Accommodation
If pre-arranged, NPH has a number of dormitory-style and self contained unit accommodation offered to volunteer doctors & nurses situated on site. There are also many nearby hotels. The closest hotel accommodation to the Northern District Hospital is Deco Stop Lodge, a three star lodge right opposite NPH hospital. Located on the hillside it offers un-interruptuded panoramic views of segond channel from the poolside deck. Run by Australian expats Kim and Ben Healy. A little overpriced and remote. Non air-conditioned double bedroom (queen bed) with basic tea & coffee facilities, private shower/toilet and ceiling fan costs VAT 14,400 (AUD $ 169) a night, (stay 6 nights pay 5). There are nine double air-con rooms (queen bed) costing 157,600 (AUD $ 183) a night, (stay 6 nights pay 5). This includes daily breakfast. For information contact deco@vanuatu.com.vu or phone +678 36175 or call (mobile) +678 5537175.
The Espiritu Hotel is a three star hotel for $150 a night 800 metres walk from the hospital located right on the busy main road. It is the most luxurious of the hotels with reasonably priced air-conditioned single, double and family rooms. It has a lovely restaurant serving continental and Thai food.
Luganvilla hotel is 600 metres from the hospital, and although “four star”, the large pool was green with algae when we visited, and it is a little “sterile” lacking the authentic island charm of some of the other smaller three star hotels and lodges. The Chinese restaurant third floor of Luganville hotel is said to be the best in town, although be prepared to wait up to 1.5 hours for your meal.
Village De Santo Resort is a three star lodge packed with authentic pacific-island charm and located on the beach the other side of town, being 1.5 km from the hospital costing only $150 a night. It does not offer airconditioning, but its rooms are well ventilated with high ceiling fans keeping it cool. The rooms also all surround the central swimming pool, a great escape from the heat. It is also famous for its 1606 restaurant providing a wide range of menu options including continental, French, and Portuguese food produced by head chef Charlie Lenghety.
Village de Santo Resort.
Aore Island Resort is a 10 minute ferry ride from the main KP wharf. Ferries leave 5 times a day and are free, the earliest ferry at 7am, the last ferry at 4pm. Its non-airconditioned rooms are similar to those found at resorts in Luganville. Its remoteness is the main disadvantage, but it does have a number of free activities including paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkling right off the resort deck.
