Ever dreamt about your own private island? If you can’t afford buying one, rent one! I recently visited Ratua, a private island in the beautiful archipelago of Vanuatu owned by a wealthy French nature lover. This eco-friendly island is opening up for you and up to 24 friends where all profits contribute to the protection of the sanctuary and preservations of neighbouring communities of projects you decide – local schools, hospitals, cultural projects and development of the craft industry etc. The price which may sound hefty at $14,400 per night actually works out to be $600 per person if you share it with 24 friends and it includes everything on the island. Think stylish eco-tourism and raison d’être – the reason for being – check out our photos.

It is quite amazing there is actually a way to live differently – out of time, out of consumption – with the sexy and sometimes elusive idea of escaping to a secluded island for absolute relaxation. This is a wild place, still rough around its edges with people working in harmony with local resources and the island’s ecology with aim for a self-sustained retreat. The accommodation is renovated in respect of their ancestral architecture and blended in its surrounding vegetation. All aspects of life on Ratua derived from this concept, large fans instead of air conditioning, solar and renewable energy, transport on horseback, bikes or electric buggy, return of indigenous fauna, sea links using traditional crafts, organic cooking and no plastic. Whilst there is an absence of television, connection with the outside world is still possible via wireless internet in The Game Room and Media Centre and a GSM network covers the entire island. Being a complete web addict and workaholic, I was first annoyed of not having access to the net from my own villa but I soon realised this island wants you to relax and adjust to the chilled out “Vanuatu time” – it worked for me.

Ten individual villa-style homes are positioned and constructed to take advantage of the natural air flow. Hand crafted from 200-year-old teak wood with Indo-Oceania inspiration, each villa is furnished with its own flair of colour theme and animal to accommodate two to four guests. Staying in one of the largest villas, I enjoyed a bedroom, spacious living lounge, bath room, day beds, lounge areas and two verandas plus a nice own deck and beach at low tide with calm water. The only minus was the somewhat rough sand but a big plus is the well-stocked fridge of refreshing beverages including French wine and Champagne from the owner’s vineyard among bottles of water, soft drinks and the local Tusker beer. Soak it all up!

Photos of Ratua interior and exterior

The Yacht Club is the social hangout with a sandy beach, chaise lounges, dining room and a bar. With tribal life being evident in the area, we also gathered at the Makamal (fire place/pub) one night to drink Kava which comes from the root of a pepper plant and used in traditional ceremonies and for social occasions in many of the Pacific Islands although it is actually taboo for women to drink it… ooops! A wine cave also houses Australian and New Zealand wines plus the exclusive French wine and Champagne mentioned. The organic Kitchen Garden is where the culinary staff sources fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to supplement the unlimited fish supply from local anglers. Chef Kandy Tamagushiku from New Zealand has an impressive background and surely knows how to tantalise taste buds with mouth-watering and beautiful dishes as well as yummy picnic baskets. Just like at home, you can pop into the kitchen for a snack or meal at any time but also receive cooking tips if eager to prepare your own dish.

Protected by two larger islands, it is easy to explore surrounding lagoons, beaches, reefs – where sea tortoises, bright coral gardens and colourful fish abound. Make sure you paddle in the right tide as we probably won’t choose a canoe journey against the stream again although we had some good belly laughs afterwards… haha… Horses roam freely with local chickens, pigs, goats and cows at Manade Ranch. And beyond the island shores, there is infinite wealth of the nature and unique local culture – visit active volcanoes, waterfalls and caves, go sailing, blue hole swimming and deep sea fishing. All you need to ask and it will be arranged, this is your private island after all. Whilst there is still some work to do and a spa to come for this to be the ultimate travel destination, prepare to get your best mates or family together and set for Ratua Private Island.

Photos of Ratua island surroundings and cuisine

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