Unfortunately we stayed at Two Canoes and it was completely run down with everything from the furniture to the paddle boards broken.... There were no management staff on site and at night we had no power, water, flushing toilets or fans. We contacted the owner in Australia but he promised changes but did nothing. We also all got sick because the water is not treated or filtered. Please enjoy your holiday in Vanuatu by staying at another resort.
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We spent 3 nights early December 2018 at Two Canoes. It presented well on the website and communication and booking was good. The staff were very helpful and did their best to make our stay pleasant. The food was great and Estelle can cook!! Nice location to get away from it all and relax. Not heaps to do on the Island but there are a few good things to do like the Coffee plantation,Scuba Diving, walks and restaurants.
It was quite an adventure getting there as our plane was late and we arrived after dark. We were met promptly at the airport and shuttled to a boat where we were taken in the dark across to the Island (10min) with only the light of mobile phone. On arrival headlights flashed through the bush and we boarded our rustic ute with Ben who took us several min to the resort (3 cabins).
All good well organised. Be advised if your travel back and forth from the Island you need to organise well in advance and it will cost VUV 800 one way for Ben and the boat will cost VUV1000 for the boat each way (it can add up).
Reading some of the earlier reviews -good and not so good- we experienced both.
There was definitely a lack of a management presence while we were there. Our room was looking a bit tired, the fan had only one speed (slow), the shower floor battons were close to breaking and there is a gap in the bathroom wall in the top that lets insects in and no mosquito net. Lots of little things like one match left in the match box, batteries not working in the torch. Stains on the sheets and water damaged floor throughout. The curtains had been tied up for so long that they broke as we tried to close them. The power also seemed to be running on generator only (was cloudy) and power was turned off every night between 10pm and 6am when guests were in there rooms (no fan/lights/water). Wifi did not work.
I too went for a kayak and 30m off shore the back submerged and it sank like the titanic and had to swim to shore with the boat. The staff came out and looked concerned but no worries. I see that these boats have been like this for quite a while.
We spent AUD $614 (VUV 49,500) to stay the three nights. The price and advertising needs to be significantly changed to reflect what people get or these issues need to be addressed.
This so called ‘resort’ is left for the local staff to run and they all tried so hard to keep it going. However it falls well short compared to other resorts in the area. There is much we can say in terms of their advertising and the previous reviews had obviously been written at a better point in time. There were no bikes, sinking kayaks, no WiFi and terribly overpriced. I need to stress that it might suit travellers who seek isolation with no frills and we were told that the bikes will be replaced and the kayaks repaired.
We left and some of our money was refunded.
A visit to espirutu santo was one of the most pleasurable experiences we have had. Two Canoes is located on Aore Island and although lacking a little refinement the incredibly friendly staff were exceptional in making our stay completely relaxing. Great food cooked by Estelle with two choice for mains each night. Cocktails are very well priced as is the food .
With only three cabins at the resort privacy is assured and this is a huge plus for those searching for peace and tranquillity and not the hussle and bustle of main stream resort.
Must dos while staying at two canoes are trips to the blue holes , champagne beach and port Orly on the main island of Santo. These trips can be organised by the staff and we had a driver Sam who was a local Took us to Champagne Beach which is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Overall two canoes is excellent value for money and a place to base yourself to visit the beautiful Espritu Santo .
Thanks to Mark and his friendly staff Estelle and Julia:)
We have recently had a perfect 4 nights at Two Canoes. The resort is small (3 bungalow rooms only) which makes it a great private getaway. Our bungalow was very clean and very comfortable, great linen and towels (beach and bath towels). Plenty of hot water. The setting is stunning, the beach is lovely with white sand and crystal clear water. The reef is straight off the beach and magnificent. The range of coral and fish was wonderful.
Derek, the manager, was very warm, welcoming and funny and super helpful in organising Millenium Caves and other transfers. Very knowledgeable about Vanuatu as well, as a long term resident. Other staff Jimmy, Junior and Estelle were also excellent. Estelle is a superb chef and our dinners and lunches were excellent by any standard. Breakfasts were basic continental style, nothing fancy, but plenty to eat. No hot food, pastries etc but fresh tropical fruit, toast, cereal in abundance.
Being on a smaller island off Luganville meant some planning if guests need to get to the ‘mainland’ but Derek could easily coordinate any transfers with efficiency. As long as you are aware of this and allow for it within your day the boat ride to Luganville is a lovely part of the adventure.
Very well run resort. Laid back but efficient. Remember that island time can be king and you will have an awesome time. Highly recommend Two Canoes. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Two Canoes sits in an unbelievably beautiful setting. You're on a stunning white sand private beach, which is groomed daily by the staff, looking out over crystal clear bright blue waters. There are canoes and paddle boards for those who want to go out a bit on the waters.
The hotel itself is gorgeous - the rooms are clean and luxurious, with a beautiful yet minimalist feel. The dining area is outdoors and about 10 feet from the water itself, which makes for a wonderful dining experience.
We found the food to be one of our favorite (of many) parts of the stay. Estelle, the chef, makes the most amazing meals out of entirely locally grown food and blew us away with each meal. Yvonne, the waitress, looked after us so well and we loved chatting with her. She is so so nice. Both such lovely people that we definitely miss! The cocktails are also inexpensive and really good. And every morning, the staff makes you a complimentary breakfast which is amazing. Fresh local fruit, toast, pretty coffees, cereal, etc.
The staff really is the giant cherry on top of this already awesome eco-resort. They wash and line dry your laundry for free if you want, and do a lovely job making up the rooms. Derek, the hotel manager is totally awesome. And hilarious. He bends over backwards to make sure you have everything you need, and if you ask him nicely, he may even extend happy hour for you :). He and his son Junior drove us on their boat back and forth to the main island at any time of day that we wanted and they even let us try to catch a tuna for dinner on the way. So fun.
Even though we were on our own little island, it was easy for us to get to Luganville every day and go tour the main island for everything we wanted to do. If you're going to Espiritu Santo, do yourself a favor and stay here! It was such a wonderful and memorable part of our time in Vanuatu.
You will love it!
Hi Elizabeth - we are delighted you and your Dad enjoyed your holiday with us. As you may have found out during your stay, our fantastic new team has worked incredibly hard to ensure we continually meet our guests expectations.
Thanks again for choosing to use us as your base while exploring the Espiritu Santo region.
With best regards,
Mark Provost
