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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| House | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 11 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
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Details
| Rental type | House |
| Minimum Stay | 7 nights |
| Living space | 140 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms |
2 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Romantic, Beach, Tropical, Waterfront |
Description from the owner
The Boat House
Time is of the essence. Finding it and making it count.
The Boat House a dreamy retreat on a private tropical beach in Vanuatu is a short circuit escape route from the hurly burly of life.
Located just 20 minutes drive from Vanuatu's international airport near Port Villa, The Boat House is a rustic French country-style dwelling ideal for a romantic couple or a family of four.
Comprising two beautiful bedrooms, an airy open-plan living area, a fully- equipped kitchen and a spacious TERRACE leading down to the beach, The Boat House sits in seclusion at the far end of a secured gated community on the sou...Read more
Amenities
Location
The Boat House | 28 Dream Cove | Private beach
Port Vila, Vanuatu
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Location Type Beach, Tropical, Waterfront
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in AUD) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $273 | $273 | $1,908 | $0 | 7 nights |
| All Dates | $273 | $273 | $1,908 | - | 7 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 07, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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Average
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Jason
Wonthaggi, AustraliaStunning
Left on 12/30/2012 for a stay in November 2012
Stayed at the Boathouse in November 2013, deciding to get away from the resorts and hotels. Whilst a little bit tentative about being out of town (5 minute drive), they were dispelled as soon as we opened the doors from the lounge to see the beautiful chrystal clear water, right there at our doorstep (maybe 20metres!!). The house itself was great, and if I did have one thing to say, and it's by no means a reflection of bad, but it was getting humid, and an air con' would have been great. Just a bit uncomfortable at night time. All amenities are there, from a cooktop to a coffee make, an ipod dock to safe town water. The gentle breezes during the day were great, and unfortunately that left as night descended, so the ceiing fans were going flat out.
The gardens, the beachfront deck (with bean bags), and total feeling of security was great, with an option of contacting the next door neighbour if we needed help. But without doubt, the best memory of all, was the snorkelling, straight from the deck, with thousands of fish, making it a memorable holiday not only for us as parents, but our 12 year old son, who is still raving about it.
You do need a car, we used World Cars in town, and they supplied us with a small Suzuki Jimmy 4wd, which is a must as the roads aren't what your used to. Easy to drive around, and the house is in behind large security gates.
9½ out of 10 -
timeofourlives
lismoreA private paradise in the South Pacific
Left on 10/23/2012 for a stay in October 2012
Sometimes holiday websites hide faults, create a false impression and then disappoint badly when you arrive - we've had it happen a few times. The Boathouse at Vanuatu is the opposite - as nice as the web page is, it doesn't do justice to this unique and glorious holiday paradise!
We had ten perfect days here recently and fell in love, deeply, with this gorgeous house, gardens and private beach. It's slightly rustic, yes - no glass windows, little mosquito screening, no dishwasher or airconditioning but deliberately so and it feels right and as if it grew here. We even felt that Somerset Maughan or Gaughan could have created their best writings or paintings while seated on the verandah, surrounded by the large tropical garden and the sunsets over the water!
The amenities are splendid, the setting very private, the decor unusual and stylish and the proximity to the calm aqua waters and sunbathing platform made for a perfect holiday for this pair of sunworshippers! The decorator touches made it feel so very different and personal from predictable resorts, hotels or sterile holiday units and we loved self catering with the barbeque so easy to use, the beef and veal very reasonable and delicious pates, cheeses and french bread so readily available. Not to mention the wine and French Champagnes!
We loved the white painted floors, timber shutters, tropical and rustic furniture and paintings, ceiling fans, library, displays of huge shells, table lamps and candles, aqua glassware and the romantic mosquito nets. We also were so impressed by the pantry supplies, cleanliness of the house, the relaxing verandah lounges and the flowers in vases to greet us on arrival. Both Nancy the housekeeper and albert the gardener do a splendid job in an unobtrusive manner and should be congratulated. Praise to for Willie who was readily available to drive us wherever we wished at a moment's notice, was very knowledgeable and took us on a very memorable whole island tour
My only small criticism is that the large and lovely second bedroom would be much improved by a badly needed ceiling fan and a window screen for security so that the window could be kept open at night. We would love to return with friends or family but only if No 2 bedroom had that added peace of mind.
Another thing we loved was that unlike so many other holiday establishments, there was no long list of Dont's! Instead all information was welcoming, friendly and made us feel wanted and valued, that's very rare indeed and Nikki's warmth emanated from the valuable information pack provided. We almost didn't want to write a review, hoping not too many find out about this blissful spot, but the owners and manager Chris deserve the highest praise for making this our very best holiday ever, Thank you! -
LL_Lolly
Brisbanewhere has all the rum gone?
