” and is ideal for those who prefer a fair distance from the Yacht Club. Guests may also indulge in amazing sunsets with wine or Vanuatu’s premium beer right at its patio.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per Villa
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
(Pig Villa):
The Pig Villa is the ninth villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the South Village group of Villas. This villa is one of the most secluded villas in Ratua and ideal for guests who prefer a more isolated ambiance far from the Yacht Club approximately 10 – 15 minute walk. With its private sandy beach enclosed by lush vegetation and view of Malo island on a distance, guest will enjoy as sense of solitude. Staying in this villa will allow guests to recharge, reflect, and enjoy relationships even more.
The Deluxe Beachfront Villa consists of two vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is linked by an external patio to the vintage bathroom. Ideal accommodation for a couple that wishes to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per Villa
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
Grand Beachfront Villas
(Tiger Villa):
The Tiger Villa is the third villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the West Village group of villas. This massive villa is perfect for families with teenage kids or older. With its sprawling landscape leading towards its private beach, this villa is an ideal location for wedding ceremony or renewal of vows. Moreover, if the entire West Village is exclusively booked for a small group, the Tiger Villa is an ideal “party villa”! Snorkelling in front of the Tiger Villa is also spectacular.
The Grand Beachfront Villa consists of three vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is linked by an external patio to the living room / bedroom and another patio leading to the bathroom. Ideal accommodation for families with older kids who wish to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 5 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: One Single Bed may be added on request. A complimentary cot for a baby may be added subject to availability.
(Dragon Villa):
The Dragon Villa is the eighth villa from the Yacht Club and is part of the South Village group of villas. This massive villa is perfect for families with teenage kids or older. Situated in a sandy cove just after the over-water “Coral Reef Spa” makes it an idyllic location for those who prefer a fair distance from the Yacht Club. Moreover, if the Monkey, Bear, and Dragon villas are exclusively booked for a small group, the Dragon Villa is an ideal “party villa”!
The Grand Beachfront Villa consists of three vintage teak villas complete with rustic furnishings. The master bedroom is linked by an external patio to the living room / bedroom and another patio leading to the bathroom. Ideal accommodation for families with older kids who wish to relax in a timeless environment.
Maximum Occupancy: 5 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: One Single Bed may be added on request. A complimentary cot for a baby may be added subject to availability.
Fish Village
The Fish Village is a stunning private courtyard comprised of 3 separate 2-bedroom villas located one minute from the reception house. Apart from the vintage villas, the Fish Village includes a partially over-water bar/lounge with views of calm waters and the southern tip of the lush Aore island. At full tide, guests may sit at the ledge with feet soaked in crystalline waters, sunset views are amazing too! Each 2-bedroom villa sleeps 4-5 guests opening to the green courtyard. When booked privately, maximum occupancy is 13 persons with various bed configurations and the bar/lounge will be fully stocked and serviced such that the Fish Village will be its own private resort. Families with older kids (12+) staying in the Fish Village get to mingle with other families which make holidaying more fun! The Fish Village is a stunning courtyard featuring three separate 2-bedroom family villas and one partially over-water bar/lounge located approximately 1-minute from the Yacht Club. This village is set in front of the calm Ratua Bay where sea turtles and “dugong” loaf around and feed on sea grass.
If booked exclusively for a group, this entire village can accommodate a total of 13 persons, ideal for multi-generation family travel or small group events where the lounge will be made into a bar and/or kitchen, fully stocked and serviced by our warm and friendly staff. Otherwise, each 2-bedroom family villa may be booked individually
Deluxe Fish Village 2-Bedroom Family Villas
(Nautilus Villa):
The Nautilus Villa is is one of the three Family Villas in the Fish Village. Being centrally located in the sandy cove of Ratua Bay with a partially over-water communal bar/lounge is an absolute bliss.
The Deluxe 2-Bedroom Family Villa is composed of two vintage bedrooms connected via covered terrace with shared bathroom and twin vanity in the middle. The entire villa opens up to the spacious green courtyard which is truly delightful for families with older kids.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: A complimentary cot for a baby may be added subject to availability.
(Telline Villa):
The Telline Villa is one of the three Family Villas in the Fish Village. Being centrally located in the sandy cove of Ratua Bay with a partially over-water communal bar/lounge is an absolute bliss.
The Deluxe 2-Bedroom Family Villa is composed of two vintage bedrooms connected via covered terrace with shared bathroom and twin vanity in the middle. The entire villa opens up to the spacious green courtyard.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: A complimentary cot for a baby may be added subject to availability.
The Grand Fish Village 2-Bedroom Villa (Porcelaine Villa):
The Porcelaine Villa is one of the three Family Villas in the Fish Village. This massive villa is composed of three vintage buildings, two bedrooms connected by a hallway leading to the shared bathroom. Situated in the sandy cove of Ratua Bay with a partially over-water communal bar/lounge is an absolute bliss for kids and adults alike.
The Grand 2-Bedroom Family Villa is the only one of its kind and favourite amongst families due to its immense space, connecting door between two bedrooms and a separate villa for shower, large stone bath, twin vanity, and toilet. Ultimately, the bathroom and second bedroom opens up to Ratua Bay with private deck and sun loungers.
Maximum Occupancy: 5 guests
Existing Bedding: 2 King Beds or 1 King Bed and 3 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: One Single Bed may be added to villas with 2 King Beds on request. A complimentary cot for a baby may be added subject to availability.
The Deluxe Beachfront 2-Bedroom Family Marquee (starfish Turtle Luxury Marquees):
The Turtle Luxury Tent is one of the two Deluxe Beachfront Marquees located approximately 20 meters North of the Fish Village, about 3 minutes walk from the Yacht Club. The entire luxury tent is staged on a deck fronting Ratua Bay which makes it an ideal option for couples who prefer to be close to the resort facilities with amazing sunsets and view of calm turquoise waters. Furthermore, Ratua Bay is a fantastic swimming area with a multitude of sea turtles loafing around.
The Deluxe Beachfront Marquee is a unique accommodation inspired from luxury camping, better known as “glamping”, in the wilderness of Serengeti, Africa. This accommodation boasts of its rustic furnishings, en-suite facilities and semi-outdoor shower, and front porch overlooking the calm Ratua Bay.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated.
Getting to and from Ratua Privatae Island Resort
Guests are met at Santo Airport and transferred by vehicle and Resort Boat to and from Ratua Island. We will include these transfers in package arrangements as required/agreed.
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.
Exclusively For Adults
Ratua Island Resort only accepts guests aged 12 years and above. Children are on a request basis only please enquire for options for children.
Check-in/Check Out
Standard check-in and check-out times:
Check In Time: 2:00pm
Check Out Time: 12 Noon
The information on this page is correct as at 17 February 2025 and is based on our supplier contracts valid to 31 March 2026. All information is subject to change without notice