ect a good feast: the food here is absolutely exquisite, a testament not only to talented local chefs but also to the profusion of fresh ingredients that grow on this fertile archipelago.

Warm and welcoming, with a rich and sometimes mysterious traditional culture, the ni-Vanuatu people greet visitors as friends and are keen to share stories about their country, which was declared the happiest nation on the planet in 2006. The Happy Planet Index hasn’t bestowed this title on Vanuatu since, but it’s still pretty jovial by all accounts.

Tourism in Vanuatu is largely centred on the islands of Tanna, Espiritu Santo and Efaté, with most international visitors arriving on the latter. From here it is easy to travel by boat or plane to the rest of the country, which caters for travellers of all stripes. Sure, it’s skewed to the well-heeled, but amongst the high-end beach resorts are a smattering of wallet-friendly options. Proof that paradise needn’t break the bank.

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