Eton and the Blue Lagoon

Around Eton, the Blue Lagoon gives the destination a distinctive natural feature: just outside Eton Village is a crystal-clear, turquoise swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. Its water colour and vegetation shape this impression. If you are comparing places with a distinctive landscape feature as you search for a holiday rental, the lagoon is a specific point of reference for Eton. Its location is also important for orientation: the swimming pool is just outside the village, not within Eton Village.

The Blue Lagoon and water experiences

For a broader look at water experiences in the destination of Shefa, Eton Beach is another point of reference. The area offshore from the beach, protected by a reef, has calm, relatively shallow water. Eton Beach is suitable for children and adults who are new to snorkelling; conditions can vary. This helps distinguish two different natural features: the turquoise swimming pool outside Eton Village and a beach in Shefa that is also suitable for snorkelling beginners. If you are travelling with children, this distinction can help you decide what kind of water experience you are looking for.

Shefa: landscape, history and getting there

The wider destination of Shefa includes the main island of Efate. Its landscape ranges from rugged coastlines and gently rolling, green hinterland to fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, secluded sandy coves and lagoons. This gives Shefa a range of landscapes to consider when planning your trip: the coast and lagoons offer a different character from the rolling hinterland and rivers. Natural attractions in Shefa also include Mele Cascades, a waterfall amid lush tropical forest.

Shefa also has a rich cultural heritage beyond Eton. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain comprises three sites from the early 17th century on Efate, Lelepa and Artok. This UNESCO World Heritage property bears witness to the connection between oral tradition and archaeology, as well as the enduring legacy of Roi Mata’s social reforms and conflict resolution. For visitors who want to combine nature and history, this offers a different perspective from lagoons and coastal landscapes. In Port Vila, the National Museum of Vanuatu displays traditional objects such as masks, sculptures and ancient tools, as well as exhibitions on Vanuatu’s colonial and post-colonial history.

Port Vila also offers a cultural perspective on kava: visitors can try the drink in many bars; offerings and opening hours may change. To travel beyond individual places, consider Shefa as a region. Efate is accessible via Bauerfield International Airport and connected to the surrounding islands by domestic flights and maritime links. If your trip includes several islands, check connections and schedules for your travel dates, as timetables can change.

Choosing the right base

When searching for a holiday rental, start with the focus of your trip. Eton comes to the fore if the swimming pool just outside Eton Village is the natural feature that appeals to you. If you also want to include Efate’s landscape, cultural attractions in Shefa or other islands, plan your stay within the wider regional context and take flight and boat connections into account. The location of each holiday rental remains a separate point to consider when making your specific choice.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Port Vila, Sounaï, Port Havannah, Mele Maat, Mele, Epule.

Back to the regional travel guide: Shefa.