Hideaway Island Resort Reviews

Villa living within steps of the best snorkelling in the world. The meals were so fresh and delicious. The staff were so happy and couldn't do enough for us. We loved every minute. They have had a tough time reopening after covid and two cyclones so there may still be a few things not quite perfect in the accommodation however if you can look past that, you'll have the best time at Hideaway Island Resort.

Absolutely loved it! The island was quiet, not full of tourists which I appreciated! The people of Vanuatu are so friendly and welcoming! Snorkelling the reefs everyday with all of the colourful fish just outside our room. Couldn’t have asked for a better holiday.

Our Vanuatu trip was amazing, the people were kind, every single person will smile and wave. Hideaway island was magical and very laid back, it was quiet, which I appreciated, not full of tourists! Snorkelling everyday was a dream. Would 100% go again, loved every minute!!!!!

We had the most amazing holiday staying at Hideaway Resort in Vanuatu. The activities were amazing, the food was wonderful and the staff were absolutely gorgeous! We were treated with the highest quality of customer service by all the staff! I have already recommended the resort to all of my friends and people I have met! I would go back in a heart beat!

Hideaway Island Resort is quiet, relaxed and away from the crowds. The staff were fantastic and willing to attend to any requests we had. Rooms are basic but clean and tidy. The kids loved the use of the paddle boards and kayaks. Snorkeling on the Marine Sanctuary straight from the beach is a big plus. This is our second stay at Hideaway Island and we are glad we chose to return here. We will definitely be back in the near future.

Wonderful position, excellent snorkeling and a great resort. Owner Mark went out of his way to make sure everything was right

Have just got back from an 8 night stay at Hideaway and we are already looking to book for next year.
The location is amazing and so easy to get to. The staff are lovely and our Pool Villa was exactly what we were looking for in accommodation. If you are looking for a five star resort, then this may not be for you. But if you are looking for a relaxed, laid back atmosphere in a great location with ever smiling helpful staff (and amazing snorkeling!!) then this may just be right up your alley!

The Villa 1 although a little run down was very spacious and great for a family with two teens (loved the wifi of course). Staff are all lovely and helpful, food and drink is reasonably priced. Great to be able to walk off the beach and snorkel around the abundant marine life.

We had a lovely time at hideaway. The only negative comment is that the rooms need attention. The shower and the switches for lights and fans need serious attention (BUNGALOW 1) but in saying that we coped. The restaurant menu could be a bit better. Positive comments - the staff were very helpful and friendly, the tours included were excellent. We thouroughly enjoyed our time. Thankyou

Staff are the best!

This is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Amazing snorkeling that even a beginner can do. The staff are do friendly and helpful. Good food and cocktails too.

We really enjoyed our stay; a beautiful location and friendly and attentive service. Snorkelling was so easy and rewarding.

We would have liked to see more local cuisine on the menu. Too much western counter-pub style.

Hideaway is fantastic, with the most accessble snorkelling and beautiful location, our room was spotless, but the resort is very tired and sadly needs a renovation. It would be great if more interest/planning could be taken with the menu which is limited in the extreme! Overall, it provided great value and if you enjoy a more authentic experience than a 5 star island resort provides then it is the ideal choice.

Can't speak more highly of the staff. Wonderful people who live in the local village. Nothing is too much trouble. After all the hardship these people have been through during cyclone Pam , they appear to be so happy. I honestly think they are much richer than us . Mama Rose , we love you and are going to miss you and your staff very much. We plan to see you again. Thank you so much for your warmth and generosity of spirit.

One little negativity with the villa with the pool. The staircase leading up to the bedroom is dangerously steep and would not be suitable for any one with physical difficulties.
Also the lighting could be brighter. very dim, hard to read a good book unless you have a torch.
Would love to go back however. Snorkeling is amazing. I couldn't keep my husband out of the water, he became understandably obsessed with it.

This was our second time to hideaway and it didn't disappoint. The staff are lovely and our Vila was beautiful with views out over the ocean. The only thing wee didn't like was how busy it got when the cruise ship was in.

