The wedding market will be a key target for Tamanu on The Beach in Vanuatu when it reopens in December.
The resort has been closed since Cyclone Pam, soon after which it was sold. Although most of the existing bungalows had limited structural damage the new owners decided to totally revamp and extend before reopening.
Resort manager Virginia Shore says the existing five villas have been kept but the Tamanu that opens early next month will have a total of 15 villas, an extended restaurant, new pool area and an open air chapel which serves as an alternative to a wedding on the white sand beach.
‘Tamanu previously hosted 35 weddings a year and we are aiming to increase that number,’ says Shore. She says the chapel will double as a ‘chill-out’ area for guests and can also be utilised for private dinners.
She says the new Tamanu will sit at the four-star luxury end of the market in Vanuatu. ‘We’ll have 12 one-bedroom villas – one is a honeymoon villa with a plunge pool – and three two-bedrooms, all with a plunge pool.’
Shore adds that a key attribute for the resort is its white sandy beach – one of the best on the island of Efaté.
The new restaurant will be al fresco and Shore says the resort was always known for its food and service before it closed. ‘It’s a great place for a long lunch.’