Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 39 reviews.
Andrew
Australia · Couple · October 2026
+The stay is paradise. You fall asleep to the rumbling of the ocean, it is pitch black at night, the hosts are wonderful conversationalists and wonderful cooks. Most people that stay here are repeat guests and we are likely not to be the exception.
Melissa
Australia · Solo · August 2026
+Amazing natural environment- the coastline and reef are spectacular! It was great value, lovely attentive hosts and it was such a treat to have dinner made for us by Marcus.
Northern Rivers Couple
Australia · Couple · August 2026
“A most relaxing, private, comfortable stay - set in a fantastic location”
+An amazing find - couldn't believe our luck - we loved the very large covered outdoor verandah with an extra large lounge for reading and relaxing as well as the beautiful dinners and breakfasts. We also loved the privacy and the fact that swimming and snorkeling were a short stroll from our villa to the ocean - with NO ONE else around - wow. A reef keeps the waves away ensuring that the many little sandy swimming coves amongst the rocks and coral outcrops were calm enough for snorkeling. Plenty of trees allowed us to string our hammocks (which we brought along) up in the shade and out of the wind and we spent hours by the water. No one walked by, it was total privacy. We highly recommend having dinners every night at the villa, cooked by chef Marcus who also runs a Cooking School. We loved not having to choose from a menu as Marcus surprised us with different and tasty dishes every night. Buy your French Champagne and wine (cheaper than in Australia) at the Port Vila Airport Duty Free on arrival and enjoy with dinner!
−That's a vexed issue - we loved being so far away from town, in comfort and with total privacy, which also meant that we couldn't just pop into a shop or cafe. Having said that there are minivan busses regularly going along the main ring road which is a 3 minute walk from the property, they are cheap to take to town and back. No bus timetable though, you flag down a passing minibus, that means a bit of waiting. Hiring taxis is very expensive, we paid more than A$100 from the airport to the villa. I strongly advise travelers to follow Marcus' and Stoney's recommendations regarding transport - which we did not do, if we had we could have saved a little bit on that expensive fare. Having said that, however, we really did not want to leave the villa and we subsequently spent most of our time there in total relaxation, reading, swimming, snorkeling and eating.
Lawrence
United States · Couple · August 2026
“Paradise realized”
+The hosts are wonderful, fascinating people. The room and bathroom are both beautiful and very well laid out. The patio is excellent. The larger grounds and seafront are simply amazing. The breakfasts were also outstanding. If you get a chance, I strongly recommend taking a cooking class there. This was easily one of the most wonderful places we’ve ever stayed.
−It was perfect.
Noelene
Australia · Couple · July 2026
“Exceptional stay in a Private Villa in a secluded location”
+Marcus and Stoney were the ultimate hosts. So warm and friendly, we felt welcome from arrival. The villa was comfortable with little extras that made our stay enjoyable. The gardens were a delight to enjoy while eating our delicious breakfast that was different each morning - thank you Stoney. The meals that Marcus cooked each night were all amazing, 5 star dining. We planned our stay to celebrate our birthdays and we were not disappointed. We did a cooking class with Marcus which was great fun , informative and delicious. Snorkeling, reef walking and swimming in the lap pool lagoon were highlights. Relaxing on the huge day bed and reading our books was heaven We cant wait to return to this Paradise
−Nothing at all !!!!!
Christina
Australia · Solo · June 2026
“I’m jealous of whoever is staying there right now.”
+This gorgeous villa was everything we’d hoped for, and more. Marcus and Stony encourage relaxation, and take it to a whole new level. Our days began with Stony’s delightful breakfasts, at the bar overlooking the lush garden. We’d spend time by the beach and in the lap pool, lazily enjoy a good read on our covered deck, and have cuddles with Dora and Benny. We enjoyed a fun cooking class with Marcus, then relish his gourmet meals in the evenings. We’d wind up our days chatting with the geckos, which crawled along the rafters at night. Talk about feeling relaxed and content! Papaya Villa is an island paradise. Our time here was an absolute treat.
Liam
Australia · Couple · June 2026
+Marcus & Stoney were great hosts, their beautiful villa is close to their own private reef, which made it peaceful and relaxing and wow the food is out of this world, definitely take advantage of Marcus’s cooked meals at night, was the best meals we had on Efate, the breakfasts in the morning with tea and coffee were a lovely touch also. It is worth getting a rental car if possible as the property is a short drive out of Port Villa, gives you the flexibility to explore the other gems on the island (Stoney has some great recommendations too!) if you wish. Thank you both for a wonderful holiday, looking forward to visiting again in the future
−Nothing!!
Michelle
Australia · Couple · May 2026
“Relax, recharge, renew”
+A brilliant slice of paradise right on Eton reef! Loved the hospitality of our hosts who went out of their way to make us feel at home. Wonderful reef walk, delicious breakfasts, gastronomic delights for dinner, highly recommended and can be pre ordered, and a delightful, well presented, comfortable property where you can relax and recharge. Thank you Marcus and Stoney for an unforgettable few days.
−Nothing to not like! Though highly recommended to get a car since it is a fair ways out of the main city area which for us was also one of its highlights.
James
Australia · Couple · May 2026
“Great experience- highly recommended”
+This is a spectacular place to stay in Vanuatu. Lovely hosts, and great accommodation. So memorable- on a private place moments from the beach, and kilometres from local villages. Great attention to detail from the hosts in all ways. Great breakfast and Marcus cooks beautiful dinners.
−- - - - nothing. Nothing.
Alison
Australia · Couple · May 2026
“Perfect for relaxation”
+Lovely spot with nice hosts. We enjoyed the breakfasts by Stoney and dinners by Marcus. Property was peaceful, clean and well maintained. A good place to unwind and relax. Hosts were friendly and thoughtful.