If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we just got back from Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, and there is one stop on that trip I cannot stop talking about: Ratua Private Island. We spent three nights here with my parents and all three kids for a proper multi-generational escape, and honestly, it might be one of the most special places we’ve ever stayed as a family. Three nights felt like the perfect taster, but if I’m being completely honest, I’d suggest booking five if you can. There is so much to do and so little reason to leave.
Getting there is half the adventure. You fly Solomon Airlines direct from Brisbane into Santo, and from there it’s about a 30 minute boat ride across glassy water to reach the island itself. Watching the kids’ faces as Ratua came into view, all palm trees and white sand with not another soul in sight, was worth the trip alone. If you’re flying in privately or from elsewhere in Vanuatu, the island actually has its own airstrip too, so there’s more than one way to arrive at this little slice of paradise.
Now let’s talk accommodation, because this is what really sets Ratua apart. We had a two bedroom villa for me and the kids, and my parents had their own one bedroom right nearby, which made it so easy to come together for meals and activities but still have our own space to retreat to at the end of the day. What makes the villas so special is their story. They aren’t your typical resort builds. These are genuine antique teak houses, some up to 200 years old, that were sourced from Lombok in Indonesia, carefully dismantled, shipped over, and lovingly reconstructed right here on Ratua. Every beam and panel has history in it. They’ve been fitted out with all the luxury you’d want, gorgeous bathrooms, comfy beds, private decks looking straight out to the water, but the bones of the place are pure heritage. It’s such a beautiful blend of barefoot luxury and old world soul, and honestly unlike anywhere else we’ve stayed.
The activities are where Ratua really won the kids (and let’s be honest, the grandparents too) over. We went swimming with the horses, not once but twice because once simply wasn’t enough, and it was hands down one of the most magical things we’ve done as a family. There’s something about being out in the water with these gentle giants that none of us will forget. We also did a trail ride across the island on horseback, winding through the lush greenery with glimpses of the coastline the whole way. For the water babies, there was kayaking and stand up paddle boarding right off the beach, and we spent an afternoon visiting the farm animals that roam freely around the island, because apparently Ratua is also home to chickens, goats, pigs and more, which the kids thought was the best surprise of the whole trip. Three nights barely scratched the surface of everything on offer, which is exactly why five nights is the move next time.
And then there’s the food. I genuinely cannot talk about Ratua without raving about it. Breakfast each morning is ordered from a menu, fresh and made to suit everyone, and lunch and dinner follow a daily set menu that changes depending on what’s been caught or harvested that day. Every single meal we had was incredible, fresh, full of flavour and clearly made with so much care. What I loved most was how well they cater for families. They happily adjusted meals for the kids and for different dietary requirements across our group without missing a beat, which as any travelling parent knows, makes all the difference.
Three generations, one tiny private island, three unforgettable nights, swimming with horses, antique villas with a story to tell, and some of the best food we’ve eaten on our travels. Ratua, you’ve absolutely earned your spot on our hearts (and our highlight reel), and we’ll be back for longer next time.
Find Ratua Private Island here:
Website: https://ratua.com
Instagram: @ratuaislandresort
This trip was a collaboration with Ratua Private Island, but I loved every second of our experience and all opinions here are genuinely my own.
Enjoy!
