Welcome to Beachfront on Aore, part of the Phoenix Plantation Aore

There is a quiet hum that lives in the timbers of this house  the sound of the sea, the trees, and the hands that built it.

Beachfront on Aore was not made by a machine or by contractors from afar. It was raised by local builders who work with the rhythm of the island. Every pole was lifted by hand, every bamboo strip woven with patience, and every joint measured with instinct.

The house was born from a dream  a dream carried by a family who wanted something honest, simple and free.

The land was bought not simply as an investment, but as a chance to start fresh. To live off-grid, to grow food from the soil, to wake up with the waves, and to share that life with others.

It was meant to become a forever home for their son, Phoenix  a young man with salt in his hair, the sea in his heart, and a sense of adventure.

While his mother worked overseas in the Middle East during COVID, they spoke often about one day living together in Vanuatu, where the air is soft and the world feels real.

Before that dream could take form, Phoenix passed away at the age of 24.

He left behind a vision: a life built by hand, lived with purpose, and shared with kindness.

So this home became more than timber and nails. It became a promise.

The family worked with local craftsmen to bring the idea to life exactly as they had imagined it, and as Phoenix had imagined it  simple, open, strong and filled with light.

No walls to separate the breeze from the sea. No concrete to shut out the world. Just a home living in rhythm with the ocean, the jungle and the people who live nearby.

Beachfront on Aore stands now as a home, a legacy and a memorial  a place to rest, reflect and reconnect.

Guests often tell us that the house feels alive, as though it is listening. The floorboards creak like old friends, the breeze whispers through the palms, and the sunsets remind you that life does not have to be loud to be full.

We also try to respect the Vanuatu culture and the community around us. On Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, you may hear local church singing carrying across the island. It is part of life here and part of what makes Aore what it is.

The island becomes especially quiet on weekends, as many local families attend church for much of Saturday and Sunday. The local chiefs have asked that our guests respect their culture and way of life, and for that reason we generally limit weekend transfers to arrivals and departures only.

This is very much in line with our own values, and with Phoenix’s vision:

Live simply, so others can simply live.

We look forward to welcoming you to our home, and we hope you enjoy Beachfront on Aore as much as we do.

We hope you reconnect with the simplicity of life and enjoy our home

The Murray Family x

Emergency & Useful Contacts

WhatsApp or Call +678 7342101

• House Mumma:  Lian 
• House Maintenance : David
• Aore Transfer Taxi: Julie 

Office hours:

•  7:00 am–3:00 pm, 
• Monday to Friday. 
• Messages outside these hours will  be answered the next working day.

📍After-hours emergencies will be answered. An emergency means something requiring immediate help, such as:

• Serious illness or injury
• Fire
• Someone unconscious or in immediate danger
• Major accident
• Serious security issue
• Cyclone, tsunami or earthquake requiring urgent action

Emergency Services – Santo

• Police:  1111 
• Police  Santo non-emergency: 36 222
• Fire: 113  
• Fire Service Santo: 36 333  
• Maritime emergency: 114  
• ProMedical Ambulance: 115  
• Northern Provincial Hospital, Luganville: +678 36 345 
• For serious medical emergencies or medevac assistance, contact ProMedical on 115. 
• ProMedical operates in Santo and provides emergency ambulance and medical evacuation support. 

Cyclones, Earthquakes & Tsunami Information

• For official cyclone, earthquake, tsunami and other geohazard information, follow the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD)
•  During a serious event, follow official VMGD, Police and disaster-management instructions. 

Note on Local Culture:

• We respect local working hours and customs, so unless something is urgent, please keep housekeeping requests brief and make them during the day.
• Our local team finishes at 4:00 pm so they have time to prepare their own homes and families before dark. 
• Local families carry water by hand, cook over an open fire, and do not have mains power or running water.
• Please help us respect local life and culture by keeping non-urgent requests within normal working hours and allowing staff to finish on time.

Aore Island is beautiful, quiet and very different from staying in town. A few things are worth knowing before you arrive.

Getting here

• You can arrive in Vanuatu via Port Vila and connect to Santo, or fly directly into Santo/Luganville.

Boats

• Regular island transfers run Monday to Friday, between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. 
• Outside those hours, a local boat can usually be arranged.

Food

• There are no public restaurants on Aore Island. 
• The main supermarkets are in Santo, so most guests shop before crossing to Aore. 
• Local mamas can also provide a tiffin meal service from AUD $15 per person.

Internet

• We use Starlink. It generally works well, but this is an island, so occasional drop-outs and slower periods can happen.

Power

The house is **solar-powered**, so power works a little differently from a city home.

Getting around

• There is no public transport network on Aore. 
• Getting around is by boat, walking, bike or arranged local transport.

Weekends

• Saturday and Sunday are much quieter on Aore because of local church and community customs.
• Transfers are more limited on weekends at request of local chiefs
• However, airport transfers are accomodated. 

Weather

• November to February is generally hotter and less windy.  
• February to October is usually cooler and windier.

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Getting to Aore Island

Getting from Santo to Aore Island is easier than it may first seem. There are many different ways to get here, from a fully organised airport transfer to catching a local taxi and meeting the island transfer.

Option 1 

*Managed Airport Transfer

Let us coordinate your complete transfer from Santo Airport through to your holiday home on Aore Island.

Cost:  A$110  (approx VT8,500) per group 

Includes:

• Airport pickup to shopping area in town.
•  Luggage coordination
• Approx 1 hour to shop in Luganville while your driver waits  for you with your luggage.
• Boat connection to Aore Island
• Transfer through to your holiday home

Option 2 

Make your own way to  the Aore Wharf in Santo.

If you prefer to arrange your own road transport from the airport and make your way to the Aore Wharf on Santo. You can book either the:

*Scheduled Shared Transfer:  

• Departs 3:00 PM 
• A$25.00 (approx VT2,000) per group
• Runs Monday to Friday 

*Private Island Transfer

• Departs: between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM
• A$45.00 (approx VT3,500) per group
• Runs Monday to Friday 

**Outside these hours is by prior arrangement.

BOOK: 

• WhatsApp: +678 7342101
• Email: info@vanuatuisland.org
• Online: vanuatuisland.org

Shopping for supplies. 

