Tropical Crochet Retreat with Shelley Husband 2026

Full Itinerary 

Day 1 – Monday 31 August – Depart Australia/Arrive Port Vila/Welcome Dinner Hotel (D)

An early start this morning as you catch your flight from either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to Vanuatu.    Halo olgeta!  Welcome to Port Vila the bustling capital of Vanuatu.  You’ll be greeted by shy smiles from the locals in this town with its blended cultures.  You’ll be met by our local tour operator and transferred to your hotel for the next 7 nights.  Iririki Island Resort & Spa is a private island resort with easy access to the mainland's attractions. The resort is situated on its own 69-acre island in Port Vila Bay and operates a free, 24/7 ferry service that connects the island to the main street of Port Vila. This makes it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the town, visit markets, and go on tours.

This evening is a 2-course welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2 – Tuesday 1 September Vila & Environs Tour/Crochet Workshop with Shelley/Melanesian Night (B,D) 

 Breakfast is at your hotel.  This morning you will set off on the Vila and Environs Tour.  This tour is your "short and sweet" introduction to Port Vila. It will also give a chance to learn a few points of interest about Vanuatu.
Your air-conditioned coach will depart your hotel in town and skirt the scenic waterfront, taking the Lini Highway into the town area. You'll drive past the new Parliament House built by the Chinese Government, the local markets, the main shopping areas and the distinctive older building in the town as well as the more modern. You'll see the old British and French jails and hospitals and  pass other places of historic and scenic interest.  Returning to the hotel lunch is own arrangements.

This afternoon is the first of your crochet workshops with Shelley.

Dinner tonight is Melanesian Night at your hotel.  This buffet dinner features a wide array of traditional Melanesian dishes. This is a great opportunity to sample authentic local food and get a taste of Vanuatu's culinary heritage. A key highlight of the night is the cultural entertainment. You'll have the chance to witness a traditional kava ceremony, where you can learn about and even sample this ceremonial drink. The evening is also brought to life by custom dance performances, often by a highly respected local cultural group.

Day 3 – Wednesday 2 September Crochet Workshop with Shelley/at Leisure/Dinner at Mangoes (B,D)

Breakfast is at your hotel.  This morning is a crochet workshop with Shelley and lunch is own arrangements.  This afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or you might like to explore Port Vila. If you choose to relax at the hotel, you have free access to non-motorized water sports equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkelling gear.  There are several pools where you can choose to swim and also a spa and fitness centre with gym and cardio equipment.  Other amenities on the island include tennis courts, a private beach and a designated snorkelling cove with vibrant marine life.

You may choose to jump on the little ferry boat and explore the town area.  You’ll want to check out Mama's Markets which are also known as the Port Vila Market House or the Central Markets, and are a vibrant and essential part of life.  The name Mama's Markets comes from the fact that the stalls are predominantly run by women, many of whom are mothers and grandmothers. They often travel from their villages to sell their goods, sometimes sleeping at their stalls for days at a time. The markets are a vital source of income for many families in Vanuatu. They provide a place for local farmers and artisans to sell their produce and crafts directly to the public.

This evening transfer to Mangoes Resort for a 2-course dinner. One of the most popular restaurants in Port Vila. Mangoes Restaurant is known for its seasonal menus based on fresh organic produce.

Day 4 – Thursday 3 September Pepeyo Village Tour/Workshop with Shelley/Dinner at Hotel  (B,D)

Breakfast is at your hotel.  This morning you’ll be taken to Located in Teouma, Pepeyo Cultural & Educational site which  is about 15-20 minutes’ drive from Port Vila town centre. The tour offers a cultural experience like no other. The lush, tropical bush makes you feel as though you are visiting a traditional village and there are a number of cultural areas to experience and each site depicts a unique traditional activity including traditional housing; fishing practices; farming of important animals and crops such as yam, taro and kava; a girl's passage through puberty; food preservation and the trapping of wildlife for food. You can also taste local delicacies such as roasted paw paw with coconut flesh. To end your tour you will be entertained with cultural performances of custom dances, bottle and bamboo piano music, and a demonstration of the custom of walking on hot volcanic rocks.

Lunch today is own arrangements, and this afternoon is a crochet workshop with Shelley.  Dinner tonight is a 2-course dinner at the hotel.

Day 5 – Friday 4 September 2026 – Crochet Workshop/At Leisure/Dinner at Warwick Le Lagon   (B,D)

 Breakfast is at your hotel.  This morning there is a crochet workshop with Shelley and lunch is own arrangements.

The afternoon is at leisure.  Have you treated yourself at the Iririki Island Spa?  Make sure you have a booking.  If you are exploring the town area be sure to have a look in the Duty Free shops and the specialty shops.   All major credit cards are accepted and many of the shops will accept Australian currency but be sure to have some local currency (Vatu)  handy for the smaller stores and markets. There are several ATMs in the town area.

This evening you’ll be transferred to Warwick Le Lagon for a buffet dinner in the Lagoon Terrace Restaurant.  Warwick le Lagon is a large resort  located on the shores of Erakor Lagoon.

Day 6 – Saturday 5 September 2026 – Blue Lagoon Tour/Crochet Workshop/Fire Show & Buffet (B,D)

Breakfast is at your hotel.  This morning after a short trip by coach you’ll discover the alluring charm of Blue Lagoon and Eton Beach.  The Blue Lagoon is in a stunning setting. Fringed by trees and bushes, it's secluded from the bustle of Port Vila and Efate's main road. Bring your swimming gear (towels and bathers), and sunscreen. You may also like to bring any snorkels/goggles to add to your Blue Lagoon experience. You'll certainly see the local kids showing off their rope swing skills.

Lunch today is own arrangements, and this afternoon is a crochet workshop with Shelley.  Dinner tonight is a Chef’s Choice buffet and fire show at your hotel.   Sit back and relax as the sun goes down, the skies darken and the Vanua Fire Show performers perform against the dark backdrop.

Day 7 – Sunday 6 September – Crochet Workshops/Farewell Dinner (B,L,D)

 Today you have your two final crochet workshops with Shelley.  When you break for lunch today a buffet lunch will be served at your hotel.

Tonight is a 2-course farewell dinner at your hotel.

Day 8 – Monday 7 September – Depart Vanuatu/Arrive Australia

Breakfast is at your hotel.  You’ll be transferred to Bauerfield International Airport in time for your flight home.

*Final itinerary is subject to change