New Zealanders looking for a luxury retreat in the Pacific Islands tend to look at Fiji, says Chester Rendell, of Sotheby's International Realty.
“This is better than most in Fiji,” he says of Tamarind Beach Estate, a private waterfront property at Paradise Cove, 10-15 minutes by car from Port Vila on Efate, the main island of Vanuatu.
Photos of the estate’s white sands and turquoise water are the sort that make you want to book a holiday in the Vanuatu sun.
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Sydney-based Elizabeth Jones bought the estate with its main beach home and two cottages after coming to Vanuatu on business.
She and her husband Michael were captivated by the property, buying it as a place they could bring their children, grandchildren and friends.
“I think this property is unique on an international scale,” says Elizabeth. “It has its own private white sandy beach and it is safe for swimming and snorkeling.
“It is a beautiful property with tropical gardens. The houses are elegantly finished and equipped, and you have absolute privacy.
“Our family and friends can all come and enjoy it together without being on top of each other.”
The main home is solid concrete with white décor and exterior to reflect its coastal environment. Now named Tula (meaning tranquil), it was built by a French resident in the 1980s.
The family engaged renowned Australian architect Iain Halliday for the renovation and extension of the home and the rebuild of the beach cottages — Tamarind and Toa.
Elizabeth says the main home has a relaxed, coastal colonial style. “And Iain took the same feeling from the main house to the beach houses.”
For the main home with its high-pitched roof and signature circular columns, the extension included arched entrance doors and a thatched-roof nakamal that the family uses for dining.
On either side of the open plan living with designer kitchen, dining and lounge are the two en suited bedrooms. A third bedroom/study is on an open mezzanine floor above the living area.
Terraced decking allows easy access to the estate’s 161m stretch of white sand.
The two beach cottages were rebuilt as guesthouses with en-suite bathrooms and open plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas leading on to decks. Another nakamal sits between them.
Beautifully landscaped, the walled grounds have mature trees, tropical plants and an expanse of lawn. There is also a manager's house, staff quarters and garage/workshop.
Regular flights to Vanuatu have made it easy for family and friends to enjoy this beautiful setting. For Aucklanders, the flight takes roughly three and a half hours.
“It is the perfect place to unwind and have a holiday,” says Elizabeth.
“If you want to go out for a day trip there is so much to do, as well. There are no fertilisers or pesticide here in the soil, so we go to the local market to pick up fresh organic fruit and vegetables. And there are inexpensive French wines here because of the influence of French and British.”
The family usually eats outdoors, using the barbecues or fire pits. During the day they swim, kayak and paddleboard. Technology allows to Elizabeth and Michael to set up their workplaces while they are here.
But with their children and grandchildren growing older, the Joneses are selling.
“Time for us now to be a little more settled with them in Australia,” says Elizabeth.
Chester adds “It’s absolute beachfront.
“The main house and the two guest houses are superbly designed and fitted. It’s private and secure and yet 15 minutes from downtown Port Vila so supplies aren’t an issue.
“I don’t really look at it as an investment property – it’s a holiday retreat or a permanent residence. The accommodation business is there if you want it.”
Find out more about Tamarind Beach Estate