Aore Island does not have supermarkets, so we recommend buying your groceries, drinks and supplies in Luganville before travelling across. If you require time for shopping in Santo, we recommend booking a pre-arranged airport transfer so your driver can stay with you and your luggage while you shop.

Alternatively, luggage storage is available at the Aore Ferry Wharf, allowing you to leave your bags securely while you complete your shopping before the boat transfer from  VT1,000 per group

Early Airport Departures

Have an early flight? We can also arrange your trip back to Santo Airport. You will cross to Santo by boat, where a pre-booked driver will be waiting to take you directly to the airport.

Boat + airport driver

Cost: VT5,500 per group 

Please arrange this with us in advance so everything is ready for you on the morning of departure.

A Few Things to Know

Boat transfers operate during daylight hours. The last scheduled ferry leaves at 3:00pm.

If your flight arrives too late to make the final connection to Aore, (after dark) you may need to stay in Santo and travel across the following morning.

If we are organising your transfer, please send us 

• your flight number, 
• arrival date, 
• arrival time 
• and number of adults and children before you travel.

Boat Waiting Times

If you are running late, please let your driver know. 

Drivers generally have other bookings and leave on time.

If you cannot make your booked time, please contact the driver to arrange another available pickup time.

Waiting Fee: VT400 per 15 minutes (approx. A$5)

Waiting fees do not apply to airline delays.

Getting around Aore is easier than it may first sound. Boat travel is simply part of everyday island life, and once you understand the rhythm it quickly becomes part of the Aore experience.

All prices are shown in Vanuatu vatu (VT). AUD prices are approximate only and may vary with the exchange rate.

One of the nicest parts of staying on Aore is that food becomes part of the experience rather than something that simply arrives at your door.

There are no public restaurants on Aore Island, so Beachfront on Aore is mainly self-catering. 

The house has an oven and cooking facilities, and most guests shop in Santo before crossing to the island.

Most Santo supermarkets and shops are open Monday to Friday, usually around 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Some open Saturday mornings, some Chinese stores trade longer hours, and the main market currently operates seven days a week.

Eating Out 

If you enjoy eating out, Santo has plenty of daytime options including cafés, bakeries, market food, Natangora Café and hotel restaurants. 

Evening dining is more limited once you are staying on Aore, so if restaurant dinners are an important part of your holiday, we suggest spending a few nights in Santo as well.

Local tiffin meals

For something much more local, village mamas can prepare a simple tiffin-style meal for VT 1,500 per person.

This is not a restaurant menu. You receive what has been cooked that day, which is really part of the charm. 

Meals may include rice, local vegetables, chicken or beef, laplap, simboro, tuluk, bread, half-moons and other simple home-style dishes.

Think of it less as ordering dinner and more as being invited to eat what the family is eating that day. It is deleivered for you to warm up and if you are not home the host will out in fridge for you. 

Shopping Service

If you would rather arrive and settle in, we can arrange a shopping service for VT 3,000.

 Please send your shopping list the day before so there is enough time to buy everything and bring it across to Aore.

A small island reality

There are no shops on Aore and no regular fruit and vegetable store, so almost everything has to come across from Santo.

*Please do not ask local staff to pick up shopping or personal items unless it has been arranged and paid for. What sounds like a quick errand can mean a walk to the landing, a boat trip to Santo, another walk to the shops, waiting for transport and then the return journey. Their time is valuable too.

Many local families also rely on subsistence farming for their own food. Please do not ask staff for produce from their gardens, and please do not pick fruit, vegetables, coconuts or other crops yourself. Gardens and trees belong to local families, even when they may look unused.

📍Saturdays and Sunday are important church and family days on Aore, so please try to arrange shopping, meals and errands during normal weekday working hours.

Island food works best when you lean into it a little: shop ahead, try what is local, cook something simple, order a tiffin meal and enjoy the fact that dinner here may feel very different from dinner at home.

To order a tiffin service please book night before call WhatApp +678 7342101 

Where to shop

Luganville Local Market

MarketBest for fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce. The market is currently open daily. 

LCM Supermarket

Good for a fuller grocery shop: fresh and frozen food, pantry staples, household items and some hot food. It is one of the more varied supermarkets in town. LCM Store

Daming Supermarket

Useful for general groceries and often handy if you need later opening hours. 

Sunshine Supermarket

Another option for basic groceries, although the range is generally smaller. 

Where to eat

The Tu Restaurant & Bar

RestaurantGood all-round option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with seafood, Santo beef, international and Asian dishes.

Attar Cafe

Casual café-style food, including pizza, Middle Eastern and European-style options.

Natangora Café

A long-running Santo café, good for coffee, breakfast and lunch. 

Market Meal Booths

Simple local meals and one of the easiest ways to try everyday Santo food.

The house is simple once you know its rhythm. Most things work a little differently from a city home because we are fully off-grid, but after a day or two it all becomes second nature.

Before leaving the house or going to sleep

 Before you head out, or head off to sleep a few quick island-house habits help keep everything safe and running smoothly: lock the doors, close the gates behind you, switch off fans, lights and Starlink, and put food away securely before you leave.

Oven & Stove

To light the stove, press and hold the burner knob in, then use a lighter to ignite the flame.

For the oven, use the knob marked with the flame symbol facing upward.

Remove the base plate and oven shelves first, then use the long lighter to ignite the burner in the middle while holding the oven knob in.

If one burner does not light, try another. Occasionally a little dirt or moisture can affect one burner while the others work normally.

Water

The water tank is filled before your stay and topped up during your stay.

If the water slows to a trickle and you cannot hear the pump running, please let us know so we can check it.

You may hear the water pump operating behind the shower. That is normal. Please do not touch or adjust it.

Heavy rain, storms or other weather events can sometimes affect the water system temporarily.

