STORY BY PAUL HUGHES FRBRUARY 2023 - SOME IMAGES FROM BANANA BAY BEACH CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE
A Touch of Paradise in Paradise
We've discovered the latest chill-out vibe in Vanuatu, and it's Aussie-created!
A Sunshine Coast mother, daughter and son-in-law have carved out a unique paradise in Vanuatu which has opened for business to all locals, travelers, holiday makers and anyone searching for an exclusive or romantic getaway.
Kris and Ken Sutton and Kris’ mother Caroline recently opened the Banana Bay Beach Club, just a 30-minute drive from Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
Although only for a quick visit, we loved it - it's like another Paradise in Paradise! -
It’s a true heart-and-soul project that has taken four years to create, much of it made during the trials and tribulations of the world pandemic shutdowns.
A Sunshine Coast mother, daughter and son-in-law have carved out a unique paradise in Vanuatu which has opened for business to all locals, travelers, holiday makers and anyone searching for an exclusive or romantic getaway.
Kris and Ken Sutton and Kris’ mother Caroline recently opened the Banana Bay Beach Club, just a 30-minute drive from Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila.
Although only for a quick visit, we loved it - it's like another Paradise in Paradise! -
It’s a true heart-and-soul project that has taken four years to create, much of it made during the trials and tribulations of the world pandemic shutdowns.
While Kris’ husband Ken is also involved in the project, he is heavily engaged in projects in Western Australia, so the ladies have done much of it alone with the help of local workers.
The setting is spectacular - natural blue water bays carved from the volcanic rock producing a picture-perfect setting for their imaginative creation.
“When we started the project this was all just bare rock - very little vegetation, so all of the hard landscape has been created with volcanic rock from the property,” Kris said.
“We planted all of the tropical trees, shrubs and flowers and, amazingly, new plants just began to emerge on the volcanic outcrops in the water,” she added.
The setting is spectacular - natural blue water bays carved from the volcanic rock producing a picture-perfect setting for their imaginative creation.
“When we started the project this was all just bare rock - very little vegetation, so all of the hard landscape has been created with volcanic rock from the property,” Kris said.
“We planted all of the tropical trees, shrubs and flowers and, amazingly, new plants just began to emerge on the volcanic outcrops in the water,” she added.
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The Sunshine Coast ex-pats have done a brilliant job.
The initial two self-contained villas are a bit reminiscent of the famous white buildings etched into the hills of Santorini in Greece (however, with traditional thatched roofs instead of the iconic blue domes).
Private and natural, they are fully self-contained with kitchens, bathroom, bedroom and living areas, plus an outdoor shower and generous rooftop balcony.
Continuing their conviction for self-sustainability, the whole project is self sufficient, with solar and wind power, tank water and the majority of materials used produced locally.
While currently the venue serves a minimal barbecue-based menu (with catered options for special occasions), a new restaurant is currently under construction, also with rooftop dining.
Meanwhile, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and use the barbecues.
The initial two self-contained villas are a bit reminiscent of the famous white buildings etched into the hills of Santorini in Greece (however, with traditional thatched roofs instead of the iconic blue domes).
Private and natural, they are fully self-contained with kitchens, bathroom, bedroom and living areas, plus an outdoor shower and generous rooftop balcony.
Continuing their conviction for self-sustainability, the whole project is self sufficient, with solar and wind power, tank water and the majority of materials used produced locally.
While currently the venue serves a minimal barbecue-based menu (with catered options for special occasions), a new restaurant is currently under construction, also with rooftop dining.
Meanwhile, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and use the barbecues.
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CREATED BY HAND WITH LOCAL HELP - BANANA BAY BEACH CLUB 2019 (ABOVE LEFT) AND 2023 (ABOVE RIGHT)
There are beautifully-created pockets that surprise around every turn of the woman-created tracks and walkways, making the most of the stunning natural landscape.
The jewel in the crown is Mother Nature’s own work - natural clear swimming holes ranging from paddling areas suitable for young ones to waterholes over three metres deep, where guests can dive or jump from the overhanging rocks.
All of the swimming areas are protected by volcanic outcrops that protect the area from the waves of Banana Bay.
The water in the swimming areas laps the shoreline in a beautiful azure color that is so crystal clear that you can see the fish swimming over a metre below the surface.
As it deepens, the water graduates to the tantalising blues that are famous in the Pacific Islands, then cuts sharply to the blacks and greys of the rocky outcrops, which themselves contrast with the yellow sand and white waves.
It’s a kaleidescope of contrasting colors and shapes that only nature could perfect.
Guests are able to wade through the rocky outcrops to the beach, then swim though the surf for outstanding snorkelling a short distance out.
The jewel in the crown is Mother Nature’s own work - natural clear swimming holes ranging from paddling areas suitable for young ones to waterholes over three metres deep, where guests can dive or jump from the overhanging rocks.
All of the swimming areas are protected by volcanic outcrops that protect the area from the waves of Banana Bay.
The water in the swimming areas laps the shoreline in a beautiful azure color that is so crystal clear that you can see the fish swimming over a metre below the surface.
As it deepens, the water graduates to the tantalising blues that are famous in the Pacific Islands, then cuts sharply to the blacks and greys of the rocky outcrops, which themselves contrast with the yellow sand and white waves.
It’s a kaleidescope of contrasting colors and shapes that only nature could perfect.
Guests are able to wade through the rocky outcrops to the beach, then swim though the surf for outstanding snorkelling a short distance out.
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While Caroline has been an “ex-pat” operating businesses in Vanuatu for some 17 years, it’s been a more recent destination for Kris and it is easy to see why locals already flock to the area.
No matter how long this mother-daughter team might have been away from Australia, they are still Sunshine Coast ladies at heart and love to return to their apartment in Alexander Headlands whenever they can.
Although the Banana Bay Beach Club is in its infancy, it has already been the spectacular venue for a memorable wedding.
With four more villas in the pipeline, it’s sure to become a popular destination for locals as well a guests from around the world.
If you’re looking for a very special getaway or just a fabulous place to relax while visiting Vanuatu, check out the Banana Bay Beach Club Facebook page for more information.
No matter how long this mother-daughter team might have been away from Australia, they are still Sunshine Coast ladies at heart and love to return to their apartment in Alexander Headlands whenever they can.
Although the Banana Bay Beach Club is in its infancy, it has already been the spectacular venue for a memorable wedding.
With four more villas in the pipeline, it’s sure to become a popular destination for locals as well a guests from around the world.
If you’re looking for a very special getaway or just a fabulous place to relax while visiting Vanuatu, check out the Banana Bay Beach Club Facebook page for more information.