Left on 04/06/2012 for a stay in April 2012
The only complaint that we can make is that our rum supplies were entirely depleted within 3 days. Such is the beauty of the sunsets from the boat house deck on the private beach that we spent hours each night watching the sun go down and the skies light up in rainbow hues.
we didn't want to leave. we started thinking of how we could move to vanuatu permanently.
it's not just the rum talking - it's spectacular.
the house is absolutely darling - the little artful touches around the house give a rustic, french provincial vibe. there is a queen bed and two doubles in the back room. the house is open and airy and ideal to live your days centred on the beauty of the beach.
snorkelling is fantastic - within 5m from the shoreline you can see enormous bright blue starfish and fish of all kinds of beauty. the deck on the beach is the best part, we almost lived on it for our 8 days. in fact, we contemplated dragging a mattress down so we didn't have to leave it.
the amenities of Dream Cove are wonderful - Kris the caretaker is supremely helpful & made all the right recommendations for things to do in Vanuatu, special mention to our drivers Willie and Kendrick for driving us around and putting up with our inane conversation, and to Deloris and Lyn for a serene day of pampering on the boat house patio. we want every massage in future to be oceanside with coconut oil!
Our recommendation: buy more rum than you think at the duty free store on the way in! -
ritchiefam
WellingtonGreat House & Location
Left on 01/28/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We have recently returned from 8 enjoyable nights staying at the Boat House in Port Vila. The Boat House has a rustic yet designer edge to it and is situated in a beautiful area with private beach. The beach is a coral beach but so are most of the other beaches around Efate - once you get over the coral the water is just glorious. We loved our morning kayak (two kayaks at the house for use) and our numerous swims to cool of from the very hot January heat. The house was really well equipped - my foodie teenage daughter was in heaven with all the food magazines. We loved being able to bar-b-que at night with food from the fruit & veggie markets and Bon Marche Supermarket and sit at the lovely long table with the candles lit and look out to the water. Early evening (cocktail hour) we enjoyed sitting in the bean bags down by the water and watching the sunset and the cruise ships leaving. We were pleased to have hired a car (from Franko) and would recommend anyone staying at the Boat House to do so. The layout of the house lends itself to possibly just one couple or like us a family of four. I don't think I would recommend the house to two couples because of the location of the bathroom. For us though it was a great find and resulted in a really lovely family holiday.
-
Jane Stafford
TaupoHeaven
Left on 01/16/2012 for a stay in November 2011
The perfect place in the most perfect spot in all of Vanuatu! Can't wait to stay at The Boat House again!
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PerthJojo
255103A peaceful paradise
Left on 01/13/2012 for a stay in December 2011
We (my husband and I) have just returned from 10 nights at the Boat House and can’t wait to get back there. It must be one of the most peaceful and relaxing places on earth; I haven’t slept so well for years and we found if we sprayed the house before going to bed we didn’t need to use the mosquito net, and mosquitos and bugs weren’t a problem, though it’s wise to have mosquito coils at night on the terrace (as you would in most countries). Equally, although it was the west season and hottest time of the year we didn’t find the heat a problem and the breezes coming through the house combined with the ceiling fans kept it cool. We were also lucky in that we only had one morning and one evening of rain.
Waking up to that glorious outlook every morning is actually inspiring and needs to be experienced; being able to wander down the path and swim and snorkel in warm water whenever the mood takes you in privacy is amazing. While it would be suitable for a couple with children we thoroughly enjoyed being able to spread out all over the house. Kris, the manager, who lives nearby is an invaluable source of information and an enormous help; she can arrange diving/snorkelling trips, helicopter trips, anything really. Nancy, the housekeeper, did a marvellous job (including washing and ironing) and made all the difference. Shopping for food is really quite easy – Au Bon Marche opens early and stays open late. is very well stocked and, amongst other things, has the most amazing pates and terrines which went brilliantly with the marvellous bread.
We hired a car for the whole time and found it easy to get around. The unsealed roads can be a bit of a challenge after heavy rain but the road right around the island is sealed and good. There’s not a lot of signage so a map is essential and the tourist office in the main street has all sorts of maps and brochures. There is a good Japanese restaurant close by and plenty of other restaurants to choose from (but here also it’s a good idea to get advice from Kris) which are easy to access.
All in all it was just a wonderful experience; we loved being there, the whole island and the people we met, and can’t wait to return. -
Sarah Clifford
AshburtonBest holiday ever!
Left on 10/18/2011 for a stay in September 2011
The Boat House is an oasis in the South Pacific! We had the most incredible time at your gorgeous house. From the beautiful tropical flowers on arrival, to the spacious deck and sunset bbqs, it was an absolute dream holiday. To be able to snorkel straight off your beach was brilliant and then to relax with a drink in the huge bean bags on the deck and watch the scenery was awesome. We had the delight of seeing Nemo and friends, some delightful little geckos but not another bug for the whole holiday. We feel so lucky to have experienced your little oasis and would love to come again and again and are already looking forward to next time!!
