Imagine a sunset where the sky blazes with vivid violet and Irn-Bru orange, reflected in the azure waters of a secluded bay. This was the breathtaking scene that greeted journalist Sadie Whitelocks upon landing in Vanuatu in January 2026, but the true surprise was the price tag: a night in this South Pacific paradise can cost as little as £20.
A Last-Minute Bargain in Paradise
While on a visit to Sydney, Whitelocks booked a spontaneous 24-hour trip to the pint-sized tropical nation of Vanuatu. Expecting the hefty costs associated with remote island getaways—like the £1,000-a-night overwater villas of the Maldives—she stumbled upon the Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Reserve. To her astonishment, a night's stay was priced at just £55.
The resort, a lush circular outcrop framed by white sand and coral shores, offered basic but charming accommodation. Options ranged from single bedrooms and dorms to private villas, with the price including a ten-minute motorboat transfer from the mainland. Facilities on the island included a restaurant, bar, and a dive centre, proving the setting was far from basic.
The Journey and First Impressions
Reaching Vanuatu from the UK is no small feat, typically involving a 30 to 40-hour journey via hubs in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand to the capital, Port Vila. However, from Sydney, Whitelocks secured a return flight with Jetstar for just over £200. The flight time was a brief one hour and 20 minutes.
Arriving in Vanuatu's warm tropical air—a welcome contrast to the Australian winter—she withdrew local currency, vatu, at the airport due to scarce ATMs. A serendipitous taxi ride introduced her to a driver named Fred, who not only delivered her to the boat transfer but also arranged a day tour of the main island, Éfaté, for £35 the following morning.
The short boat ride to Hideaway Island was mesmerising, with crystal-clear water revealing tropical fish darting below. Greeted with a fruit punch and shown to her room, Whitelocks found a simple space with a shared shower block but a priceless asset: a veranda with glorious views over the water.
Exploring a Tropical Wonderland
The compact island offered immediate immersion in nature. Winding paths led through palms and fragrant flowers to astonishing sights, including a giant banyan tree with roots hanging like tentacles—reportedly larger than a football field.
As evening fell, a prime beach spot provided a front-row seat to the spectacular sunset, accompanied by fresh fish and a rum and Coke. The atmosphere among the mix of guests was blissfully calm.
The following day's tour with Fred showcased Éfaté's highlights: a swim in the crystalline waters of the unmarked Blue Lagoon, cocktails at Banana Bay Beach Club, and a wander through the bustling food market in Port Vila.
Vanuatu's dry season, from late April to September, is the most popular time to visit, but with only around 45,000 tourist arrivals each year, it never feels crowded. Budget travellers may find deals in the wet season (October to March), though this brings higher humidity and a risk of storms.
For Whitelocks, the whirlwind 24-hour escape felt dreamlike. Proof remained in a hand-woven bracelet from the market and a golden tan that sparked envy back in Sydney—a compelling testament that a castaway adventure need not cost a fortune.
