Medical tourism has been gaining traction worldwide, and while destinations like Thailand, India, and Mexico have long dominated the scene, a quieter, more idyllic contender is entering the spotlight—Vanuatu.
Located in the South Pacific, this archipelago of 80-plus islands offers more than just palm-lined beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s becoming a haven for medical tourists looking for affordable, quality care combined with peaceful surroundings ideal for recovery. Vanuatu’s private healthcare infrastructure is steadily improving, and the nation’s top hotels and resorts are already geared toward wellness, privacy, and comfort.
So if you’re considering a medical procedure abroad—or if you’re a provider looking to recommend options for patients traveling for care—this guide explores Vanuatu’s top 10 hotels and resorts best suited for medical tourism. Each is selected for its proximity to healthcare facilities, reputation, and recovery-friendly features like spas, wellness cuisine, and serene settings.
Let’s dive into where healing and hospitality meet in Vanuatu.
1. Ratua Private Island Resort – Rustic Luxury with Seclusion
Rating: 4.7 | Location: Espiritu Santo
If your recovery needs tranquility above all else, Ratua Private Island Resort is hard to beat. It’s not your average luxury stay—think eco-conscious villas, locally-sourced food, and barefoot elegance. What makes Ratua special is the sense of privacy and disconnection. There are no TVs, no loud music, and limited guests.
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- Best for: Post-surgical recovery or wellness retreats needing silence and solitude.
- Medical access: A short boat ride to Luganville, which has a hospital and several private clinics.
- Special features:
- On-site spa with natural therapies
- Organic cuisine tailored to dietary needs
- 24/7 attentive staff (great for mobility-restricted guests)
- On-site spa with natural therapies
Note: It’s not ideal for those needing frequent trips to a clinic or hospital.
2. Barrier Beach Resort – Stylish Serenity on the Shore
Rating: 4.7 | Location: East Coast, Espiritu Santo
Just minutes from Luganville’s medical hub, Barrier Beach Resort provides that sweet spot between comfort and convenience. The property offers luxurious beachfront villas with modern comforts and minimal noise.
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- Best for: Short-term recovery where medical follow-ups are needed.
- Recovery-friendly elements:
- Private balconies for sun therapy
- Soft bedding and blackout curtains for deep sleep
- In-room massage services
- Private balconies for sun therapy
- Dining note: The food is excellent, but service can be slow—something to keep in mind if you’re on medication schedules.
3. Aore Island Resort – Wellness Wrapped in Nature
Rating: 4.6 | Location: Aore Island (across from Luganville)
Aore Island Resort combines the best of both worlds: natural beauty and easy access to medical facilities via a quick ferry ride. Bungalows are spaced out for privacy, and the setting encourages outdoor rest—think hammocks, ocean breezes, and quiet walks.
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- Ideal for: Couples or solo travelers seeking natural, distraction-free recovery.
- Features:
- On-site saltwater pool (gentle for post-surgery wounds)
- Staff trained to assist with basic mobility issues
- Wheelchair-accessible areas
- On-site saltwater pool (gentle for post-surgery wounds)
Their relaxed but professional service gives it a strong appeal for those in early stages of recovery.
4. The Havannah Vanuatu – Adults-Only Oceanfront Elegance
Rating: 4.7 | Location: Port Havannah, Efate Island
For those who can splurge a bit, The Havannah offers five-star amenities in a kid-free zone, creating a peaceful environment perfect for post-op stays. Guests here are pampered, but in a way that doesn’t feel forced. There’s privacy, but help is always nearby.
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- Why it works for medical tourism:
- On-site spa and in-villa treatment options
- Gourmet meals that can be adapted to medical diets
- Strong Wi-Fi for remote medical consults
- On-site spa and in-villa treatment options
However, it’s a 25-minute drive from Port Vila’s hospital, so not recommended if you’re expecting daily visits.
5. Eratap Beach Resort – Luxury Meets Stillness
Rating: 4.9 | Location: 20 minutes from Port Vila
With arguably the best staff in Vanuatu, Eratap Beach Resort provides a luxury hideaway with just enough proximity to civilization. Villas are beautifully isolated with panoramic sea views, while the resort staff go out of their way to accommodate special needs.