Hot Water

The hot water system runs on gas.

When you turn on the hot tap, you should normally hear the system clicking as it ignites.

If there is no hot water, first check whether the stove burners are still working. If the stove works but there is no clicking from the hot water system, it may be an ignition issue rather than the gas bottle.

If the water is too hot or too cool, let us know. We can adjust the system.

Solar Power

The house runs entirely on solar power and stored battery energy.

Please turn off lights, fans and Starlink when they are not needed, especially overnight or after several cloudy days.

Please do not touch breakers, batteries, controllers or solar equipment.

Fridge & Food Storage

The fridge is a low-power solar fridge designed for off-grid living. Its internal light does not always come on, so a dark fridge light does not necessarily mean the fridge is not working.

An esky is supplied for frozen or cold food if needed.

Please keep food stored in the food lockers and baskets rather than leaving it out.

If you would like ice, let us know. Ice is expensive locally, usually around VT 800 per bag, and needs to be collected from Santo.

*A Note About Island Critters

We do our best to keep mosquitoes, crabs and other little visitors at bay, but we avoid heavy poisons around the property as they can harm the island’s wildlife. 

Occasionally, especially at night, you may get a jungle visitor  it’s part of tropical island living. 

Please keep all food sealed in the food lockers and fruit in the fruit baskets to help keep curious critters away.

Solar Fans

The portable fans are solar rechargeable.

Charge them during the day so they are ready for the evening.

Use the middle button to turn them on, with the buttons on either side to adjust the speed.

Please do not take the fans onto the beach or sand.

Starlink

The Starlink switch is beside the food locker, on the cupboard to the right of the Starlink equipment.

Please switch Starlink off when you are not using it so the equipment can cool down.

Washing

There is no washing machine at the house.

Laundry can be arranged through the local team.

Safe

The black safe is stored under the day bed and looks a little like an old fridge.

There are three keys in total, with one provided for guest use.

Please use the safe for passports, cash and valuables.

House Phone

The house phone is a small Android phone with important local numbers already saved, chosen for its long battery life in case of emergency. It has credit for calls and texts.

Please also check it for weather or emergency alerts during your stay.

Portable Lights

There are four portable lights available.

Two green rechargeable lights also include bug zappers.

There is one long strip light and one small security light.

The small security light is useful at night because it turns on automatically when it detects movement, making it handy for getting up after dark.

Outdoor Solar Lights

There are two remotes for the solar lights around the property.

To turn them off, stand close to the light and press OFF.

To turn them back on, press ON.

They normally come on automatically each evening at around 5:00 pm.

First Aid Kit

The first aid kit is in the cupboard underneath the phone charging station.

It contains basic first-aid supplies, simple creams and Panadol for minor everyday needs.

For anything more serious, please contact us.

Rubbish

A starter supply of bin liners is kept in the cupboard.

Vanuatu does not currently have a reliable household recycling system, so we try to keep rubbish organized and reduce unnecessary bulk where we can.

Please place empty bottles together in a box or separate bag so they do not fill the main rubbish bin too quickly.

Food scraps, plastics and general household rubbish can go into the small rubbish cupboard beside the bathroom, facing the ocean.

The local staff will collect and remove the rubbish during your stay.

Firewood & Outdoor Fire

Firewood is left outside for a small fire under the nakamal.

If you would like staff to prepare a bonfire for you, please arrange this during normal working hours.

Toilet

The toilet is a normal flushing toilet.

Please flush toilet paper only.

Do not flush wipes, sanitary products, paper towel or anything else.

Boats Around the Property

You may see local and family boats around the property.

Please do not let children play on them, climb into them, start engines, untie them or try to move them.

Canoe

The traditional canoe belongs to the local community.

If you would like to use it, we can arrange a canoe lesson. They take a little technique and are heavier than they look.

The canoe must be brought well above the high-tide line at night and after use.

A quick note before you head into town:

Alcohol cannot be sold by supermarkets or takeaway bottle shops from 11:30 am Saturday until 7:30 am Monday. 

Cigarettes are available from supermarkets, Chinese stores and Island Duty Free, but opening hours vary on weekends.

Kava is different from alcohol and is widely available from local nakamals, usually from late afternoon into the evening. If you would like KAVA please request the day before so we can prepare it. 

Money & ATMs

BRED Bank Central Luganville.

ATM available and useful for withdrawing vatu.

National Bank of Vanuatu Central Luganville. Banking, cash withdrawals and ATM services.

No1 Currency

Main Street, Luganville.

Useful for changing AUD, NZD, USD and other major currencies.

Usually open Monday to Saturday. 

Western Union

Available at the Luganville Post Office and other agents in town.

Useful for sending or receiving money.

There is also a Western Union service at Santo Airport. 

Tip: carry some cash and smaller vatu notes. Markets and many smaller businesses do not accept cards. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}

Supermarkets

LCM Supermarket

Central Luganville.

One of the larger supermarkets for groceries, frozen food, meat, toiletries, drinks, alcohol and household basics.

Daming Supermarket

Central Luganville.

Good for general groceries, snacks, drinks, household goods and everyday essentials.

Chinese stores

Found throughout Main Street and central Luganville.

Often useful for groceries, drinks, household items, clothing and those random things you suddenly discover you need.

Fresh Food

Luganville Market

Near the centre of town.

The best place for fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and local produce.

Go earlier in the day for the best selection and bring cash.

The official tourism information currently says the main Luganville market operates every day except Sunday, so opening days can change locally. 

Pharmacy

Luganville Drugstore / Uncle Bill’s Pharmacy

Central Luganville near the market area.

Useful for normal pharmacy items, basic medicines and health supplies.

Pharmacies in Luganville generally operate around 8:00 am–5:00 pm on weekdays, with more limited weekend availability. 

Doctor & Hospital

Northern Provincial Hospital

F5RM+9MH, Luganville

Phone: +678 36345

For anything more than a minor medical issue, this is the main hospital for northern Vanuatu.