Lovely, friendly and always happy staff. Snorkelling was superb. Pool villa/tree house was lovely. There is still work being done in and around resort since cyclone Pam but this didn't effect our stay. Beach was quite hard to negotiate without shoes because of all the washed up coral from the cyclone but once in the water the snorkelling was amazing! Meals were cooked beautifully although not much variety. Rooms a little tired but always clean and serviced daily. Movie nights on the beach were fun. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return ????

Although it was only 6 weeks since Cyclone Pam the only indication of its passing on Hideaway Island was the lack of trees (and consequent abundance of firewood) in the centre of the island.

We were warmly greeted and our visit appreciated since many tourists are staying away despite Vanuatu's message that it is 'open for business'.

Staying on Hideaway was as excellent as it has been on our previous trips.

Many of the staff have had their homes damaged or destroyed but maintain a cheerful attitude that would be hard to imagine in similar circumstances in Australia.

We would recommend that anyone considering a Pacific holiday keep Vanuatu in mind. You will have a great time and would also be helping local businesses recover following the cyclone.

The snorkelling was excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The beachfront bungalow was clean and comfortable, but very hot at night with a noisy fan. The nightly entertainment on the island was very enjoyable - feast, movie, beach party, village walk and the short ferry ride was handy to access other entertainment in Port Vila.

This accomodation is probably 2 Stars but what it lacks there it sure makes up for in vibe and natural beauty, amazing sunsets, great staff and the best snorkelling.

Excellent holiday, great location, people & service and the snorkelling is amazing - recommended for all ages, accommodation is basic (no air con) but very clean and tidy

We spent a week in Hideaway and despite the weather being very wet and windy with the last 3 days of our stay being cyclonic the staff brought Sunshine to our holidays. Their friendliness, attention, impeccable service and infectious smile was second to none ... a credit to the resort itself. We visited a few tourists places during our stay but the time spent at hideaway was the most memorable and will definitely go back there.

A beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the pleasures of Vanuatu. Far enough from Port Vila to be very peaceful and yet easy to get everywhere by bus. Beautiful coral and fish just off the beach. Our villa was huge and very comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful.

The resort and island was amazing.

Very relaxing comfortable stay with very friendly non intrusive staff.
Plenty of activities to do.
Good boat service on and off island.
Would return and recommend to others.

The friendly staff welcomed us from the moment we got to Vanuatu. There was obvious pride and care for the island by the Mele village people and they were happy to share it with us. We stayed in Villa one which was spacious, perfectly located and clean.. From the men raking leaves everyday to the way Amy made our bed with fresh towels and flowers everyday everything and everyone is cared for with happy smiles. The snorkelling right off the beach was fantastic and there wasn't a day that we didn't venture into the ocean whether it was before or after a journey out to somewhere else.( Mele Cascade Fall was a fantastic spot to spend a day) or when we just decided to spend the day on the island. The ocean was shared happily by families and couples.. There was nothing bettrer than to sit by the water and have one of their lovely cocktails as the sun went down. .. It really was a perfect 'Hideaway'.

Very friendly staff

Awesome spot, awesome water activities, awesome staff!!! Would definitely go again next time!! - only blip was we were told it was OK to drink the tap water - definitely NOT OK to drink the tap water. We all were ill for a day or so. Other than that is was everything we had hoped for!!!

We just came back from an extremely relaxing holiday at Hideaway Island resort. Stayed in a very spacious ocean front Bungalow (number 2) which Eve took great care in cleaning every day. She is such an asset to the resort. The snorkelling was excellent, as were the free water based activities and the pool table. The chefs have come up with a good well priced and varied menu - the coconut curry is to die for. My only complaint would be the high prices for the Melanesian night and the BBQ on the beach night. Eat at the Beach Bar across the water those nights for half the price. Apart from that the staff were all wonderful and I would definitely return.

The whole family had an excellent time. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The location is right on the coral reef. Lots of snorkelling. Access to the main island was easy as was getting into town to see other things.

this is the review I wrote for tripadvisor......

We have just spent another fantastic 7 nights at Hideaway Island. This was our third stay on the island. Previously we have stayed in the 2 bedroom villa but this time it was just the two of us so we stayed in the 1 bedroom villa which has recently become available to stay in as the owners who were there have left. The owners have installed managers, Mark and Sue who are doing a fantastic job. They are very hands on in over-seeing the day to day running of the island. Since we were there last we noticed that the gardens are looking lovely and the whole island seems fresh and is being well kept. The staff are doing their best to maintain the reef and the snorkelling was fantastic as always with plenty to see.

