Absolute Perfection!
We loved staying at Aoredise - for us it was absolute perfection! Waking up to the beautiful view of the gardens on one side and the water on the other was just spectacular, and the peace and quiet was just what we craved. It is very easy to fall into the rhythm of island life!
Banie & Rebeccah, the cleaners and boat driver, are amazing, the house was absolutely immaculate!
We would love to come back in the near future. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful place with us - we can see why you love it so much.
/ Amy & Darren, Qld - January 2024
We loved everything about Aoredise!
Unlock the secrets of Vanuatu's hidden gem - Aoredise! Thanks to thoughtful hosts Stuart & June who spared no detail ensuring both interior / exterior spaces exude perfection. Communication was exceptional, from assisting to coordinate a surprise birthday party feast at Freshwater Plantation to accommodating endless flight delays, Stuart ensured our stay was exactly as intended - pure bliss!
The Nakamal provides the perfect setting to savour delicious BBQ meals while soaking up the breathtaking views and tranquility.
We took advantage of the various activities on offer such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling right from the house. Why pay for a tour when you have a magnificent coral reef at your doorstep! We could go on indefinitely about amazing features of this tropical island paradise but suffice to say, we loved everything about Aoredise & are already planning our next trip.
/ Mimi & Adam, Vic - January 2024
Beautiful Hidden Gem!
What a beautiful location to spend a holiday to just unwind, relax and swim in the amazing crystal clear waters at your doorstep. It was very unusual to arrive at night due to our flights being a little crazy from Port Vila, but our contacts in Santo arranged by Stuart were so accommodating, and we found we were picked up at the airport without a worry, commuted to Aore Island by the Captain, and dropped to the doorstep of our accommodation.
My family and I loved the home and it had everything we needed with the little extras that you need but don't think about. The use of the bikes was awesome as we could venture out and explore the island.
We felt completely safe at all times and we loved how the cows were just roaming outside the gates.
We were lucky to venture down to the Resort a couple of times and be treated to a Pizza Night plus some Island Dances which was a real treat.
We definitely recommend staying in this beautiful hidden gem if you want to get away, unwind and relax. You won't be disappoiunted at Aoredise.
One point to note, if coming from Brisbane, fly direct to Santo and don't go via Vila as it can become a little hectic and traumatic which we experienced, but we quickly adjusted to "Island Time" as they call it.
/ Julia & Rodney, Qld - January 2024
Our 2nd Stay at Aoredise
This was our 2nd stay at Aoredise. We once again had a magical time. Dream spot, guaranteed disconnection while being able to easily access the main axis of Luganville thanks to the taxi boats. Our hosts had left us the contact details for Sam, Santo Friendly Tours, who is really adorable.
/ Severine, New Caledonia - January 2023
A Paradise of its own!
Aoredise is truly a paradise of its own. Our group had an incredible time adventuring the island on bikes and relaxing on the property. This place is so clean and well taken care of, and Stuart was so attentive and helpful when we needed assistance with anything. Definitely visit the nearby resort for an amazing meal, but the house kitchen and barbeque made for some amazing dinners! Thanks Stuart and June for this wonderful place. We hope to return again someday!!
/ Robynne, NSW - December 2022
Fantastic Tropical Holiday!
White beach, pristine waters with coral and tropical fish a few metres from the front door of a very comfy modern villa. We had a fantastic tropical holiday, snorkeling every day and town is just a short boat ride away. Our 1.5 y/o daughter had the time of her life swimming and playing at the beach with my wife & I and the two older siblings, very safe. Bikes and kayak were great to explore the island. Ten out of Ten! Tankyu tumas and haos blong yu nambawan (Thank you very much and your house in the best)!
/ Craig, NZ - March 2020
A lovely place!
A lovely lovely place and will definitely return if I'm back in Santo. Excellent outdoor setting with water sport equipments which is fantastic! Can get a bit hot inside in February without air conditioning as fans aren't the strongest but understandable given off the grid. Note: two rooms don't have ceiling for aerodynamics of house
/ Kelvin, Vic - February 2020
Little slice of paradise!
We had a truly amazing couple of days in the little slice of paradise you have created. The views and snorkeling were spectacular and thankfully the terrible weather that was forecasted for our stay never arrived.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful home and special spot in paradise with us.
/ Mel & Justin, WA - January 2020
A fabulous house with everything you need!
Aoredise is a fabulous house with everything you need. Beautiful views over the water and very relaxing place, we had a great time.
Jimmy worked hard and was very helpful. It was fantastic to see the old WW2 relics and the lookout on Aore. Overall we had a great time and would love to come back. Thank you.
