Review: Is Breakas Beach Resort Worth It in Vanuatu?
With so many resort options on the Island of Efate or near Port Vila, it can be hard to know which ones offer real value and which are just photogenic on Instagram. The Breakas Beach Resort in Port Vila seemed to fit the bill perfectly for us, especially being an Adults-Only Resort.
But is it worth the cost? What’s the food like? Are the beachfront fares as dreamy as they look in photos? Today’s post will cover just that, including the location, facilities, and nearby activities. Along with practical advice, and ultimately, finding out if it’s the resort for you.
So, if you’re a couple or honeymooner looking for an intimate resort away from the crowds, the following review will give you an honest look at what to expect. Because sometimes, the truth is even better than the brochure.
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My Breakas Beach Resort Review!
When Matt and I planned our trip to Vanuatu, we knew we wanted a relaxing getaway with beachfront views. Therefore, the Breakas Beach Resort got us curious, being located on Pango Road, and tucked away along a quiet stretch of coastline on the island of Efate.
Just briefly, it offers southern beachside views of the Pacific Ocean, a beautiful infinity pool, and an open-air design that makes you feel immersed in the natural surroundings. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a tropical drink and warm smiles, and we knew we were in for something special.
➡ Book the Breakas Beach Resort HERE on Booking.com
We spent an entire week at this ADULTS-only resort just outside of Port Vila, and it turned out to be a blend of barefoot luxury and laid-back island charm.
Our Overall Review
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our booking our stay at Breakas Beach Resort. It offered the perfect mix of relaxation, beachfront beauty, and a uniquely Vanuatu-style experience.
Would we stay again? YES, we would, although next time, we’d take a bit more time to learn the local bus network so we could head out on more spontaneous adventures around Port Vila.
Who should consider booking? I think this resort is best suited for couples or honeymooners looking for a quiet, adults-only environment.
It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind with your feet in the sand, but still have access to day tours and nearby attractions when you’re ready for some adventure.
Plus, even in a short amount of time, we met more than six other like-minded couples, whom we met every afternoon in the bar. Turning out to be a big social affair!
We paid an estimate $250AUD per night (including Breakfast) for a Garden Bungalow. In terms of value for money, I think Breakas sits in the mid-to-high range to what I’m use to. Although, the initial room rate seemed reasonable compared to a lot of resorts in the area.
It was unfortunately, the cost of daily drinks, meals, and extras that added up quickly on our room account. And overall, I would consider an expensive holiday!
I’m not sure I would say it’s the best choice for budget travellers, but for those wanting something a little more romantic and peaceful, it’s worth the splurge, especially if you can snag a good deal that includes breakfast.
Pros and Cons to Staying here?
Like any resort, Breakas Beach Resort has its highlights and trade-offs. Here’s what stood out during our stay:
✅ Pros:
- Beachfront Resort – Ocean views, tropical gardens, and sunsets right from the pool or bar.
- Location – Being a little further out of town meant fewer crowds, more privacy, and a much more tranquil beachfront experience compared to resorts closer to town.
- Adults-only peace and quiet – No Children under 15 are allowed. We did see one family with older teens (16 & 17yo), but the overall vibe is calm and relaxed.
- Comfortable open-air feel – The traditional thatched bungalows and open-air bathrooms give it a unique, tropical charm.
- The Infinity Pool – The stunning infinity pool, which seems to spill effortlessly into the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean beyond.
- I felt the resort was Safe and Welcoming for first-time visitors to Vanuatu.
➡ Book the Breakas Beach Resort HERE on Booking.com
❌ Cons:
- No air conditioning – This wasn’t an issue for us during the cooler season (June), as the shutter windows allowed for a lovely breeze and the ceiling fan kept air circulating. However, in the hotter, more humid months, this could be a deal-breaker for some travellers.
- Beach not ideal for swimming at all times – At low tide, the lagoon is too shallow for swimming, more suited to wading or relaxing. High tide is better, but you’ll need reef shoes due to the rocky seabed.
- Not walkable to Port Vila town – The location is more secluded, so you’ll need to rely on local buses, taxis, or tours to get into town or explore the island.
- For day tours and transfers, Breakas was often the first to be picked up and the last to be dropped off, so we did spend extra time in the Bus, taxiing from one resort to another.
- While a solo traveller could enjoy the peace and setting, this might NOT be the most social or interactive environment if you’re hoping to meet other Solo travellers.