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- Medical accessibility: Close enough to Port Vila’s medical district for checkups, but far enough for true peace.
- Unique advantage:
- In-villa dining for those avoiding public spaces
- Yoga and light movement classes for gentle physical recovery
- Thoughtful touches like pillow options and hypoallergenic bedding
- In-villa dining for those avoiding public spaces
Beach swimming is limited, but that’s not a major concern for most recovering guests.
6. Tamanu on the Beach – Where Spa Meets Soft Shorelines
Rating: 4.7 | Location: South Efate Island
Tamanu on the Beach seamlessly blends luxury accommodation with holistic wellness services. It’s a top pick for patients recovering from minor procedures or cosmetic surgery, especially if spa therapy is part of the plan.
- Top reasons to choose:
- Full-service spa with detox, massage, and facials
- Nutrition-conscious restaurant options
- Friendly, proactive staff that respect guest privacy
- Full-service spa with detox, massage, and facials
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Heads up: Being near nature means a few bugs and local critters may wander in—pack insect repellent or request a fully sealed suite.
7. Beachfront Resort – Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Rating: 4.2 | Location: Luganville
Traveling for treatment can be expensive, but Beachfront Resort offers a clean, comfortable, and affordable stay just minutes from Northern Provincial Hospital and other medical services.
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- Highlights:
- Spacious rooms with walk-in showers
- On-site restaurant with simple, easy-to-digest meals
- Wheelchair-accessible spaces
- Spacious rooms with walk-in showers
While not flashy, it’s functional and reliable, with friendly staff used to working with guests in recovery.
8. Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu – Chain Comfort with Island Flair
Rating: 4.3 | Location: Port Vila
Trusted by travelers worldwide, Holiday Inn Resort offers familiarity and consistency—a major comfort when recovering far from home. With well-trained staff, full air-conditioning, and proximity to hospitals, it’s a good match for patients with moderate care needs.
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- Pros:
- Easy access to city medical facilities
- Western-style rooms with orthopedic mattresses
- Multiple dining options (great for dietary variety)
- Easy access to city medical facilities
Some rooms may experience noise, so request a riverside or garden-facing room for optimal rest.
9. Turtle Bay Lodge, Restaurant and PADI Dive Centre – A Quiet Niche for Recovery
Rating: 4.6 | Location: East Coast, Espiritu Santo
More than just a dive center, Turtle Bay Lodge is also a tranquil getaway ideal for light recovery. It offers personalized attention and a peaceful, waterfront setting.
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- Why it works:
- Rooms that open to calm ocean views
- Gentle activities like kayaking and bird-watching
- Cozy, low-traffic grounds
- Rooms that open to calm ocean views
Room availability is limited, so early booking is essential—especially if you require a longer recovery period.
10. The Moso – Boutique Bliss with Individualized Service
Rating: 4.9 | Location: Moso Island
Small in size but big on heart, The Moso is ideal for travelers who prefer a boutique, intimate experience. There’s no bustling lobby or long check-in line. Instead, you’re greeted by name and cared for like a guest in someone’s home.
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- Strengths:
- Personalized meal planning
- Daily wellness checks by staff
- Close collaboration with nearby clinics for follow-up care
- Personalized meal planning
It doesn’t have five-star bling, but it excels at one-on-one attention, which can make all the difference in recovery.
Final Thoughts: Why Vanuatu is Poised to Thrive in Medical Tourism
Vanuatu may not be the first name that springs to mind for medical travel, but it has the ingredients for long-term success:
- A growing private healthcare system
- Quiet, wellness-oriented resorts
- A welcoming, safety-conscious culture
The country’s pace of life is slow—in the best possible way. And that’s precisely what many patients need after surgery, dental work, or other medical treatments: a soft place to land.
Whether you’re a traveler considering a procedure abroad, a facilitator looking to expand options for clients, or a provider offering recovery packages—Vanuatu is worth a close look.
And remember, when it comes to healing, where you recover matters just as much as how you’re treated.
