Asanvari Yacht Club, Asanvari, Maewo Visitor Ratings

Asanvari Bay is one of the most idyllic places in Maewo and Vanuatu. It's very popular with cruising yachts which visit from May to October each year. The yacht club opened in 1996. It's supposed to be a community business but nowadays Chief Nelson and his family are looking after the place.

Asanvari's waterfall is a good place to swim (there's another smaller waterfall above the big one) and the reefs in the bay are good for snorkelling and diving. Climbing the hills above Asanvari, you will be rewarded by fine views to Pentecost, Ambrym, Paama, Malekula and Malo on a clear day. Another walk into the bush takes you to some wet caves with bats. Asanvari's beaches are as good as Vanuatu's best. There are beaches in the bay and two more beaches on the other side of the point.

In February 2005 there were a couple of new private bungalows being built at Asanvari. It's unlikely these businesses will survive because there are not enough travellers visiting Asanvari and the yachting crowd will continue to visit the existing yacht club.

Costs and Booking
A night at Asanvari costs 1500 Vatu per person, per night. Expect to pay at least 1000 Vatu extra per day for meals. You can call Asanvari yacht club directly on 38239. Languages spoken are Bislama and English. All expenses are payable in Vatu cash. Exchange rates.

Accommodation and Food
Asanvari Yacht Club has two large bungalows and a dining hall. The bungalows have concrete floors, bamboo walls and Natangura rooves. The aluminium frame sliding glass windows are a novelty. One bungalow has a double bed and space for more. The other bungalow was not open in February 2005. Mosquito nets are provided. The bungalow door has a lock but didn't close properly in February 2005. The yacht club has limited solar lighting and a generator. When the generator is running you can use the electric lighting in the bungalows.

The yacht club has one shared modern toilet and one shower. In February 2005 the hot water system was down. Bath towels and toilet paper are provided.

The food at Asanvari is generally nothing to write home about, at least during the off season. Main meals are rice and vegetables and/or chicken. Breafasts are toast, omelette and coffee. Expect better food during the high season including fresh fish and coconut crabs. In February 2005 there was no refrigeration and no beer. The water supply at Asanvari comes from a clean source in the hills and is OK to drink.

Services, Suggestions and Transport
Asanvari has a few stores and a medical dispensary.

The most convenient airfield for Asanvari is at Sara on north Pentecost. During the yachting season, from May to October, it should be easy enough to hitch a ride on a yacht to Santo. See our Maewo page for more transport information.

First surveyed: February 2005 by Stephen.
Last updated: February 2005 by Stephen.