Island time: Blue lagoons and cocktails by the sea

Here's how to make the most of your time in Vanuatu's capital. Words and photography by SITTHIXAY DITTHAVONG

The sun pokes its fingers through the louvres of my bungalow at Mangoes Resort, prying me from bed. Port Vila harbour beckons with dazzling clarity, and I'm assured that my Melanesian getaway is off to a good start when I spot a pair of nibbling parrotfish, getting their first feed for the day. This is surely the most scenic backdrop anywhere to watch a game of petanque; the calm atmosphere belied only by the fierce concentration on the players' faces. A short stroll further brings me to the covered morning market, where proceedings are carried out in a decidedly uptempo fashion. Neat piles of tomatoes, cucumbers, chokos and root crops are examined for the freshest produce on offer, while the handicraft market next door boasts dozens of stalls of crafts and artists' works. vanuatu.travel/au

Banana, papaya and coconut tree plantations seem to be everywhere, intent on separating me from the coast's stunning reef breaks during the 30-minute drive to the Blue Lagoon. This is soon forgotten upon entering the large tree-fringed lagoon, which has a family-friendly vibe to it. Multiple platforms and swing ropes have been set up at various heights around the lagoon, giving one the exhilarating chance to soar through the sky before landing into the impossibly blue water below. If that sounds a bit too much, it's almost equally thrilling to simply watch the carefree antics of experienced and entertaining locals as they reach dizzying heights on the swing ropes. Entry fee is 500 vatu ($6) for adults, 300 for kids - money which goes to the locals who own the land. vanuatu.travel/au/blue-lagoon-guide

When things begin to get too steamy in the midday sun, Eden on the River is the perfect place to retreat to. Its peaceful surroundings have a cultivated side, with extensive tropical fruit gardens, and an adventure side, with suspension bridges used to navigate the river. Kava tours and mini-golf are also available to round out the day's activities. Much of the swimming area is blessed by shade from the surrounding forest. At one point, the river flows quite quickly over the rocky substrate, creating a round polished surface to cool off in as the mini waterfall rushes over you. When you've had enough, happy dogs Rusty and Rosa welcome interested guests to the property's cafe, which serves light snacks and refreshing drinks. edenvanuatu.com

As the day draws to a close, we make a beeline for the Waterfront Bar and Grill, a South Pacific institution which has been operating for more than 40 years. The authentic Natangura thatched roof creates a lovely relaxed atmosphere, assisted greatly by the staff, who come across as being both professional and warm. This is an incredible location to savour carefully made cocktails, and tuck into meals from a fresh menu boasting many locally sourced ingredients - the generous seafood platter for two is highly recommended. It's an ideal place to meet friends, and we effortlessly make new ones as we watch the sun set over the yachts in Port Vila's deep water harbour, content in the knowledge that there is no place we'd rather be than here. waterfrontbarandgrillportvila.com

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