Tranquility Island Eco Dive Resort

This was the highlight of our Vanuatu trip. We had such a wonderful day snorkeling and visiting the turtle rookery. The team - Nemly, Linda, Margaret, David and the two Robson's - looked after us so well. Learning about, and getting to release a Hawksbill turtle ("Vivian") from the rookery on my 50th birthday was really something special.

The environment is the greatest gift Tranquility has to offer. Waking up in the morning and going directly for a snorkel or stand-up paddle boarding is such a gift. Then, to spend the day relaxing, going for a short hike, and doing more snorkeling was even more wonderful! The diving was excellent - we visited Owen's Reef, Moso Caves, and Bottlefish. The dive instructor was willing to choose a location based on participant interests and was extremely observant throughout our dives. All the photos added are from our week on Moso!

Tranquility, serenity, peace. This is the real Bonnie Doon. 30 minute ride from airport, 15 minute boat ride to island, then peace. Dolphins, dugongs, turtles, fish and coral galore. Straight out from your Bure or within a short walk. No car noise, no street lights, only sound is from other guests or the lapping ocean. Thick black nights = maximum star gazing. Take the time to get to Fred’s Beach. It is spec-tac-ular. Ask the kitchen for a picnic lunch as you’ll need to spend hours there. 75 minute hike, private beach, crystal clear water, deep coral, little cave to explore. You won't want to leave. The best part is the tour guide, Boots the dog. She will take you there, stay with you and guide you back (take some fresh water for her as there’s none and she won't leave until you’re done.). There is nothing luxurious about the living quarters at this resort, it is very basic which is the highlight IMO. Do not come here if you’re a sook. 4 hours of electricity, 1 wifi hot spot, dinner is placed in front of you and it’s that or nothing (which removes all the thinking about meals and you’ll be famished). Lots of walking and sightseeing or you can chill out in a hammock. Reef shoes and a torch are a must. One highlight is attending meals with the other guests and comparing what you’ve each discovered over the day. Some great connections made. Diving can be arranged twice a day, snorkelling and sunshine all day. The major downside for us was seeing how the owner (Owen) and his best buddy (Stan) treated the local staff members. Rude, obnoxious, unappreciative, belittling, penny-pinching, smug old dudes. Any suggestions or variations are denied just because they don’t like change. No repairs or upkeep has been done in years. The staff work 12+ hour days and some stay on the premises. No amenities allowed, half the roof blown off and they’re permitted to eat whatever the dogs don’t and some bread. I do not joke. At our Bure early one morning, Stan called out that a light had been left on overnight and he was coming down to turn it off. I replied that we were still sleeping (1 woman, 2 children), he then ENTERED OUR ROOM to turn the light off. When confronted, both he and the owner justified his actions as being totally acceptable. Like, what now? Again, I do not joke or embellish. If this is how they feel entitled to treat paying guests, imagine how they’re treating staff! I can think of many 4 lettered words appropriate for these two Australian people. The staff are gentle, kind, hardworking and will do whatever they can to make your stay better. Be kind to them, bring them gifts as they deserve all the love. The new manager, Evante, has some great ideas for small improvements – like the bonfire! A great evening for everyone. Hopefully she’ll be given some leash unlike other past managers who have burnt out inside 2 years. FYI – she loves talking about horror movies and we happened across a dolls head on one of our walks. We may or may not have

I think possibly this has new management. We were dropped at the island, showed ourselves around the turtle sanctuary that looked like it was in need of much maintenance. Snorkeling was also super disappointing with no guidance about currents etc or where the best spot is.

Bliss I asked my hubby what I should call this review and he immediately said “ Basic Bliss” as that is how we felt about our stay at Tranquility. Yes, the rooms are basic - a thatched hut (fare). They are comfortable, privately situated with some bush between each one, a verandah out the front, a hammock in the trees and your own private bit of beach that is closer or further away depending on the tide. But they are also the most relaxing and rejuvenating place to be! There is an ensuite about 10 steps from the fare and if you’re lucky you might get to shower with a coconut crab watching! The Bliss would be the warm friendliness of the staff and the complete relax/chill of being there, walking along the beach at low tide, going for a swim or snorkel as the mood takes you, kayaking with turtles, having dolphins swim alongside your boat, what more can I say. And the most amazing meals in the dining fare with other guests to chat about what you’ve been up to. Douglass and Thomas they were the best meals we had during our 3 week trip, thank you. Wish we had stayed longer. I would recommend Tranquility to anyone who is happy to do basic and simply enjoy!