How far is it from the airport?
Breakas Beach Resort is located about 20–25 mins from the Port Vila Bauerfield International Airport. However, this can easily turn into 45 minutes to 1 hour with Peak Hour Traffic through town and the shocking amount of potholes in the road slowing you down.
When looking at a map, you can see it’s one of the more distant resorts from the Port Vila city centre.
But honestly, the peaceful setting more than made up for the “out-of-way” location. The adults-only atmosphere was the main reason we booked here, and it delivered with no kids screaming by the pool, just the sound of the ocean and rustling palm trees.
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Breakas Beach Resort Accommodation?
Breakas Beach Resort offers two main types of accommodation:
- The traditional Garden Bungalows. This is what we stayed in (cheaper cost), and we were very happy with the choice.
- and the beachfront fares.(Facing towards the beach)
It was only a quick two-minute walk to both the beach and the main restaurant and pool area, so we never felt too far from the action, while still enjoying a little more privacy.
Honestly, I didn’t see any difference between the room types, just where they were positioned in the resort ( Beach views or no Beach views)
With that said, Breakas is NOT five star luxury and there were definitely areas that were a little run down (in our room and around the resort). Given their location and yearly cyclonic activity, it didn’t surprise me, but also didn’t affect my overall experience at the resort.
➡ Find Port Vila Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG
What was Our Room like?
The room layout was open and airy, with a simple yet tropical design that suits the island vibe perfectly. The entry opened directly into the sleeping area, with a large bed draped in a mosquito net and a separate doorway leading to the open-air bathroom at the back.
The bathroom featured a portion of the shower opened to the elements (like what we had in Fiji at the Uprising resort). It was still private, rustic, and definitely a unique island experience.
That said, be mindful of the bugs. We learned quickly to keep the doors closed between rooms after finding a wasp on my pillow one night. The mosquito net became our best friend, especially at night.
The bed itself was medium-soft and surprisingly comfortable, definitely a step up from the rock-hard mattresses we’ve come across in parts of Asia.
While there wasn’t air conditioning, the open shutter-style windows and the fan provided excellent airflow, keeping the room cool even during warmer evenings. On the downside, the open design also meant you could hear more outside noise, including the occasional tipsy neighbour making their way back to their room late at night.
➡ Book the Breakas Beach Resort HERE on Booking.com
The biggest flaw for us was the hot water, as it was a bit hit and miss during our stay. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not. But with the tropical weather being so warm, a cool shower wasn’t really a problem.
We didn’t get to choose our specific room, but we were still very happy with where we were placed. If you’re after direct ocean views, it’s worth requesting one of the beachfront fares. But honestly, the whole resort has a peaceful vibe no matter where you stay.
They even have a small water bowl at your door to clean the sand off your feet before entering your room. Truthfully, this is a MUST DO to stop the sand from getting into your room.
Note: Some people prefer Fiji for its resorts, while others love the raw adventure of Vanuatu, if you’re unsure, I’ve written a guide to Fiji versus Vanuatu for your first holiday.
Additional Room Facilities
As for other amenities, the room came thoughtfully equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. We had a kettle with a small selection of tea and coffee, as well as cups, mugs, and even a couple of wine glasses for a relaxing drink on the patio.
There was a small fridge stocked with fresh water and milk, and just outside, a table and chairs made it easy to enjoy a couple of drinks or unwind in the open air.
Extra touches included a hairdryer, laundry service bags, an iron and board, plus a safe for valuables. For groups, there was a convenient third bed tucked into the layout.
We appreciated the clothes hangers and practical items like bug spray and mosquito coils, which were essential given the island’s lively insect life.
The bathroom was stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, but I still brought my own.
How are the Breakas Beach Resort Facilities?
First Impressions
Our First impressions were warm and welcoming.
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a refreshing drink, a beautiful shell necklace, and friendly smiles from the staff.
A local porter quickly helped with our bags and led us down the sandy pathways to our room, setting the tone for our stay.
The Infinity Pool
One of the standout features at Breakas Beach Resort is the amazing infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. It was my main draw-card for booking this resort and a highlight in the late afternoons for pre-dinner drinks.
Unfortunately, the pool isn’t heated, so if you’re visiting in the middle of Vanuatu’s winter (like we did), you’ll probably find yourself swimming only during the warmer parts of the day.
