Barrier Beach

Relax and unwind at this tropical beach getaway in Vanuatu. The upcoming El-Nino Summer from Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 may bring warmer and drier conditions, potentially leading to drought if dry periods persist. It will be important to conserve water during this time. Solar panels may be particularly effective during an El-Nino period, and tourism is expected to thrive thanks to the splendid weather. Fishing opportunities will be abundant with sunny skies and favorable winds. For those interested in planting, it is recommended to grow summer fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and mangoes, as long as there is sufficient watering available. While Vanuatu may have a reduced risk of cyclones during this time, other areas like Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, and Niue to the east may experience adverse weather patterns. Trade winds in the equatorial region of the Tropical Pacific are expected to weaken. Recent weather events have shown the potential for extreme weather systems, with a category 5 storm originating from the East Pacific Equatorial area. The El-Nino conditions are expected to persist through at least April 2024, bringing changes in rainfall patterns and storm paths. Sea surface temperatures are forecasted to rise in specific areas during Summer 2024, particularly in the South Pacific region. The Northern Island chain is expected to experience the warmest sea temperatures, with the equatorial areas seeing the greatest warming.

The beach was absolutely stunning and the staff were incredibly friendly. We had a fantastic 7-night stay at a beach bungalow. The food was delicious and we met some really nice people staying at the resort. Despite the unexpected earthquakes, we handled it well. I highly recommend visiting Santo and staying at Barrier Beach Resort. And let's not forget to mention that all the staff were amazing. 💜💜

We stayed at the Barrier Beach Resort for four nights, booking a beachfront fare. The room was a bit dated but still comfortable, with a soft king-sized bed and flat pillows that could use an update. The gardens have grown in nicely, making the place feel lush and green. Unfortunately, our flights were cancelled by Air Vanuatu, causing us to arrive two days later than planned. The resort was unable to accommodate our change in dates or offer a refund for the missed nights. The manager, Wayne, was not willing to make an exception, which left us feeling undervalued as guests. In contrast, the resort we stayed at in Tanna was very accommodating when our flights were cancelled multiple times. They adjusted our booking dates and deducted food and beverage costs for the nights we couldn't use. Despite the issues with Air Vanuatu, we were disappointed with the lack of flexibility at Barrier Beach Resort. The beach was pretty, but the coral was not healthy and the water was cloudy during our stay, limiting visibility. The restaurant was decent, with a variety of cocktails and menu options like poulet and Santo beef. However, there were some odd charges for extras like bacon and tropical fruit, and scrambled eggs were not very appetizing. There were also additional charges for credit card payments and new rules in place, such as restrictions on using certain towels and consuming duty-free alcohol on the beach. Overall, we felt that the resort had lost some of its Melanesian charm in favor of investor returns.

Our family had a wonderful and relaxing holiday at this beach, which was a surprising and unique location. It was perfect for our teenage/young adult children, as it was away from the hustle and bustle and very quiet. We enjoyed snorkeling right outside our room and were able to see dugongs and turtles. The wait staff were friendly and genuine, and the management was kind and helpful. We had many unforgettable adventures during our stay, and our children loved the authentic experience. We spent a week there and it was truly a memorable vacation.

The resort has stunning beach views and offers the opportunity to snorkel at nearby reefs. The staff is friendly and the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and clean. However, the restaurant service can be slow at times and breakfast orders may be incomplete. Overall, it's a great place to spend a week.