Hardware

Santo Hardware

 Luganville

Useful for tools, building supplies and general hardware.

Wilco Hardware Santo

 Luganville

Larger range of hardware and building supplies.

Tourist Information

For tours, blue holes, diving, transport and things to do around Santo, ask at the tourism information services in central Luganville or check with your host before heading out.

Island Duty Free

Island Duty Free

Main Street, Luganville.

Good for spirits, cigarettes, fragrances, cosmetics, souvenirs, electronics and gifts.

onday –Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am–12:00 pm. 

A Santo shopping trip is worth treating as part of the island experience. Do your supermarket shop, wander through the market, grab lunch or coffee, withdraw some cash and then head back across to Aore stocked up for a few days.

Getting on and off Aore is part of everyday island life. 

Hundreds of people travel between Aore and Santo each day for work, shopping and school. 

With a little planning and booking ahead, it is simple to manage and quickly becomes part of the rhythm of staying here.

For the most reliable option, call Julie from the house phone between. 7342101 

• 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. For fast reply please call if you are not in  a hurry text or whats app +678 7342101

Shared Scheduled Boat - Monday to Friday 

Cost: VT2,000 each way

• Aore to Santo: 8:00 am Leaves from Phoenix Plantation Landing (Beachfront on Aore)
• Santo to Aore: 3:00 pm (Aore Ferry Wharf. )

Private Water Taxi - 7 days 

Cost: VT 3,500 per group, each way. 

• Bookings essential 
• Give pelnty of notice 

📍Local boat operators service many people across the island, so availability can fill quickly.

How to book

To make your trip easy, we recommend booking your boat ahead of time.

Book via WhatsApp on +678 7342101 or call Julie directly.

For the 8:00 am boat, please book the night before.

For the 3:00 pm boat, please book by early afternoon.

Local boat captains usually stop for lunch between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, so services may be limited during that time. A little planning makes island travel simple.

Using Locals as Transport

You can also go directly to Santo Wharf and ask for a boat to Aore. 

These are local services, arranged directly by the guest, so timing, pricing and service are outside our control.

When you arrive on Aore, ask the boat captain to help contact ground transport if needed to go to Justines Beach House 

You can then continue by local ute, hire bike, or walk to the accommodation. ⚠️Local boats are independently operated. Guests use them at their own and risk . 

One of the things that makes Aore special is that you are staying inside a living island community, not beside one.

Weekends on Aore

Weekends on Aore are an important part of local culture. Saturday is Sabbath, and the local Chiefs have asked businesses and visitors to respect this by limiting unnecessary boat and island transport where possible. 

This gives local families and communities time for their cultural, Sabbath and family activities without the normal working-week traffic.

We encourage our guests to embrace the slower pace and enjoy a quiet day at the beach, swimming, snorkelling or relaxing around the plantation.

We understand that guests still need to travel. A limited Saturday boat transfer service operates and must be booked.

Sunday is also traditionally a quieter day, centred around church, family and community life.

Bush Calls

You may hear people calling loudly across the island. These are bush calls, a traditional way of communicating over distance.

Different calls can mean different things. Some are simply people calling to family or friends, some are signals, and some are used to gather people.

It can sound unusual if you are not used to it, but it is completely normal and part of everyday island life.

Church Bells & Sabbath

Church plays a very important role in life on Aore.

You may hear church bells, singing and services on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday and Sunday are important Sabbath and family days, and most local people are expected to attend church and spend time with family.

We try to respect that rhythm by limiting unnecessary work and travel on weekends.

Arrivals and departures are always accommodated, but where possible chiefs  ask guests to keep weekend travel to a minimum and enjoy the slower pace of the island instead.

Weekends are also when families gather, cook, visit each other and hold local fundraising days where different mamas prepare food to support community activities.

Wailing

If you hear very loud crying, calling or wailing from a village, please do not be alarmed.

This can be part of the traditional grieving process after a death in the community.

Grief here is often expressed openly and loudly. People may cry, call out and gather together as part of mourning.

It can sound dramatic if you are unfamiliar with it, but it is a normal cultural expression of loss.

Weddings & Celebrations

If you see groups of people walking along the road carrying blankets, mats or gifts, accompanied by music and dancing, there may be a wedding or traditional marriage celebration taking place.

Marriage customs can include exchanges between families, similar in some ways to a traditional dowry, and people may travel from different villages to take part.

Music can continue for hours, sometimes late into the evening. It is usually celebration, not disturbance.

Village Etiquette

We do not enter local gardens, villages, ceremonies or church gatherings without an invitation.

If you are invited for kava, to attend church, visit a village or watch a ceremony, it can be a wonderful experience.

If you are not invited, the respectful thing is simply to observe from a distance.

This is one of the best parts of staying on Aore.

You are not watching Vanuatu culture being performed for tourists. You are seeing real island life happening around you, exactly as it normally does.

Staying Connected

Staying connected on Aore Island is easy, but internet access differs between our two guest houses.

Aore Treehouse   are a budget stay and does not include internet. Mobile data can easily be purchased in Luganville before travelling to Aore Island.

Beachfront on Aore 

Beachfront on Aore includes Starlink Wi-Fi, with connection details below. We are fairly remote, so we are genuinely impressed by how well Starlink works here. 

Passwords will be sent to you before you check in. 

• On a good day, speeds can be around 250 Mbps download, 
• with uploads around 37 Mbps and
• latency around 45 ms.

But this is still island internet, not a city fiber connection. 

Starlink Passwords

Trouble shooting Internet

Our signal connects through the wider Pacific network ( with PINGS from fiji), and heavy rain, strong wind, eathquakes or bad weather can cause interruptions and or slower speeds.

The good news is that most dropouts fix themselves. In fact, quite often a guest calls to say the internet has stopped, and by the time someone gets there, Starlink is happily working again. A few tips before you call. 