➡ Book this Resort HERE on Booking.com
The Beach
At low tide, the view from the pool isn’t as picturesque due to the exposed reef, but evenings by the pool were pure magic, with soft lighting, the sound of waves, and a cocktail in hand.
The beach itself is just a few steps from the pool and is swimmable, though reef shoes are a must for walking in and around the water. The rocky shoreline and patches of coral make it a little tricky underfoot.
Snorkelling is possible right from the beach, and we actually saw quite a few pipefish (something we’ve rarely spotted without scuba diving). Most of the coral and the drop-off is further out from the beach.
The Drop-off is better viewed at Low tide, but it does make it a little harder to access by walking over coral first. Also, be mindful of the local fishermen casting lines along the shore and keep away from them when swimming around.
Breakas also offers a few extras like free snorkel gear (shoes, mask, snorkel and fins), but we brought our own and we’re glad we did. The resort gear had definitely seen better days and didn’t seal as well as we needed.
Resort Bar & Lounge
The beachside bar and lounge area was another one of our favourite spots to relax.
The bar opens a little before lunch, and you can order drinks or meals from the comfort of the sun loungers, which are scattered across the sand beside the pool.
Service was friendly and relaxed, and the vibe was just right, with easy-going music playing in the background. One time, I was so relaxed, I even took a quick nap on the chairs with music and people talking around me.
What the Breakfast Buffet like?
We included the Breakfast Buffet when booking the Breakas Beach Resort, and we’d definitely recommend choosing a deal that offers it. Not all booking platforms include it by default, but we managed to get it free through the Booking.com Genius program.
Surprisingly, this deal ended up being a better, than booking directly with the resort.
Just be aware that the included breakfast is continental only. It consists of a small but decent spread of fresh fruit, Toast, cereal, yogurt, bread, and spreads, with pancakes and maple syrup as the only hot item.
While basic, it was enough to start the day without needing to order extras.
If you’re after more protein or cooked choices, you can always order from the à la carte menu, which offers full breakfasts and hot meals, but the prices can add up quickly, so we stuck to the free options.
Just to estimate some item Prices:
- Coffee $6.50 AUD
- Big Breakfast $25AUD
- 2 eggs and Toast $8.50AUD
- Omelette $19AUD
Lunch / Dinner Experience?
Lunch and dinner are available daily, with an à la carte menu and occasional themed buffet nights.
We tried the local Melanesian Feast for a cultural experience, but at around AUD $48 per person (3800VT) for the Buffet Dinner, it felt a little overpriced for what you got.
In hindsight, a wood-fired pizza from the regular menu probably would’ve been the better value. But, between the Pizza, The Burgers, Calamari and Fries, it was all average quality and suitable to crave your hunger.
Just to estimate some item Prices:
- Fries $10AUD
- Garlic Bread $9AUD
- Burgers & wraps $20AUD
- Beer Battered Fish $23AUD
- Pizza’s $20 to $25AUD
- Main Dinner meal $38AUD
Note: Watch out for the resident Cat roaming at your feet for food. We saw him ALL the time!
Dinner Shows & Entertainment
Honestly, the nightly entertainment really made dinner time, all the more exciting.
The resort often features FREE live island music and cultural fire dance shows during dinner, which were a real highlight. The energy and performance on the night we attended were fantastic.
However, if you’re after the best fire show in Port Vila, many locals and guests recommend the one at The Beach Bar in Mele Bay, which is known to be a bigger, more dramatic performance.
➡ Book the Beach Resort HERE on Booking.com
Tour Desk
The Tour Desk staff can help book local tours, activities, and day trips around Efate. They are only open from 8 to 5 every day, and this was the only way to book our Lelepa Island Tour for snorkelling.
There are options to hire a scooter from here too, but if you want to explore the island, I don’t recommend it. The roads around Efate are rough and full of potholes, which would make riding a scooter unsafe and stressful.
We actually saw one young guy having a lot of trouble meandering around the holes.
Know that Hiring a Car, booking a private Driver, or purchasing organise Tours will offers more comfort and protection.
Is there Wifi?
There is Free (or included) Wi-Fi Available in common areas like the restaurant and bar, but connection is not available in your hotel room.
You needed a new Wi-Fi access code every 24 hours (for each device, too), but it was easy to get from reception. It was good enough for email and tour confirmation, but you can use a data eSIM if you need more speed or data.
