Late last year, the resort started taking booking for stays from 1 April and, with the earlier opening, rooms are now available from 10 March, and the resort is celebrating with a generous opening special: a 30 per cent discount on a three night stay, or a 40 per cent discount on a seven night stay – with daily buffet breakfast included (deal expires 28 February 2017).
The first Ramada-branded property to open in Vanuatu, the 80-room Ramada Resort Port Vila is set on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon and will offer guests unobstructed views of the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of Erakor Island.
The AUD $30 million development is expected to employ about 120 people from 10 March and will use a team of approximately 200 across the entire construction phase. Currently, all key management positions with the resort are filled and the team is now focused on readying staff to provide personalised and memorable experiences from opening day.
Managing director George Dechaineux said it was a team effort to open the hotel early, something which has not typically happened with major developments in the South Pacific.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to complete all construction ahead of schedule and to the highest Australian, New Zealand and local standards. We are now fitting out the interior, completing landscaping and focusing on staff training,” Dechaineux said.
“We expect that the exceptional personalised service we will offer, coupled with our excellent location and state-of-the-art technology will be a big draw card. We look forward to welcoming our first guests.”
Located just five minutes from the heart of Port Vila and 15 minutes from Bauerfield International Airport, Ramada Resort Port Vila will offer studio rooms, junior suites and two-bedroom apartments. The resort will have an onsite restaurant and three bars showcasing the finest local produce and ingredients, a swimming pool, a gym and four conference rooms that can cater for up to 140 guests.