👉 Before calling for help:

• Wait up to 30 minutes.
• Check the Starlink router has power.
• Look for lights on the router
• Touch the router to see if its warm
• Turn the Starlink switch off for 1 minute, then turn it back on.
• Allow up to 30 minutes for it to reconnect.
• If still not working call us in office hours and we can send a tech out to look at it.  Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm (Please call  or whatsapp +678 7342101  

Calling a Tech Nerd!

🧑‍💻We really do try to avoid adding extra charges to your stay, and most Starlink hiccups sort themselves out with a little patience and a quick reset.

If we do need to call a technician over from Santo, please allow around an hour for them to be contacted, travel across and reach the house. 

They work from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday with a lunch break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, so response times can vary depending on when you call.

Because the visit involves boat travel, time and a dedicated call-out, the technician charges VT 5,000. 

If the internet has come back on by the time they arrive, that fee is simply passed on at cost to you. It is  just the cost of getting someone across to help with a issue that is part of island life, that 99% of the time is fixed with giving the starlink a little time. 

Turning off Starlink when not in use

🙏 We have a dedicated switch for Starlink because the equipment works hard in this tropical climate and can build up a lot of heat.

When you are not using the internet, especially if going out for the day or overnight or while you sleep , we ask that you switch Starlink off for a while. 

It gives the equipment time to cool properly and helps protect the system from spending long periods running hot.

Think of it as simple preventative care. A short rest which helps keep Starlink happy and living its best life during your stay.

📍 If you have an important video meeting, deadline or work that absolutely cannot tolerate an interruption, we recommend heading into Santo. 

The Aore Ferry Wharf area, Santo hotels and cafés such as Natangora Café may offer a more suitable town connection

Think of out starlink   as very fast internet in a very unlikely place!  excellent most of the time, but occasionally even the Starlink enjoys "island time"  

For internet issues call from house phone or WhatsApp +678 7342101. 

Aore is wonderfully safe, and one of the reasons it feels so different from many holiday destinations is the sense of trust that still exists here.

To help us keep it that way, we ask guests to lock the house whenever they go out and to use the safe for passports, cash and valuables.

It is not because we expect anything to happen. Quite the opposite. 

On a small island, a misplaced item can create more concern than the item itself. 

We have seen something thought to be missing, only for it to turn up later in a suitcase, drawer or under a towel.

A locked door removes that uncertainty completely.

 It gives you peace of mind, protects the local people who work around the property from unfair suspicion, and helps protect Aore’s reputation as one of the safest and most welcoming islands around Santo.

Please keep the gates closed as well. Cattle and dogs wander freely around Aore and are far more likely to make an unexpected entrance than anyone else.

A few simple habits 

•  lock the door, use the safe, close the gate means you can forget about security and get on with enjoying the island.

 Tiffin Service – Home-Style Island Meals

Don’t feel like cooking? Our Phoenix Plantation Tiffin Service offers simple, freshly prepared lunches and dinners delivered to your guest house.

Meals are home-style and made using local and seasonal ingredients where possible. Depending on availability, meals may include

•  fresh fish, 
• chicken, 
• curries, 
• rice, 
• vegetables, 
• salads, 
• local root crops and
•  traditional dishes such as laplap and simboro.

VT1,500 per person

Please Order 24 Hours Ahead

All Tiffin meals must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. 

Same-day orders may not be available.

Menus vary depending on fresh produce and what is available on the island.

Kava is a traditional part of Vanuatu culture and is usually enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening. If you would like fresh, locally made kava, please let us know the day before, as it takes time to prepare and must be ordered in advance.

Alcohol should be purchased in Santo before returning to Aore Island. Vanuatu law restricts takeaway alcohol sales from 11:30am Friday until 7:30am Monday, so please plan ahead if you would like alcohol for the weekend.

Please drink responsibly and respect our peaceful island environment.

Aore is best explored slowly. Walk the roads, follow the coastline, stop for a chat, and enjoy the fact that much of the island still feels wonderfully untouched.

A few simple island courtesies make a big difference.

If a gate is closed, please do not enter unless you have permission. If you pass through an open gate, close it behind you.

Please do not walk through private gardens, family yards, plantations or village areas unless you have been invited.

Do not remove plants, shells, timber, fruit or anything else from private land. What may look wild or unused often belongs to a family.

Please do not approach cattle. They are used to island life, not tourists, and are best given plenty of space.

Villages are private community spaces. If you are invited in, enjoy the experience. If not, admire from a respectful distance.

Resorts on Aore are generally for their own guests and are not public venues unless they specifically welcome outside visitors.

Buying Land

You may occasionally be approached with an informal offer to buy land, sometimes at a price that sounds very attractive.

Land ownership and lease arrangements in Vanuatu can be complex, so please do not hand over money, pay a deposit or rely on a verbal agreement.

If you are genuinely interested in buying property, use a licensed real estate agent and an independent lawyer, and make sure the title, lease, ownership and approvals are properly checked before committing.

A cheap piece of land is only a bargain if you can legally own or lease what you think you are buying.

A Few Practical Walking Tips

Wear proper shoes or reef shoes rather than going barefoot.

Take a torch after dark. There are very few lights and island roads can be uneven.

Avoid walking alone at night on unfamiliar tracks.

After rain, roads and paths can become slippery very quickly.

Do not climb coconut trees.

Do not light fires except in the designated fire pit, or on the beach at low tide where it is safe and permitted.

Aore is easy to enjoy when you treat it less like a tourist attraction and more like someone’s home. That is really what it is.

Daily house check

Each day, a staff member will quietly check the practical things that keep the house running smoothly 

• power,
• water
•  gates
• rubbish 
•  the outside area.

Wild cattle do sometimes wander around Aore, so keeping gates secure is important.

The check is brief and discreet. Staff will respect your privacy and will not call out or disturb you unless something needs your attention.

Beach Gear & Towels

Please bring snorkels, reef shoes, beach toys and other gear inside at night. Local dogs have been known to wander past and occasionally decide something interesting belongs to them.

After swimming, please also bring shoes and gear up from the shoreline rather than leaving them on the reef or beach.

For towels, please hang them in the bathroom or on the clothesline at the front or back of the house. Try not to hang wet towels directly over the timber rails, as the natural timber can leave marks or stains.

