Rocky Ridge Bungalows, Tanna, Vanuatu
December 2012: I rate Rocky Ridge Bungalows a full five shells! It's the best ni-Van owned accommodation I have stayed in on Tanna. Features four very clean and comfortable bungalows including a family bungalow and some romantic couples bungalows. Each has a veranda and an ensuite with immaculate flush toilets and... OMG... HOT WATER SHOWERS!!! Combine all those luxuries with fabulous food, a private and pristine environment, excellent service, blue hole for snorkelling just out the front and this is amazing value for money.
Footage is a little dark in places - sorry about that, but worth a look if you want to see inside the bungalow.
Hosts are Tom and Margaret Naieu; +678 5417220 (preferred contact) or 5630028. Tom runs all tours, he picked us up from the airport (10 minutes up the road), took us over to the Yasur area, stood patiently waiting for us as we explored the markets and escorted us to a John Frum night as well. They are lovely, friendly people who will go out of their way to arrange your requests.
We loved Rocky Ridge so much that we cut our stay short on the other side of the island just so that we could come back here for one more night.
I've stayed at White Grass Ocean Resort next door on a previous trip and though it is beautiful, Rocky Ridge is much better value for money and a more authentic experience! Cost is about 10000 vu (AU$120) per night for the whole family bungalow (which sleeps five people) including breakfast or about 6000 vu per couples bungalow. I can't wait to go back! Next time I'll stay in the brand new bungalow they have just built at the front with incredible water views.