Rockwater Resort

About Rockwater Resort, Vanuatu

Set on North Tanna Island among Vanuatu’s 83 isles, Rockwater Resort achieves a rare balance of eco‑sensibility and refined comfort. A 45‑minute domestic flight from Port Vila followed by a scenic 20‑minute 4WD ride leads guests to a secluded cliff‑side retreat where architecture echoes Santorini, but materials are born of local limestone and handcrafted bricks. Surrounded by subtropical forest, fruit orchards, and wildlife, the resort’s ethos is quietly sophisticated: a private, adults‑only oasis (no guests under 12) designed for couples or discerning travellers seeking space, calm, and connection.

Accommodations at Rockwater Resort

Each room and suite at the Rockwater is uniquely crafted, blending local hardwoods, limestone walls, and sweeping ocean views. Panoramic balconies overlook a protected marine park just 50 m offshore, with interiors that include king beds, in‑room fans, mini‑fridges, artisanal bathrooms equipped with bathtubs and organic toiletries, and complimentary Wi‑Fi.

Guests wake up to a full à‑la‑carte breakfast featuring homemade breads, fresh fruits, and unlimited espresso. Plus, the intimate scale (max two adults per unit) fosters a profoundly personal ambiance. For more on room descriptions, please check out the Rooms at Rockwater Resort section above.

Things to Do at Rockwater Resort

Dining

The cliff‑edge restaurant and bar serve Mediterranean‑inspired dishes alongside seafood and international fare. Meals are crafted daily using local produce, including resort-grown fruit from its orchards and freshly harvested coffee beans. Patrons can also enjoy choicest island-inspired cocktails and enjoy sunsets over a bottle of locally-brewed beverage.

Underwater Activities

Snorkelling is freely offered in Rockwater’s 25,000 m² protected marine sanctuary, just steps from the rooms. Guests must bring their own gear, and reef conservation rules—no stepping on coral or removing anything—are enforced passionately. Scuba diving is available on site and can be arranged through the front desk. Full PADI certifications are offered too.

Overwater Activities

For a cinematic adventure, a half‑day boat trip leads to the North Water Blue Cave straight from the resort’s private coastal strip.  This is a limestone cavern that requires a small underwater swim at high tide, but can be easily accessed at low tide, especially when the water is calm. Light enters via an opening at the top, casting surreal shadows and making the water sparkle. Then, there’s more traditional activities like kayaking and swimming but do note, fishing is not permitted in and around the resort.

Land Activities

Rockwater Resort boasts half a kilometre of private beach, perfect for sunrise strolls, sunset walks, or relaxed picnics by the water. Whether it’s making sandcastles, joining a friendly soccer match, or sharing a romantic picnic, there’s something for everyone. For a different vibe, Tanna’s northern black sand beaches offer a striking change of scenery and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

No trip to Vanuatu is complete without witnessing Mount Yasur. Nicknamed the ‘lighthouse of the Pacific,’ this active volcano puts on a dramatic show with frequent lava displays and ash showers. The 360° view from the top is jaw-dropping , but the journey there—passing through Middlebush plains, Mt. Loanialu, and Siwi Valley—is just as memorable.

Other must-dos on Tanna include exploring the island’s giant Banyan tree, which covers an entire valley and welcomes climbing and swinging from its aerial roots. Bushwalking and forest hikes are also popular, with abundant wildlife and lush scenery throughout.

Cultural Activities

While most of the South Pacific has modernized, Tanna in Vanuatu is a rare place where Kastom tribes still live much as they always have. Visitors can expect to see daily village life—women in leaf skirts, men wearing Nambas, and children playing freely among the trees. Yakel, a village close to many resorts, offers the easiest introduction to these traditions.

Cultural ceremonies are a real highlight, from spirited dances and Kava rituals to stories shared by village elders. It’s less about staged performances and more about genuine, everyday moments, especially if you have a chance to stay overnight.

Tanna is also home to unique belief systems, including the John Frum Cargo Cult, whose followers stage military-style marches, and the Prince Philip Movement, where the late Duke of Edinburgh is revered as a mountain spirit’s son. If you’re lucky, you might also catch the spectacular Nekowia Toka festival—a true celebration of Tanna’s vibrant traditions.

Rockwater Resort Tanna: All-inclusive Vanuatu Holiday Packages.

Rockwater Resort, Tanna is all about barefoot luxury and will appeal to the discerning traveller who wants to leave behind the modern world but not its comforts. Ideal for couples and honeymooners wanting to tread off the touristy path, Rockwater offers an intimate tropical retreat far from the crowds.

If your idea of a couples getaway is living in Mediterranean-inspired dwellings with commanding ocean views, fresh food and a large helping of island-tranquility then this is a Vanuatu holiday for you. And Rockwater Resort is the best place to have it in.  You may want to explore our all-inclusive Vanuatu holiday packages for the best deal. And if you need help with making a decision or just need an expert’s opinion on your itinerary, our South Pacific experts can help — call us at 1800 991 751.