Please also avoid using bath towels to wipe floors. There are separate cleaning cloths for spills and sandy feet.

Please keep indoor linen and bedding inside the house and out of the rain.

For relaxing outside, you’ll find separate outdoor blankets in the storage box under the day bed. These are the ones to take to the beach, lawn or veranda, so the house linen stays fresh, dry and ready for bed.

Optional Daily Service

If you would like a little more help during your stay, we can arrange a 

1. Daily clean for VT 1,000 per clean.

This includes:

• Beds made
• Dishes washed
• Bathroom freshened
• Light tidy of the house
• Quick tidy of the immediate yard
• Up to 1 hour of housekeeping

Towels and Linen

• Fresh towels are changed every 3 days.
• Extra towels VT 500 per set ( Bath Towel, Beach Towel)

Bed Linen

• For guests staying 8 nights or more, bed linen is changed on day 4.
• If the linen change falls on a weekend or local non-working day, it will be done on the next working day.

Laundry

• Laundry is VT 500 per bag.
• Laundry bags are kept upstairs in the master bedroom in the green box.

Babysitting

• Babysitting can be arranged from VT 1,000 per hour, subject to availability.

Extra Services

Most of our little extras come with a small fee because there is usually a local person behind them  carrying, cleaning, cooking, shopping or travelling to help make your stay easier. The fee simply covers their time and keeps these services available when guests need them.

• Extra firewood from VT 1,000
• Extra Linen change VT 1,000
• Shopping pickup VT 3,000
• Local tiffin meals VT 1,500pp
• Extra rubbish removal VT 500
• Bike hire VT 2,000 per day
• Private boat transfers VT3,500 per group

A little extra help can be arranged when you want it, call or whatapp +678 7342101 

Solar Power

Beachfront on Aore is fully off-grid, so all of the house power comes from solar and stored battery energy.

It works very well, but it does need a little more care than power in a city home.

Think of the batteries like a tank: during the day the sun fills them, and everything you use draws from them.

A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Turn lights and fans off when you are not using them.

• Avoid running several high-power appliances at the same time.

• If you are not using Starlink, please switch it off and give the equipment a chance to cool.

• Please do not plug in heaters, hair dryers, electric kettles, cooking appliances or other high-draw equipment without checking with us first.

• Charging phones, laptops, cameras and normal small devices is absolutely fine adn great to charge during the day.

• The fridge, water pump, lights and normal house equipment are already designed around the solar system.

After several cloudy or rainy days, we may occasionally ask you to be a little more conservative with power while the batteries recharge. In the case of power outage there is a back up generator. 

If the power goes off, please do not start switching breakers, batteries or solar equipment yourself. Call us and we will check the system.

Living off-grid is not about going without. It is simply about using power when you need it rather than assuming an endless supply.

Most guests barely notice the difference once they get into the rhythm.

No Power? Let’s Work Through It Together

Beachfront on Aore is fully off-grid, so the house runs a little differently from a city home. 

Most of the time the system quietly looks after itself, but storms, heavy rain, earthquakes, cyclones, prolonged cloud cover or unusually heavy power use can sometimes affect supply  just as weather can affect power in town.

The good news is that the house is designed with separate circuits and backup options, so one thing being off does not necessarily mean everything is off.

For example:

• Starlink may be off while the lights still work.

• The lights may be off while the fridge is still running.

• One appliance may stop while the rest of the house continues normally.

• The fridge is a specially designed low-power solar fridge, and its internal light does not always come on. A dark fridge light does not necessarily mean the fridge is not working.

Before calling us, please have a quick look at the following:

• Has there been heavy rain, a storm, strong wind, an earthquake or cyclone activity?

• Have several appliances been used at the same time?

• Have lights or fans been left on for long periods or overnight?

• Have phones, laptops or other devices been charging heavily through the day?

• Is the issue affecting the whole house, or just one appliance or area?

Please do not unplug equipment, reset breakers, touch batteries, silence alarms or change any solar settings.

If you hear beeping, that is usually the automatic monitoring system sending an alert to our maintenance team. 

Please leave it alone and contact us. The alarm is there to protect the system.

We also have backup solar lights and fans. These should generally continue for around 6 hours even if the main power supply is interrupted.

 You can charge you phone from the fans and the house phone is there in case of power outage. 

Our staff quietly check the house systems morning and evening, including power and water, so many small issues are picked up before they become a problem.

If the issue is not urgent, a technician will attend on the next working day. This helps us balance guest needs with local working hours and island culture.

If there is an immediate safety risk, medical emergency, fire or another genuinely urgent situation, please call us straight away.

The best thing you can do is work with the system rather than against it. 

A little awareness with lights, charging and high-power devices helps keep everything running smoothly for your stay.

Water

Our water comes from an underground artesian basin. It is pumped to the house, filtered and has been tested as safe to drink.

Aore is largely coral and limestone, so groundwater can dissolve calcium carbonate as it moves through the rock. That makes the water “hard,” meaning it contains more calcium and magnesium.

What guests may notice:

• light white scale on taps or kettles
• mineral marks on glass or tiles
•  sometimes a slightly different taste
• soap may lather a little less

It does not automatically mean the water is unsafe. It just means it is mineral-rich.

The water is naturally a little higher in minerals and lime than city water, which can sometimes give it a slight blue tint or leave light mineral marks. That is normal for our groundwater source.

The storage tank is topped up regularly, usually while guests are out, so you should normally have plenty of water.

If you run out of water, please let us know. That usually tells us there may be a leak or another issue somewhere in the system, as the tank is refilled regularly.

Drinking water

The house water is safe to drink, however we also provide a drinking-water filter for guests who prefer filtered water.

If you would rather use bottled water, this can be purchased in Santo.

Please do not ask local staff to bring you unfiltered water from another source. We cannot confirm where that water has come from or whether it is suitable for drinking. If you want extra drinking water, please use the house filter or arrange bottled water from town.

