culture
Vanuatu
A guide to the archipelago in the South Pacific, by mother, cook and recipe writer Carter Were.
culture
Vanuatu
A guide to the archipelago in the South Pacific, by mother, cook and recipe writer Carter Were.
Fig 1.
STAY AT HOTEL SANTO
Fly to Espiritu Santo and spend a night at Hotel Santo in Luganville. It has been around since the 1970’s and has not changed.
Fig 2.
EXPLORE THE LUGANVILLE MARKET
Walk to the local market for organic produce and market meals.
Fig 3.
GO DRESS SHOPPING
Walk to the craft shops, where you'll find the local island girl dresses. Every girl, young and old, wears these dresses daily — to church or to a celebration. I wore one the entire trip and brought some home with me.
Fig 4.
SWIM IN THE BLUE HOLES
Drive north roughly 30 minutes to one of Vanuatu's famed "Blue Holes." The fresh (not salty) water is refreshing but not cold, with an abundance of fish. The colors are incredible.
Fig 5.
RENT A LOCAL BUNGALOW
Next, relocate to one of the family-run beach bungalows on the seaside. Every one has a restaurant, and they will cook for you.
Fig 6.
EAT FRESH SEAFOOD
Most local restaurants serve fresh fish daily, like this amazing prawn and coconut curry from a beachside spot.
Fig 7.
RELAX AT PORT ORLY BEACH
Spend time on the beach, swim in the clear blue seas, and be sure to drink a fresh coconut each day.
Fig 8.
VISIT A CAVA BAR
Drink kava with the locals at a kava bar. Made from a root ground into a drink, kava has a calming, almost meditative effect — it's a nightly ritual for many locals, and sharing a bottle is one of the best ways to fall into local rhythm.