Other Facilities
- On-site Spa: Massage and wellness treatments are available for those looking to unwind even further.
- Laundry Service: Available for a fee and convenient if you’re staying more than a few days.
- Library & Lounge Area: A small selection of books and a quiet space to relax if the weather turns.
- Daily Housekeeping: Rooms can be serviced daily and kept clean and tidy with fresh towels and linen. We used the “Do not disturb” card for most days.
- Parking: Limited Free parking is available if you’re hiring a car during your stay.
- Reception: Front desk staff are available from 6am to 10pm, but you can chat to the security guards onsite with emergencies outside of those times.
- ATM in Lobby: Handy for getting cash and essential for local markets, some local tours, and small shops that don’t accept cards. But be careful of your issuing card fees and use it sparingly.
- Airport Transfers: Can be arranged through the hotel, but we found it cheaper to book independently. Plus, our shared shuttle ended up being private anyway.
- Power Points: Rooms are fitted with standard Australian 3-prong (Type I) sockets, so no adapter is needed for Aussie travellers.
- There were about five kayaks available for guest use, and they were a great way to explore the shallows or just drift around for a bit.
- There’s a small Convenience shop just across the road where we picked up bottled water (cheaper than the hotel), snacks, and essentials throughout the week.
- You could also catch the local Public Bus Transport right outside the resort gate (about $3 to $4 AUD) if you wanted to head into town (Marked with a “B” on the number plate). This makes getting around easy and budget-friendly, and you can flag one down directly from the resort gate.
Things to do on the Island of Efate?
With only a week in Port Vila, we couldn’t squeeze in everything, but we did manage to tick off some of the top highlights, and there’s plenty more we’d go back for!
You can read this post on the best attractions in Port Vila for more details, but some of the highlights are:
➡ Find Port Vila Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG
- the beautiful Blue Lagoon for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters,
- the lush rainforest and waterfall cascades of Eden on the River,
- Soak in the Nasinu Hot Springs
- Or a ferry trip over to Hideaway Island, where you can snorkel and even post a letter from the world’s only underwater post office.
- Visit the local Tanna Coffee production and purchase product to take home.
- Get picked up from your Hotel, to feel the adrenaline rush on a 6 Jungle Zipline course and walking over the Skybridge walkway with view of Mele Bay.
- Explore the Handicraft Markets, shop for souvenirs or try local food.
- Take a snorkelling and village tour to Lelepa Island.
While the resort itself feels secluded, you won’t find much to do within walking distance. Just know, we mostly relied on pre-booked tours in Port Vila, which included hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Local Restaurants & Tips?
We noticed quite a few guests heading into town most evenings for dinner.
With local buses stopping right outside the resort, it’s easy and cheap to reach some great restaurants in Port Vila. Popular choices include:
Eating in town can sometimes work out cheaper than dining at the resort, so it gives you options and allows you to try a wider variety of food.
If you’re planning a stay, here are a few things we learned that might help you make the most of your trip to Vanuatu:
- Best time to visit: The winter months between April and September will have more comfortable weather, with warm days and cooler nights without extreme humidity. The summer months from December to March fall within Vanuatu’s cyclone and wet season, which can bring heavy rain, high heat, and less predictable travel conditions.
- Booking tips: I know it’s always worth shopping around. While we initially looked at booking directly with the resort, we actually found a better deal through Booking.com, mainly thanks to the level 2 Genius loyalty perks, which included free breakfast and a slightly lower room rate. I recommend comparing all your options before you commit.
- What to pack: Bring reef shoes for exploring in or around the ocean, or use the free hotel supplies. We also recommend packing your own snorkel gear if you have it. While the resort offers some for free, having your own makes for a better fit and experience.
- Ideal length of stay: We spent a whole week in Port Vila, and it felt just right. It gave us enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy a few tours, and still relax without feeling rushed. Obviously, you can stay longer for much more downtime.
Wrap up & Read More!
In the end, I would recommend staying at Breakas Beach Resort, just south of Port Vila’s town centre. It was a beautiful, peaceful way and an ideal base to experience the entire Island of Efate.
While it ended up not being the most budget-friendly option, it was a fantastic choice for us “as a couple”, when looking for a romantic, tropical getaway.
However, if you’re still in research mode, please be sure to check out my related posts on Vanuatu here. This will help you make the most of your time in this incredible island destination.