A little island perspective

Our water comes from beneath the island, not from a town mains system, so it is something we treat with a little respect.

Please be mindful with showers, taps and unnecessary water use. There is usually plenty, but like power, water is one of those things that works beautifully when we all use it thoughtfully.

Gas & Hot Water

Each stay starts with a full gas bottle, so you should have more than enough for normal cooking and hot water.

If you think the gas is running low, let us know. 

Before calling, 

• On stove try another stove burner first. Sometimes one burner simply gets a little food or dust in it and stops lighting properly, while the others are fine.
• The hot water also runs on gas and, like many island systems, it has its own personality.
• When you turn the hot tap on, you should usually hear a clicking sound as the system ignites and then a whoosh
• If there is no hot water and no clicking, the problem may be the igniter rather than the gas.
• If the stove still works but the shower does not, that is another clue that the gas bottle itself is probably fine.

The temperature can also take a little getting used to. 

Some guests like it very hot, some cooler, and instantaneous gas systems do not always behave like the mixer shower you may have at home.

Make small adjustments rather than big ones.

If adding cold water makes the gas switch off, or the shower is simply too hot or too cool, let us know. We can adjust the system for you.

If you hear a hissing or swooshing sound, smell gas, or anything feels unusual, turn the appliance off and call us.

Island systems are wonderfully simple once you know their rhythm. 

Most issues are small, easy to fix, and usually not a sign that anything serious is wrong.

Gas is very reliable and problems are rare. Most “gas issues” turn out to be something small, like one burner needing a clean or the hot-water igniter not firing.

A couple of quick checks before calling us will usually tell you what is happening and may save you waiting for someone to come over.

Checking out is easy. There is nothing special you need to do before you leave. We want you to enjoy your last morning rather than worry about cleaning or a long checkout list.

The only important thing is to book your return boat transfer in advance, particularly if you have a flight or another connection from Santo.

Please let us know your preferred departure time as early as possible so we can arrange your boat and transport.

Our team will take care of the house after you leave. Safe travels and thank you for staying with us at Phoenix Plantation.

Weather & Natural Events

Living on a tropical island means the weather is part of the experience. Most days are straightforward, but Vanuatu does get heavy rain, strong winds, squalls, cyclones and earthquakes from time to time.

The important thing is not to panic. Most events are brief, and serious weather usually comes with warning.

Heavy rain and storms 

Tropical rain can be very heavy and very sudden. It can affect Starlink, solar charging, roads, boats and often power.

If the power drops during bad weather:

• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances.

• Give the solar system time to recover.

• Do not touch breakers, batteries or solar equipment.

• Use the backup solar lights and fans if needed.

• Let us know if there is a genuine problem.

Our staff check the house systems morning and evening, and a technician can attend on the next working day if required.

Squalls

A squall is a sudden burst of strong wind, often with heavy rain.

They can arrive quickly, make the sea rough for a short time, then disappear almost as quickly as they came.

If one comes through:

• Bring cushions, towels and loose items inside.

• Close windows if rain is blowing in.

• Stay off the water until conditions settle.

• Do not stand under coconut trees or large branches during strong winds.

Wet season and windy season

Vanuatu’s warmer, wetter season is generally November to April.

This is also the official tropical cyclone season, with cyclone activity most common around January and February.

The cooler months are generally breezier, and sea conditions can sometimes become rough even when the weather looks beautiful from the beach.

Cyclones

Cyclones are part of life in Vanuatu, but they are not everyday events.

The advantage is that unlike a sudden squall, tropical cyclones are monitored closely and guests will normally have plenty of notice if one may affect the area.

If a cyclone is approaching, we will contact you and explain exactly what we need you to do.

Usually this means:

• Bring all loose items inside.

• Charge phones and essential devices.

• Keep water available.

• Stay away from the beach and shoreline.

• Follow official VMGD and emergency instructions.

Please do not make your own decision to travel by boat during cyclone warnings. Sea conditions can change well before the cyclone itself arrives.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are part of life in Vanuatu and many are small.

If you feel strong shaking:

• Stay calm.

• Move away from windows and anything that could fall.

• If inside, protect yourself until the shaking stops.

• Once it stops, check your surroundings before moving.

The most important thing to remember at a beachfront property is go outside if the shaking continues.

Tsunamis

If you feel a strong or prolonged earthquake, or see the sea suddenly behaving strangely, do not wait for us to call you.

Move immediately away from the beach and head uphill to higher ground.

Leave belongings behind.

VMGD specifically advises people not to wait for an official evacuation order if natural tsunami warning signs are present, and to remain on high ground until an official all-clear is given. 

The first wave may not be the largest, so do not return to the shoreline simply because the water appears calm again. 

Tsunamis are rare in Vanuatu, but because we are beachfront, we take the risk seriously. The last clearly documented small  tsunami affecting Vanuatu that we found was in 2021 and caused no reported damage or casualties

Volcanoes

Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, and volcanic activity is monitored continuously by VMGD using alert levels. 

Aore itself is not a volcanic tourism site, but activity elsewhere in Vanuatu can sometimes affect flights or create ash warnings.

Follow official VMGD advice rather than social media rumors.

Boats and sea conditions

The sea between Santo and Aore is normally part of everyday life, but wind and weather can change conditions quickly.

If conditions are rough:

• Boat services may be delayed or cancelled.

• Do not pressure a captain to travel if they consider conditions unsafe.

• Allow extra time for transfers.

• Follow local advice.

Strong-wind warnings can make conditions hazardous for small boats even when it does not look particularly dramatic from shore. 

When should you call us?

Call straight away if:

• Someone is injured or in immediate danger.

• There is fire, gas smell or a serious electrical problem.

• You have experienced strong earthquake shaking and need help.

• You receive or observe a tsunami warning.

• There is significant damage to the house.

For normal weather-related power, internet or water interruptions, let the system settle first and follow the troubleshooting steps in this guide.

Our local staff check the property morning and evening, and non-urgent maintenance will normally be handled during the next working day.

