South Pacific Memories — Restaurant in Efate

This is a review for the South Pacific Memories bar and how they treated other customers, not us. We thought the place was ok but were saddened by what we saw and chose not to return. As we did not stay, we cannot comment on the rooms.

Story goes: We stayed down the road at Angelfish Cove and were recommeded to try nearby bars. We tried CoCo Beach and were not impressed. Next option was SPM.

Surely enough, the place was newer than CoCo, and we liked they had happy hour. On our first night visiting, the place was quiet.

The local lady who served us was very friendly. The and the cocktails ok - if overpriced. Apparently, the benchmark across Port Vila are Australian booze prices, despite lacking the mixologists to warrant them. SPM is not the exception.

When we arrived, there were some Germans and a couple with a baby by the pool. This was odd as we heard SPM was adults only. Since we weren't staying there and the baby wasn't crying, no one seemed to mind. As the family left, the baby waved goodbye - which made me think 'what a polite child'.

Anyway, we tried a few more cocktails and chatted to the Germans who said the diving was great. We agreed we'd come the next night for another round of happy hour drinks.

The next day, we got there earlier thinking we'd chat to the Germans, but they were out. As we waited, we saw the couple with the baby arrive. The local lady greeted them nicely and brought them their cocktails. We were taking pictures of the eclectic decor in the reception when we overheard a commotion, then a female manager (owner?) walked out past us and abruptly asked the family to leave. She was not loud, and she was not aggressive, but she was not nice to either. The mother with the baby asked why they were being removed after coming the day before and having just been served, and the only explanation was that it was an adults only resort.

My wife and I agreed the manager lady surely could have said that before taking the family's money. The family left, and though we sat by the pool for a little while, we then decided we didn't want be there anymore or to come back - there are enough mean, greedy people in the world to have to see such behaviour on holiday.

As we walked out, my wife looked at the sandwich board sign advertising happy hour, surely enough it did not say adults only.

We ended up finding a good variety of fresh fruit and spirits at Au Bon Marché, made and drank our own cocktails with the same sunset but without a mean lady embarrassing others...

Nestled along the shores of the pristine Pacific, our recent escape to this little resort was nothing short of a dream come true. From the moment we arrived, the serene atmosphere enveloped us in a sense of calm that only nature's beauty can provide. The resort's small size turned out to be one of its most charming aspects. With a limited number of guests, the peaceful ambiance was never compromised. The staff's warm and friendly demeanor immediately made us feel like part of the family. Their genuine smiles and attentive service created an inviting atmosphere that left us relaxed and stress-free throughout our stay. Undoubtedly, one of the highlights was the culinary journey that awaited us. The resort's chefs crafted exquisite dishes that celebrated local flavors and ingredients. Every meal was a delightful adventure for our taste buds dining in the garden with a stunning seaview. Speaking of views, the resort's surroundings were nothing short of breathtaking. The white sandy beach and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific were a sight to behold. We spent our days lounging on the beach and diving in vibrant marine life. I took my Open water and Advanced diving certificate at the resort. The resort's diving instructors are outstanding. Their expertise and enthusiasm make diving experiences safe, informative, and exhilarating. With their guidance, both beginners and experienced divers can explore the captivating underwater beauty of the Pacific. The tranquility, the genuine hospitality, the delectable cuisine, and the idyllic setting all combined to create an unforgettable experience that left us rejuvenated...

We chose to stay at South Pacific Memorial Vanuatu after reading many glowing reviews, and I can certainly see why some guests enjoyed their experience. The resort is set in a beautifully peaceful location, ideal for those seeking a quiet and relaxing holiday. The food was of good quality, and the staff were genuinely outstanding – Pitt and Stefen, in particular, were consistently attentive, kind, and always willing to assist, which added a great deal of warmth to our stay.

That said, I was quite surprised that several important details were not mentioned in previous feedback. Unfortunately, the room itself did not meet expectations. It lacked basic amenities such as a hair dryer, conditioner, and body wash, while the towels provided were noticeably worn. The room felt rather dull, and the bedsheets were not as clean as one would hope.

Additionally, the air conditioning was restricted to evenings only, controlled by management, which made the daytime heat uncomfortable. Bottled water was only supplied for the first three days, and when we requested more, we were advised to refill our bottles from the bathroom tap – which I did not feel comfortable drinking.

While the resort has many strengths – especially its tranquil setting and exceptional staff – greater attention to room standards, amenities, and guest comfort would truly elevate the experience and align it with the positive feedback that initially...