When travellers search for “Aore Island Resort”, many expect to find a single resort owning and operating the entire island. The truth is more exciting: Aore is a 58 square kilometre island in northern Vanuatu, home to villages, expat houses, cattle stations, and several accommodation options ranging from resorts to private Airbnbs . The well-known resort is just one piece of a much larger and more diverse island story.

A Big Island with More Than a Resort

Aore lies directly across the channel from Luganville on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s second largest town. Just a 10-minute boat ride connects you to shops, markets, schools, and Santo’s airport.

The island itself is far from small. At 58 km², Aore is larger than many people realise. It supports several villages, over 500 permanent residents, plantations, cattle farms, and dozens of expat homes. While Aore Island Resort is the most recognised brand name, it does not own the island. Instead, Aore is a living community where tourism, farming, and local life mix side by side.

Resorts as Gateways

Aore Island Resort serves as a gateway for travellers who want a comfortable base. It offers diving packages, day tours, and villas, and it plays an important role in the local economy. But it is not the only option. There are multiple resorts, lodges, and Airbnbs on the Beachfront on Aore and nearby islands. From rustic bungalows and forest huts to architect-designed villas, visitors can stay in a range of accommodation styles. Airbnb shows a surprising spread of independent homes, many built by expats who leased land and created rental properties. This variety of options proves that Aore is not a “resort island” but a multi-layered destination.

Villages, Plantations, and Cattle Stations

Away from the beaches, Aore Island is home to traditional villages where Ni-Vanuatu families live much as they have for generations. Farming, fishing, and community life define the rhythm. Further inland, large cattle stations supply beef to Santo and beyond. Aore has a history of plantations, and while some have shifted in use, the agricultural backbone remains. Expats, too, have developed pockets of land into family homes, retirement retreats, or holiday rentals. The result is a diverse island where you can find both luxury villas and working farms within a short boat ride of one another.

Aore’s Appeal for Travellers

For tourists, Aore offers both luxury and authenticity. Stay at a resort if you prefer full service, or book an Airbnb for independence. From either base, you can explore Vanuatu’s most famous attractions:

The SS President Coolidge wreck – one of the world’s best dives, just off Santo.
Champagne Beach and the Blue Holes – postcard-perfect and world-renowned.
Millennium Cave – an adventure trek that shows Vanuatu’s rugged beauty.

The convenience is unmatched. You can spend the day snorkelling reefs or diving wrecks, then be back on Aore for sunset drinks within minutes.

Expats and Community Life

Many expats choose Aore for its balance of privacy and accessibility. Properties range from small beachside cottages to expansive villas with private jetties. Daily life is built around the sea boating, fishing, and snorkelling are common routines. Unlike Bali’s tourist-dense districts or Thailand’s crowded hubs, Aore offers a slower, cleaner, and safer lifestyle. The sense of community is strong, with locals and expats often gathering for barbecues, diving trips, or casual evenings around kava .

Why the “Resort Owns the Island” Idea Persists

Part of Aore’s branding problem is visibility. The resort is the most searchable name, so many assume it controls the island. In fact, Aore is fragmented into leasehold parcels, villages, plantations, and small holdings. The presence of multiple Airbnbs, lodges, and independent homes shows that visitors have choice. The resort is a key piece of infrastructure, but not the whole story.

Investment and Airbnb Growth

Airbnb is booming on Aore. Expats lease land, build homes, and list them for short-term rental. This offers travellers more options and provides income for owners.

Compared with Bali and Thailand, where property costs have soared, Aore remains affordable. Small parcels start from AUD $15,000–$30,000, with waterfront leases still a fraction of Asian resort prices. Tourism demand is steady, thanks to Santo’s attractions and direct flights from Australia.

The Takeaway

The global hunt for affordable island property is intensifying, but Bali and Thailand are now pricing out many would-be buyers. Vanuatu, however, still offers cheap property opportunities that are legally secure, financially accessible, and set in a cleaner, safer environment. With vendor finance options, direct lease ownership for foreigners, and entry points starting from AUD $15,000, Vanuatu stands as one of the last true frontiers for affordable island living in 2025.