Relax and enjoy the tropics……

Bukura Beach House is located 20 mins by car from the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila. The nearest supermarket is about 15 mins away which is also about how long it takes to get to the airport. Flying time from Auckland is approx. 2 hours. Two years ago Business Consultant, Robin Culph set about planning and designing Bukura Beach House and now has a beautiful home to enjoy.

“I try and get back there every 8 weeks to ‘re-charge my batteries’ and it is always really tough going back to work. I just love the friendliness of the local people and the peacefulness Bukura Beach House provides”

Right by the water:
The house is located on 1 acre of tropical gardens with 45 metres of water frontage. Cows graze across the road to a backdrop of tropical vegetation covering the high ridge to the north west.

Vanuatu is located in the tropics and as such enjoys warm weather all year. December to March is typically known as ‘cyclone season’ during which the humidity is higher and there is a greater chance of rain. The cooler months (lower humidity and minimum rainfall)) are from May – September. No matter what time of year the water is always warm and great for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Building the house:

Bukura Beach House was built in 2006 after much consultation with local architects and builders.

“The block was basically solid coral which when cleared provided a very challenging landscape. All the materials in the garden and walls were brought in. There was no soil at all and the majority of the plants were grown from small cutting and nurtured for 6-9 months. Together with local workers every single centimetre of the house and garden has been meticulously planned and constructed”.

The house takes advantage of the view; the climate; the breezes and the sun and the furniture; rugs, linens and other household items are of good quality, as your stay needs to be enjoyable.

Our Guests:
When people stay at Bukura Beach House they have a variety of objectives…some want a romantic time and just want to spend time together away from others; others want to get away from the stresses back home and chill out by swimming and lying on a banana lounge reading a novel; and some people want to do everything… drive around the island; dinner at a different restaurant every night; nightclubbing; bars; deep sea fishing; running in the Round Island Relay; swimming in the Ocean Water Swim event; watch turtles; walk up the ridge behind the house; catch lobster in the local rock pools; visit local villages.

Eating out:
Port Vila has many great restaurants – legacies of the French and the Aussies. They cater for a whole range of tastes. Vanuatu exports organic beef (like the cows in the paddocks across the road from the house) all over the world so the beef is exceptionally good. There are quite a few cafes in town to grab lunch/breakfast. There is ‘Deli’ in town where you can buy great curries and other things that you can take home and heat up. If you decide to book the house you will receive an Information Sheet with many dining suggestions.

Our Favorite:
If you really want to unwind then the Lotus Day Spa is for you. It’s located in Port Vila and offers a wide range of services that pamper you from top to toe. Most people go there for one treatment and find themselves booking another session before they leave for home!

Don’t Miss:

• Kayaking on Mele Bay with Island Dreams Kayaking
• A day tour around the island. There are lots of places to stop and have your lunch (picnic suggested as not many places to buy anything), see Turtles, swim or just take in the changing scenery..
• Secret Garden near Mele Village – this is a fascinating place and you can spend a few hours there
• Cascade Falls – again near Mele Village and about a 10 min drive from bukurabeachhouse. A great place for a swim, walk and great views of the bay
• The Vanuatu Cultural Centre – near the Budget Office and Government House
• A visit to Tanna Island to the see Mount Yasur the active volcano. You can book tours in Port Vila. You need to fly there so allow a day or two. It is quite spectacular
• Hideaway Island – near Mele Village. Catch the boat across from the shore and post a letter in the underwater letterbox once you have had a snorkel and lunch.

Why a holiday home here?
Robin bought the land on a bit of whim having never been to Vanuatu other than to look at blocks.

“I absolutely fell in love with the place and now intend to retire there in a few years. The house is a dream come true…how often do you get to design what you want on a waterfront block of land in the tropics!!!”

Fond Memories?
Sitting in the farea overlooking the water and seeing about 20 dolphins come by swimming, jumping and splashing around!!

Rainy Dayz?
When it rains it doesn’t get cold so you can still go swimming in the ocean pool or snorkel. Sometimes it’s great to sit in the farea overlooking the water and just watch the rain getting closer as it comes across Mele Bay. There are lots of games, DVDs and books at the house or you can head into town and go to the Cultural Centre or eat at any of the great restaurants.

If you would like to book this bach or find out more, you can view the holiday home here.

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