After our easy, direct flight from Melbourne with Pacific Blue,we four fifties friends received a warm welcome from Peter,Jo and staff at Poppy's on the Lagoon. Our 'lagoon view' 2 bedroom self contained suite [number 4} soon became our island home. Our spacious suite had everything we needed-including the kitchen sink!! Being self contained, this gave us the flexibility to dine at a variety of restaurants nearby or whip up easy 'gourmet' meals on the BBQ not far from our terrace. Shopping for food was fascinating, with the fruit and veg market in town[a 10 minute walk or 4 minute taxi/bus ride ] a wonderful experience with many local Ni Vanuatu ladies selling a huge variety of tropical fruits-very cheaply.Pawpaw,mangoes, tiny sugar bananas and juicy pineapples became our staple diet!
Tuesday night at Poppy's is a great introduction to staff and fellow guests, who all become friends! We dined at dusk,on a BBQ of succulent chicken and beef, accompanied by a great salad smorgasbord of salads. Peter gave us an impromptu chat on local fruits we were to try for dessert. Forgot to mention that the evening began with a refreshing coconut juice-with rum if you wish! A local band provided foottapping music.
We indulged in 4 massages by local masseuses -bliss!
Our stay was a delightful blend of relaxing at Poppy's on lounges overlooking the lagoon,lots of reading, several visits to town-[best duty free ever, plus lots of souvenir shops] and spent one day touring Efate in a hire car.We stopped at several swimming spots and villages along the way -a great day!
Onsite Melanesian tours organised a tour to Lelepa Island-an unforgettable highlight of our stay-don't miss it!A full day includind a cruise around the tiny island,several snorkelling opportunities,village visit,BBQ lunch .,all with the friendliest people in the world.
We thoroughly recommend Poppy's on the Lagoon -so much so, we plan to go back in March!