Kooyu Villas

Kooyu Villas on Efate, Vanuatu: a tranquil family escape (review)

Located on Vanuatu’s main island of Efate, Kooyu Villas offers a slice of tropical paradise, perfect for families seeking a private and peaceful retreat. These luxurious villas combine traditional charm with modern amenities, creating a spacious haven for families. What initially attracted us to Kooyu Villas in Vanuatu was the waterfront location and the ability to self-cater with a full kitchen.

The location of Kooyu Villas

Kooyu Villas are located about a 15-20 minute drive from Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. This makes it a little too far out of the way to get to the shops on foot; however, if you’re happy to rent a car (like we did) or fork out for a driver/tour, the location is picture-perfect.

The Villas have around 100 metres of private beach frontage facing Mele Bay, and while the water level is a little too low for snorkelling at low tide, at high tide, it’s pretty amazing. The calm waters make it a great option for kids learning to snorkel, and for those too young, there is plenty of sand and shells to keep them occupied.

Kooyu Villas Vanuatu
Kooyu Villas, Vanuatu – all of the villas are beachfront and two have a private pool © Jessica Palmer

Accommodation features

Room types and sizes

Kooyu Villas in Efate, Vanuatu, has four villas, each separated by a wall covered in climbing vines for privacy. Two of the villas have a private pool, and all of them have additional sleeping quarters in a smaller, separate detached villa at the rear of the main villa. We chose one of the private pool villas for our family, and extended family members booked the non-pool villa right next door.

The extra sleeping villa is a great option for those with older kids or perhaps those travelling with extra family members, but as it’s detached from the main villa, it’s not suitable for those with younger kids. Younger kids can be accommodated on a stretcher/sofa bed in the main villa upon request.

Features and amenities

Each of the villas at Kooyu Villas, Vanuatu, have large living areas that fully open up to welcome the outdoors inside by sliding and stacking the glass, wood-framed doors. All villas face the ocean! The bedroom is separate from the living area, and all beds have mosquito nets. Although there is a bathroom inside the villa, there is also a large outside open-roof shower that’s great for getting the sand off before coming inside.

The detached villa has a few sleeping configuration options, but ours had a queen-sized bed as well as a single bed and a large bathroom.

Kooyu Villas Vanuatu
A detached smaller villa at Kooyu Villas, Vanuatu © Booking.com

The kitchen is beautiful with a long three-metre wooden table and everything you need to cook for your family once you’ve done some shopping. Although, when you arrive, you will find a baguette and locally grown fruits/vegetables on a table in the kitchen.

Each of the villas at Kooyu Villas in Vanuatu comes with free Wi-Fi, although it doesn’t work quite as well in the detached villa.

The property grounds

The grounds are well kept with established trees, footpaths made from natural materials, and vine-covered privacy walls between the villas. There is a communal firepit in the sand out the front, and the staff usually ensure that there is a stockpile of wood available for use.

Kooyu Villas Vanuatu
Communal fire-pit on the beach at Kooyu Villas, Vanuatu © Jessica Palmer

Dining options

Given that you’re not smack in the middle of Port Villa, restaurant options are limited. This means that Kooyu Villas is more suited to those happy to cook the majority of meals themselves. However, you can grab drinks next door at CoCo Beach Resort & Restaurant or just a short walk away at Paradise Cove Resort.

Staff and service

The staff at Kooyu Villas were welcoming, and there is a groundskeeper on-site at night should you have any problems. I had a bit of an issue when I first booked because the money was taken from my account twice, which was of concern. However, the staff were quick to apologise for the admin mistake and refunded the money ASAP.

Value for money


Kooyu Villas on the island of Efate in Vanuatu come with a luxury price tag. However, the villas are simply stunning, and when you pair that with the location, the snorkelling and the opportunity to swing in the front deck hammock with your partner once the kids are asleep, it makes a week here feel totally worth the splurge.

Kooyu Villas
Don’t let my love of Crocs (you either love them or hate them) put you off this stunning location at Kooyu Villas © Jessica Palmer

Overall experience of Kooyu Villas, Vanuatu

What we loved:

  • Beautifully designed villas.
  • Beachfront views.
  • Snorkelling is great out-front at high tide.

What could be better:

  • Limited dining options in the area.
  • For those needing extra beds, the detached villas are a little too far away for those with younger kids.

Do we recommend Kooyu Villas in Vanuatu for families?

Yes. Kooyu Villas is a fantastic choice for families seeking a luxurious and tranquil escape in Vanuatu. The spacious villas and waterfront location make it ideal for families with both younger and older children and provides a truly relaxing holiday for families needing the time and space to slow down for a week.

One special moment from our stay was watching the kids embrace the snorkelling. They had previously been quite scared but found the confidence to swim 100 metres out directly in front of the villa and follow the back edge of the reef around another 150 metres before coming back in. We saw a variety of coral and fish, including large blue starfish, and it was such a memorable experience.

Ratings:

Location

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Rooms

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Cleanliness

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Dining

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Staff and service

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Value for money

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Family-friendly

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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