TRADEWINDS VILLAS

Run by the same friendly and helpful manager as Seachange Lodge, and just down the road from it, this is a nice spot to relax but also a good base for anyone here on business. (It's particularly handy for anyone visiting or working at the hospital.) The self-catering units are very pleasant with all mod-cons, and there is a nice pool (including a shallow toddlers' end that was greatly appreciated by my 2 year-old stepdaughter) and barbecue area. Wi-Fi reception isn't good in the units but there is a nice seating area by the pool where you can take your laptop and sit and work while enjoying the breeze and the view over the lagoon. It isn't beachside luxury, but considering that it's only a few minutes from the city centre, it's remarkably peaceful.

The service was excellent - no problems using the laundry facilities and a transport to the airport was organised for me. Also it was no problem extending my stay by one night. The unit was clean and tidy. The only negative point is that because of its location, it can be very noisy. I barley slept the last night of my stay as the neighbours decided to have a party. Hence 4 stars not 5.

Tradewinds Villas were clean and comfortable with a full kitchen for cooking, but looked a little tired and old, could do with a face lift. The entrance was not too appealing and was in a shabby part of town, was not far to walk to town but did not feel comfortable walking home at night by myself. But the pool and gardens inside the grounds were inviting and a great place to relax. Beware of a Taxi Driver called Carlos which the host recommends, he is charming at first but over charges & when he found that I was travelling by local busses (vans) which are a fraction of the price he became rude and aggressive !!!

The units are cool, private and roomy with great kitchens and balconies. The garden and pool are relaxing and you can easily walk to town or get a taxi for 500Vt. There is parking, the gates are locked at night and the staff very obliging. This would be our choice of accommodation in Port Vila township and the best value for money.

I stayed in one of the studio apartments at Tradewinds for a total of 7 weeks while working as a newly qualified doctor at the hospital which is just next door. I had a lovely time and couldn’t recommend it more highly - excellent value accommodation - I doubt bettered anywhere else - at least I didn’t discover anywhere in my research before or during my time there.... The apartments are clean, comfortable and made for an excellent base to live out of for the period. Incredibly good for longer term stays especially if you’re working in the hospital or nearby in town. Lots of midwives, doctors, nurses, volunteers, aid workers etc all coming through here using Tradewinds as their base. Ian the manager got several of us and the guests at Seachange (which he also manages) together for some barbecues which was really fun. He arranged pick up from the airport which was much appreciated on first arriving! He works tirelessly and was always on hand to help with a problem or answer my enquiries about how to get the best out of my time here. His receptionist Oly was fantastic too, nothing too much trouble for either of them. The apartment was serviced regularly by Rosy who cleaned everything beautifully 2 or 3 times a week. She would do the kitchen, bathroom, put pots and pans away, make the beds, change the sheets, kindly do a clothes wash once a week and... help us chop up coconuts that fell in the garden! Edwin was often around cleaning the pool, strimming the grass and generally keeping the place looking nice and tidy. I didn’t want for anything in the apartment; basic cooking equipment so that I could eat cheaply making food at home, fan for when it was hot, air conditioning although found I actually didn’t need it, fridge-freezer, TV and DVD player, lots of wall sockets, lighting and plenty of space - enough to spread myself out with some yoga! There is a communal area with a really decent barbecue grill you can use, wifi and a pool which catches the morning sun and is lovely in the afternoon shade. Walking into town to the market, nakamals, cinema, restaurants etc takes 10-15 mins max or you can go by bus which come past on the road regularly. Ian has a two seater kayak that I borrowed with a pal and took to the island Erakor at the bottom of the lagoon which was a great day out. I do a lot of running and enjoyed exploring the area that way - some decent hills to work up and down.

Ian who runs Seachange and Tradewinds was a great host, organised a great day with John's island tours 'good trip. Arranged taxi to airport, the driver was punctual and obliging. Recommend people travel to Vanuatu and stay with Ian. Merry Xmas. Victoria and Peter.

Ian was too lovely on my trip over to Vanuatu. I was volunteering at the hospital and therefore gave me a discount on my accommodation. The hospital was within walking distance to the hospital which was fantastic. Ian even went out of his way and got all the medical students together for a BBQ, very thoughtful. It's also a small walk to the markets and grocery store.

We enjoyed our 7 day holiday in Vanuatu and our stay at Tradewinds which is situated only a short walk away from Port Vila Township within a lovely well kept garden. Our studio bungalow was comfortable, clean, mosquito proof and equipped with everything we needed. The sheltered patio with its pleasant views provided a great space to relax. Lovely Valerie, the manager, was very attentive and helpful and gave us the best advise regarding worthwhile attractions around Efate and efficiently organised all our outings for us. Thank you for a wonderful time. We have learned so much about this beautiful island and its friendly people.

My daughter and I spent a week at Tradewinds. The property is clean, central to shopping restaurants and transport, with the feel of being in village life as well. We had great views from the pool. so quiet and relaxing. A short stroll to the local store to buy an egg to cook for breakfast was quite the novelty. The amenities in our room were very good. Air conditioning and cooking facilities in tip top working condition. Valerie the owner along with her small local team do a great job of helping with your holiday so we felt comfortable and secure. We unfortunately had the loss of my 14 year old luggage. Valerie went out of her way to chase up that luggage and even provided some suitable attire for my daughter to wear to dinner on New Years Eve. It is unusual to find such assistance in business these days. Valerie also got up at 6 a.m. to take me to the airport while sill trying to locate this luggage. My daughter is Insulin Dependent diabetic and her medication was in this case. It took 5 days for the return of the case however Tradewinds service made us feel it was a small inconvenience by Valerie's terrific service. My daughter was so grateful for Tradewinds assistance as well, I struggle to think of another resort we have ever stayed in that is so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend Tradewinds as the place to stay on a visit to Vanuatu.

I stayed here for a couple days in October as a quick reprieve from island hopping and staying in basic village bungalows. Tradewinds is located on a bluff above the water on the east side of Port Vila, it has several separate private units with full kitchen, bathroom, TV, bed and extra cove. It's walking distance to town but just outside of the busy streets on the main drag. There's no restaurant, but it's close enough to the grocery store that you can buy stuff there and utilize your kitchen or walk to the nearby resorts and eat at their restaurants. The lady that runs the place is nice and very helpful, she'll give you a map to town and explain the best path to get there. When I came down with a cold/flu it was very quick and easy to add an extra night's stay and was a nice place to rest and recover. There's a good nakamal a minute up the road and down a short garden path and a lesser one directly across the street from Tradewinds. All-in-all, Tradewinds was very affordable and I could see it working great for any type of traveler, except perhaps the annoyingly posh, who expect high-end luxury even in 3rd world countries. I liked this place so much, I fantasize about living there permanently. I think a hot tub out by the pool would make this place absolutely perfect. :)