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scottbase
TaupoParadise - we didn't want to leave!
Left on 09/12/2011 for a stay in August 2011
We found the Boathouse to be located in a truly idyllic spot, we had absolute privacy and tranquillity. It is a little slice of paradise away from the resorts and town of Port Villa. The house was just perfect for us. With the house fully equipped we were able to get some of the great local beef and fish - cooking our own meals at home and enjoy the picture perfect sunsets sitting in the super comfortable bean bags on the purpose built deck down by the sea. We were there in august and had no problems with mosquitos or bugs. The snorkelling off the beach directly in front of the boathouse was absolutely fantastic
a very relaxing spot in a great location, perfect for some quality time out. The house has everything you need to use on holiday
We just wished we'd stayed longer!! We will be back. . -
MMHS_11
BendigoOur first overseas trip with our 9 month old daughter - awesome!
Left on 08/29/2011 for a stay in May 2011
It was the perfect place to stay with a 9 month old baby as we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted when we wanted. The Boathouse was beautiful. It was clean and perfectly positioned in a quiet spot with no direct neighbours. I would recommend hiring a car so that you can easily pop into town for supplies. I would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a private getaway!
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frek62
PerthParadise with problems
Left on 06/03/2011 for a stay in May 2011
This accomodation was the most scenic and relaxing location in Vanuatu. The secluded location is a prime piece of paradise and should be considered as "Gods Country".
Unfortunately the open plan leaving conditions (i.e. no airconditioning or insect screens on doors and windows) made it extremely difficult to be romantic on ones honeymoon when the flying wildlife invaded the house and the 90% humidity failed to allow you to sleep or be romantic.
During the daylight hours it was the perfect location away from the disgrace that is called Port Vila.
I would not classify this property as a honeymoon location based on the night time conditions we were faced with, however the remainder of our stay during daylight hours was relaxing.
Unfortunately we had to move to an airconditioned resort for the last 3 days of our stay to get some sleep and recover from the numerous mozzie bites. Even Tropical stength insect spray and numeruos mozzie coils didnt help.
The roads once on the gated communityare the best in Vanuatu. Couldn't say the same about the rest of Vila as they were a disgrace and we had rented an off road vehicle.
I would highly recommend this property as an Eco Toursim Stay, not romantic or a honeymoon location.
Ncki - You need to really address those two issues and it would be absolutely fantastic. i would have rated it as 20 out of 10 in those circumstances. Maybe we just picked the wrong time of year!!!
Would further recommend this site if the issues were rectified.Response from K N Plowman - 09/28/2011
Owner
Hi Robert
Thanks so much for the feedback on your time at The Boat House . We have just spent some time there and addressed some of the issues you were having by closing in the back area and have treated the entire property for pests to much reduce the bug problem you experienced ( we do this on a regular basis but at the time you were there it was due to be done again.) sadly, bugs and mozzies are a fact of life in the tropics and generally the mosquito nets we supply , along with insect repellent are enough to ward them off.
I'm sorry that your stay didn't quite meet your expectations at such a such a stunning location, but appreciate the feedback and are pleased we've been able to make some improvements . I wish you all the best for future holidays in the islands. -
Nellie
MelbournePure Bliss
Left on 07/24/2010 for a stay in April 2010
We stayed at the Boat house in april 2010 – it was 7 nights of pure bliss!
The boat house is a privately owned retreat of serenity with absolute beach front and exclusive beach access
It’s a 10 minute drive into Port Vila, and it’s situated at the very far end of a gated community, this gives it an added air of exclusiveness! There are two bedrooms, the main bedroom, is just simply divine with stunning views of the water. There is an open plan living area which leads onto a spacious terrace, where we spent most of our time watching the boats and villagers go by.
The kitchen is fully equipped, there is everything you need right there! The added bonus of a gas BBQ which we used on the terrace cooking the best Santo meat and the freshest of seafood!
The boathouse would suit the independent traveller, we lunched at the many restaurants in town and stocked up at supermarket number 2 and the food market in town and cooked dinners at home – why would you go out with surroundings as peaceful and romantic as this?
The snorkelling off the beach was truly stunning – jumping fish was a sight to see!!! Your own private beach where a spot has been decked out with the most comfortable of bean bags to watch the amazing sunsets and enjoy with a glass of sparkling – pure indulgence!
The boat house lets you unwind and renew! We were so sad to leave, we will be back! Cannot recommend highly enough – simply stunning!
Here 2 more rentals located nearby.
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