/ The Twist Family, Cairns - January 2020
I can't recommend Aoredise highly enough!
Stuart and June's place is a beautiful little holiday house in an amazing location. Definitely come here if you want to experience a little bit of paradise away from everything. You can just relax. For activities, you can bike ride around Aore Island or go kayaking, paddle boarding, and even snorkeling right in front of the house. Those a little more adventurous, like myself, scuba dived the SS Coolidge wreck with the nearby dive shop. The house has a beautiful BBQ area outside which we used several times while we were there. We did a big shop at the local market in Luganville across the water. If you only have time for one of the major islands in Vanuatu, I would say skip Efate (Port Vila) and go straight to Espiritu Santo and Aore Island (where Stuart and June's place is). I can't recommend Aoredise highly enough!
/ Mark, Vic - January 2020
Beautifully Designed House
Aoredise is a wonderful place for a relaxed off-grid getaway. We had 11 magic days over Christmas and New Year and couldn't have wished for a better holiday. The house is beautifully designed with all amenities, and really easy to live in - noting that you are dependent on solar power for electricity and rainwater for drinking and washing.
Everything worked perfectly and we could even use the washing machine as there plenty of sun over that time. Getting supplies was no problem - call call up the taxi boat and the LCM supermarket and local markets in Luganville have everything you need. We did heaps of swimming and snorkeling - how amazing to walk down from the deck and straight into the warm clear ocean to explore the wonders of coral reefs. The bicycles were great for exploring Aore Island. The Coffee Roastery Tour was excellent - they picked us up at the house and took us around the rain-forest before a walk through the coffee roasting process. We can highly recommend Sam Nisa for a tour of Santo - he took us up to Port Olry and Champagne Beach, with a Blue Hole swim on the way back.
Overall a perfect stay!
/ Stanley, NZ - January 2020
Perfect Aoredise
It is easy to say something is "perfect" in paradise. But, to truly create "perfect", it takes a lot of hard work, insightful vision and a deep consideration for the location, the local residents and the very lucky guests who get to share these attributes and this great place. Santo is a very special place, Aore Island is a remarkable, adventurous location, Aoredise is the perfect combination of comfort and remoteness which makes the whole spectrum of special experiences "once in a lifetime". We have travelled a lot and notice all the small details in remote paradises where someone has gone beyond the normal level to make sure you have an incredible and comfortable time, which is not usually that easy due to the exotic location. Stuart and June have obviously exceeded this level to make sure your time here is amazing, well resourced and supported and comfortable. As a result, we have already passed on the details of Aoredise to many friends and family who have not previously stayed in Santo, as the perfect option. Most importantly, on our special last night under the shimmering stars, next to the glistening sea, we vowed to return again very soon to Santo for our 5th visit and to definitely stay and create more unique memories at Aoredise. We travelled with 3 young children aged 5, 3 and 1. Yet there was so much to do, at a nice even pace at Aoredise and on Aore Island, let alone visiting the magic locations on Santo. Our 8 day/7 night stay included the following: Day 1: Arrive Santo, shop LCM Luganville, dinner Aoredise Day 2: Lunch, swim and massage at Freshwater Plantation (pick up in their car), dinner Aoredise Day 3: Day use of Overwater Tree Bungalow and special lobster lunch at Hideaway Paradise Beach Bungalows (approx. 10 mins south of Port Olry), transfers courtesy of Glifford, Nice Day Tours, dinner Oceanic Restaurant on the way back home Day 4: Bike ride and coffee at Aore Is Coffee, dinner Aoredise Day 5: Bike ride, lunch and swim Two Canoes (pick up in their car), dinner Aoredise Day 6: Mavea Island Trip, BBQ lunch and Ri Ri Blue Hole tour with Glifford, early dinner Natangora Cafe on the way back home Day 7: Swim in pool and early dinner Aore Island Resort Day 8: Scheduled breakfast Aore Coffee, Depart Santo Most importantly, not mentioned above, is all of the countless swims, snorkels, paddles, floats, meals, exploring, activities, quiet moments and special family time at Aoredise.
/ Adam, Brisbane - January 2019
A Magical Stay
We had a magical stay at Aoredise! The villa has stunning views and exceptional tranquility. There is everything you need in terms of facilities, both recreational and practical. The island of Aore is beautiful! We were so happy we are going to try to come back very soon and for longer!
/ Severinne, New Caledonia - January 2019
It was just perfect!