The 2 bedroom villa we have stayed in previously is beautiful but we like the 1 bedroom villa even more. Its in a completely different style to the 2 bedroom. Large tiled floor areas and the kitchen/dining/lounge has beautiful polished floor boards. The bi-fold doors are all glass and wrap around the front of the villa giving such a perfect view no matter which way you looked. The main bedroom has a four poster bed with mosquito net which looks lovely and the house maid makes your bed perfectly everyday and you come back to towel art and flowers scattered on the bed. There is a walk in wardrobe in the main bedroom with more than enough shelving and drawers and a safe. The bedroom also has airconditioning and we found that if we kept the bifold doors open that separate the bedroom from the rest of the villa then it was all kept quite cool. There is a small second bedroom with a single bed. The bathroom is large and has an open style shower. There is a largish garden on one side of the bedroom which has beautiful flowers and plants growing. The kitchen is very user friendly with everything you need to cook if you so desire with a small oven and microwave, toaster, kettle and large fridge/freezer. There are two lounge suites in the main area. The first being a nice comfy style and the second is also lovely and is placed closer to the outside doors giving you a very nice view. The outside area is covered well with a table and chairs and two lounge chairs. The view is just spectacular. You overlook the reef on the back of the island and we spent hours just looking out at it.

You could not ask for happier friendlier staff. We find the staff on hideaway to be the best of anywhere in Vanuatu. They are always smiling and singing. Nothing is ever too much of a bother for them. Hideaway’s staff would have to be the biggest asset to the resort and they should all be very proud.
We recommend a stay on hideaway island in any of the different types of accommodation. We just love it there and will always return again and again.

Snorkelling was amazing! Loved the location, staff and weather. Pity about the food - little choice and expensive . Would go back just better prepared!

Stayed for one week in February and had a fantastic time. It was offseason and rather quiet visiting cruise passengers being a fun change of pace. Staff are absolutely incredible and the food is also yum! Diving available on site, stalls along the beach on mainland and Mele village (a visit is highly recommended!) just a short stroll from the beach (free ferry service all day and night). Other sights close by and trip into Vila is also quick (depending on the route of the bus of course... :-)). Loved every minute and highly recommend it!

The resort was great. Though I think having hammocks on the beach side would make it perfect. The team at the resort was so friendly and helpful, really relaxed people, it was a pleasure.

Had a great time. All the staff were fabulous and made us feel like we never wanted to leave. Will definately go back.

We had a fantastic time. So glad we went and stayed there. Everybody was welcoming.

Loved the location and the 2 bedroom villa we stayed in was very comfortable. Great place for divers and snorkelers Hideaway has a beautiful coral reef right at the front of the resort. Lovely stay we really enjoyed it.

I would recommend Hideaway for families and couples. It is a very relaxed place with very friendly staff and all our requests were granted. Greta food, nice cocktails, rich variety of fish on the reef off the beach.

beautiful location, and beautiful people. the staff at hideaway were exceptionally friendly, courteous, and very welcoming

We really enjoyed staying the property.
The room was great for 2 people and we could use all gears regarding water resiure.
We stayed for 4 nights so we wished that the restaurant menu has more various. However, we were happy to stay there and had relax time so we are very satisfied with the hotel.

Really enjoyed our holiday to vanuatu and our stay on hideaway island. The people are welcoming and friendly and thy staff at hideaway island really looked after us and made our holiday very special.