Where to get official alerts

For weather, cyclone, earthquake, tsunami and volcano information, use the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department.

VMGD is the official source for warnings and alerts in Vanuatu. 

Island weather can occasionally be dramatic, but that is part of living in the South Pacific. A little preparation, a little patience and following local advice usually makes all the difference.

The sea around Aore is one of the quiet pleasures of staying here. Clear water, coral edges and sheltered stretches of coastline mean you can often see marine life without booking a tour or going very far at all.

Most days it is a turtle surfacing a few metres from shore. Other days it is a dugong moving slowly through the shallows. During whale season, you may even see whales passing through the wider waters around Santo.

What you may see

Dugongs

One of Aore’s most special visitors. They are often seen in quieter water and daily are  very close to shore. Leave paw paw for them and they will swim in.

Turtles

A regular sight around the island. Guests often spot them surfacing, feeding or cruising through the shallows.

Whales

During whale season, whales may pass through the wider waters around Santo. If you are lucky, you may see them from shore or while travelling by boat.

Reef fish

The shallows are full of movement — butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, damselfish and schools of smaller tropical fish.

Rays

Stingrays and other rays may occasionally be seen gliding over sandy patches or resting quietly on the bottom.

Octopus

Excellent at disappearing in plain sight. Look carefully around rocks and coral and you may spot one tucked away.

Sea cucumbers and starfish

Common in the shallows and part of the everyday reef landscape.

Sea urchins

Also common, especially around rocky areas and coral. Best admired rather than stepped on.

Crabs

You will see plenty around the shoreline and rock pools, especially as the light starts to fade.

Cone shells

Some cone shells are venomous. They can be beautiful, but please leave live shells exactly where you find them.

Sea snakes

Sea snakes are occasionally seen around reefs. They are venomous but generally shy and not interested in people. Give them space and do not try to touch them.

Jellyfish

They can occasionally appear depending on currents and weather. If you see a number of them in the water, give swimming a miss until they move on.

Sharks

Shark sightings close to shore are uncommon. Like most reef wildlife, they generally avoid people. Locals eat them, in 6 years I have never seen one

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are not part of the normal marine environment around Aore. They are not native to Vanautu 

A few simple sea rules

• Wear reef shoes.  The shoreline is coral and rock in many places, and reef shoes make getting in and out of the water much easier.
• Do not pick up unfamiliar shells or marine animals.
• Give turtles and dugongs plenty of room.
• Avoid swimming alone after dark.
• If the sea turns rough, windy or murky, wait for conditions to settle.
• If local boat operators or staff advise against swimming or boating, follow their advice.

The nicest thing about Aore is that the wildlife is not presented to you. It simply appears when it feels like it. A turtle at breakfast, a dugong in the afternoon, a ray gliding past your feet that is usually how the best sightings happen. 

Aore has plenty of wildlife, but very little on land that is dangerous to people.

You may see:

• Birds - Aore has a rich birdlife, including pigeons, fruit doves, kingfishers, honeyeaters, swallows, ducks, junglefowl and other tropical species.

• Geckos and small lizards - Very common around the house, especially near lights at night. They are harmless and useful because they eat insects.

• Snakes You may occasionally see a small land snake. The snakes found on land in Vanuatu are not considered dangerous to people.

• Spiders You will see tropical spiders from time to time, particularly outside. They can look impressive, but they are generally harmless.

• Centipedes These are not common, but they are best left alone as their bite can be painful. It is a good idea to shake out shoes that have been left outside overnight.

• Mosquitoes Part of tropical life, especially after rain. Use insect repellent, particularly around dawn and dusk.

• Bats Flying foxes are common and you may hear or see them at dusk. They feed on fruit and flowers and generally keep to themselves.

• Crabs - Crabs are common around the shoreline and become more active at night. Avoid sleeping directly on the sand after dark, as they may wander close and can nip if disturbed.

• Chickens - Chickens roam freely around parts of Aore and are simply part of everyday island life. They generally keep to themselves.

• Cattle - Cattle also move freely around the island. Please keep the gates closed so they do not wander into the property or garden.

• Dogs - Local dogs may pass by the house from time to time. Please do not feed them, as they quickly learn where food is coming from and may keep returning.

• Cats - Some cats on the island are wild or semi-wild. Please avoid picking them up or petting them, even if they appear friendly.

The short version: island animals are part of the character of Aore. Give them a little space, keep the gates closed, avoid feeding them, and they will usually carry on with their day while you carry on with yours.

Meet the Phoenix Plantation Team

Phoenix Plantation is a working plantation as well as your island home while you stay with us. Everyone you meet has a role in keeping the plantation, guest houses, gardens and experiences running.

Justine Murray (Juss) | Plantation Owner

Juss oversees Phoenix Plantation, the guest houses, retreats and the overall operation. She coordinates the team and continues to develop the plantation and guest experiences.

Princess Lian | House Manager

Lian looks after our guest houses and makes sure they are clean, prepared and ready for each arrival. She assists with housekeeping and guest needs during your stay.

David | Plantation Manager

David manages the day to day plantation operations, including the grounds, crops, maintenance and the team working across the property.

Juliano | Boat Captain

Juliano handles our boat transfers between Aore and Santo and helps guests travel safely between the islands.

Rex | Cultural Horticulturist | Vanilla & Pepper

Rex brings together traditional island knowledge and plantation horticulture. He looks after our vanilla and pepper and shares his knowledge of local plants, growing methods and Aore culture.

Charity | Master Weaver

Charity specialises in traditional weaving. She shares techniques used to turn local leaves and natural materials into practical and decorative pieces and helps guests experience an important part of Vanuatu culture.

John Rex “Boo Boo” | Cocoa & Fencing Manager

Boo Boo looks after our cocoa production, from maintaining the trees through to harvesting. He also manages fencing across the plantation, an important job on a working property with livestock and extensive grounds.

You’ll probably meet several of us during your stay. Feel free to say hello and ask questions. Phoenix is a working plantation, and experiencing everyday island life is part of staying here.