Living and working locally in Vanuatu, it’s not often that you take time out to holiday here. This year with the kids coming back to celebrate Christmas altogether, we decided on a getaway to Aoredise. It was just perfect. The house had everything you’d want for a relaxing holiday and the personal touches by Stuart & June were special. It was even decorated for Christmas time. Really Lovely. Great sized fridge for self-catering (6 of us), lots of places to just chill or play card/board games. Fully equipped with water sports equipment, in excellent condition. There are even bikes to explore Aore Island, which we did, discovering nearby WW2 bunkers. The thumbs up from the kids for the sound system. Decorated in a modern yet relaxed tropical style, we all were very glad to have stayed there. PS. Stuart even went the extra mile in making sure an item we left behind was returned to us. Thanks Stuart.
/ Hester, Vanuatu - January 2019
Everything and More!
Aoredise is everything and more! It could not have been more perfect. Stuart and June communicated and shared tips in advance of our arrival - which was very helpful. Stuart graciously arranged our transfers as well which made it even easier. The house is perfect and very well equipped with your own private beach and a beautiful garden. Everything you need to have a perfect island holiday - drinking the rainwater was a delight with none of the chemicals we find in our “city water”. Stuart provides a mobile phone to make local calls - it helped a lot to order boat taxis (which takes you to Luganville in about 5 minutes).
Aoredise is a perfect base to explore Vanuatu given it’s proximity to Luganville. There is a butcher opposite the market (their beef sausages are fantastic). We bought fresh ingredients at the market and the rest at LCM (baby pork rib racks are recommended for a slow BBQ roast).We rented a car (twice) from the Santo Hotel and spent time at the blueholes, Champagne beach and Port Olry - all very doable in one day. We would recommend Angelique’s restaurant (Sirinity) in Port Olry.
We felt we had our very own peaceful paradise on Aore. We relaxed, swam, cycled, read and just chilled. The sunsets were amazing. The summer storms were also incredible - quick and refreshing. We bbq’ed most evenings - the veranda was our perfect family gathering spot (and the mosquito coils works their magic).
Other tips - cycling to Freshwater Plantation is well worth it. A little bumpy road, but the scenery of huge trees and forests makes it worth it (wear insect repellent!). Maria and Klaas are fantastic hosts at Freshwater and the lunches and freshly made ginger & lemongrass iced tea a must! My husband did the bat-cave tour and I went for a full body massage (such a treat!).
/ Marise - December 2018
Lovely Relaxing Place
Aoredise is a lovely relaxing holiday house with everything in place to make it easy to stay on a tropical island. Nothing was left out - from first-aid kit to ice cubes & paddle boards to hammocks. Thank you for your personal touches, and for making it so convenient. Five stars!
/ Charlotte - December 2018
Perfect Family Holiday!!!
We stayed at Aoredise over Christmas with our 2 young children and had the most relaxing, fun filled two weeks. The house contained everything you could possibly need (especially appreciated the washing machine for salty, sandy clothes!) and having the flexibility to self-cater if we wanted made it so much easier than taking tired children out to restaurants at night. Incredibly safe for children- our days were filled with snorkeling, kayaking, climbing the big shady tree, sand castles, hermit crab chasing, Santo beef on the BBQ, trips to resort up the road for pool time, Freshwater Plantation (amazing food), Two Canoes (superb snorkeling), babysitters (Lizzy and Rowena were great) and lots of movies and games supplied for entertainment when the rain came (which was not too often). So easy to organize and lots of people to offer local tips along the way - Thank you Stuart and June for a truly amazing family holiday!
/ Troy, Meegan, Bella & Hunter - January 2018
Beautiful place for relaxation
"Excellent diving in close proximity: reefs, Million Dollar Point, and of course the President Coolidge. The very comfortable house is located five minuted by boat from Luganville. A local guy called Sandy acted as ferry for 1000 vatu single way. Very nice beds with fans around the house. Note: there are no shops on the island so bring your stuff from Luganville. I had some great fish curry at the restaurant , between five and ten minutes walk from the house."
/ Peter - January 17
The Perfect Getaway!
"Stuart and June were very friendly and welcoming from the beginning. The place is just as they describe it...well, maybe even better. We could find nothing missing and being there for a month, we had time to look. Comfy beds, modern appliances and decor, ceiling fans in all rooms, beautiful well manicured yard, and then the fabulous front porch and private beach. We fell in love with this place and Aore too for that matter. We took long walks on the scenic road and REALLY got away from it all. I highly recommend this to anyone that loves nature and relaxing in a beautiful, quiet, beachfront property."
/ Jim, Gina and Niki - December 16