We loved it. Just what we were looking for. Relaxing, friendly, clean and tidy. The bungalow was a great size with beautiful views of the bay. The staff all from the local Mele village were amazing, always smiling and nothing was a problem. Our kids 12 & 8 had a blast snorkelling, visiting the local village and the food was yummy. We would stay here again. Ps if you are looking to watch tv and surf the net forget it , this is paradise!
Thank you Hideaway for having us. :-)

A beautiful little island in a marine sanctuary that allows privacy and solitude when you need it, as well as a welcoming and inclusive social life when you're up to it! The Ni Van staff from Melee village provide brilliant and friendly service, friendship and quiet (good) advice on the "best to do's" in Vanuatu... they even invite you into their homes... it's an "eye-opener" having the opportunity to see their very simple yet caring way of life. I was lucky enough to be there for Children's Day and the celebration week prior to their Independence Day on July 30 and saw how truly beautiful generous and friendly the Ni Vans are... the children pick hibiscus and give them to all women as a welcome and "hello" to the village... a delight!... then you find it difficult carrying all the flowers "home". It was an experience I'll never forget.
Being an unadventurous diver... the diving and snorkelling on the island are as easy and close as any you'll find anywhere. The beautiful fish are unafraid of we humans and swim all around you when in the water. Snorkelling on Hideaway is just as pretty... if you wish you can float on the surface and see all the beauty quite easily... keep your eyes open for the couple of big octopus in the bay... I've never seen an animal that can colour change instantly before!... and these guys are truly spectacular and very shy. If you are in the water when the fish feeding happens on the glass bottom boat... Antoine and his cohorts throw fish feed into the water around you and you see the feeding frenzy up close... including big red snapper (40cm plus!) The staff from the dive shop are fantastic!... I can't speak highly enough of my wonderful experience on Hideaway and I fully intend to return again. I travelled solo and never felt alone... a slice of heaven minus commercialism!

Perfect for snorkelling or diving from the beach or quick boat ride. For any level of experience, and you have to love a short walk back to the bungalow for a refreshing shower afterwards. Although water pressure of shower was sometimes unpredictable.

we stayed for 10 nights and just loved it, the staff are the nicest, friendliest people you could meet and just wonderful people. the snorkling and diving are fantastic in safe water and theres just so many amazingly coloured fish as soon as you walk into the water which is only 50metres from your room. we didnt want to leave at the end of our 10 days. thanks to jim, antoine, rachel and all the other great staff, we'll definately be back

The locals were so friendly and that is what made our stay all the better. One thing I would like to mention is this - GIVE THE LOCALS FROM THE MELE VILLAGE PRECEDENCE OF JOBS AT HIDEAWAY, RATHER THAN PEOPLE FROM THE CITY. I feel that this is VERY WRONG since it is their Island.

Relaxing and enjoyable. Worth a second visit.

Two main issues:

1. No-one met us at the airport, we had to ask a local into calling the resort, they instructed us to catch a taxi! Similar incidents like this happened to other guests, not a good start.

2. Bungalo 9 did not have a deck out front, just a small awning & coral shingle floor, which were very hard on the feet. All other bungalos had roomy decks for the same price. Consequently we spent much time inside the bungalo. This bungalo should not be charged at the same rate as others.

3. On the whole very professional staff.

Hideaway Island is an excellent get away from Port Vila,though not too far out either,local buses are easly available.It may not be 5 star resort, but housekeeping is carried out daily. Our bungalow was more than accommodating! Enjoyed our stay immensely , will definitely return & recommend to family & friends.

Clean but basic accommodation. A Good place to stay for a few days to do the water based activities such as diving, snorkelling, canoeing and other. The water ran out a few times in our 4 day stay. This needs to get sorted out or you would only want a short stay on Hideaway then move to somewhere else for rest of holiday.

Absolutely fantastic place to stay, especially if you like to relax and be away from all the hustle and bustle. the owners were absolutely lovely and more then accommodating and welcoming. The staff went out of there way to be friendly and make your stay enjoyable as possible. A big thank you to Antwon, who showed us around Mele Village one day after he finished work as we missed out on the village tour. Don't make the mistake of thinking its a sand beach. its coral. so either take reef shoes or bear the pain. Don't plan on eating here every meal though. Although the food is delicious, there isn't much to choose from so you are better off catching the ferry accross to the beach bar as they have more selection. make sure you go here on a Friday night to see the fireshow. Karl at the beach bar is very helpful and will be more then happy to suggest tours for you to do etc.
All in all a fantastic place to stay.

Everything on the island was great. There was not a single incident or anything to complain about. The people were friendly, the food nice and the rooms well thought out. We can't wait to go back.