Originally built in Holland in 1922 as a royal yacht, she sails with six guests to the many islands of Vanuatu, making the journey as pleasant as the arrival for honeymooners and romancing couples. The cabins are cozy retreats, and the interior is paneled throughout in oak and rich, exotic woods and decorated with antiques.

She has a comfortable lounge, a beautiful saloon, covered and open deck space, and lots of sheets to haul for those keen to give her professional crew a hand. There is lots of time for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and island visits, or simply losing track of time looking down from her bowsprit as her clipper bow clefts the sea.

Vanuatu‘s island resorts are serene and peaceful destinations with special packages for couples on a honeymoon or parents seeking a child freebreak away with their partner where they can relax and unwind. The resorts are easily accessible by ferry from Vanuatu‘s main city, Port Vila, and are selfcontained, with swimming pools, private beaches, bars and restaurants. So there is no need to venture forth in search of other beaches, a restaurant or some other diversion.

The also provide lots of watersports, with small catamarans, outrigger canoes, sailboards, jet­skis, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and other activities, and walking tracks through lush tropical rainforest and gardens so guests can explore the island at their leisure.

Couples can take their vows in a church or the romantic setting of an open­air chapel, or more informally amid tropical gardens, under an arch of exotic flowers and ferns on a beach, by a pool or at any of the beaches around the island. The bride may choose to arrive in a flower­laden Melanesian canoe, and the service can include a native children‘s choir and a Melanesian band.

The resorts usually have a wedding organiser on the staff who can organise a celebrant, the wedding certificate, flowers, serenaders and the reception to ensure the day goes as planned. They will also pamper the bride with a facial, makeup and manicure to ensure she looks beautiful. Weddings can be as intimate as the wedding couple and a few friends, or the entire resort can be booked ahead of time.

One resort on Iriki Island, only three minutes by ferry offshore from Port Vila, occupies an idyllic, private 69­acre island that was formerly home to the British High Commissioner of the New Hebrides.

The accommodation comprises 70 fares or bungalows that are elevated above the ground to capture the cool sea breezes. Each fare is fully airconditioned, and there is direct Internet access, in­house DVD movies, satellite programmes and music, and a shaded balcony with views across Port Vila‘s yacht­studded harbour to the town.

Some resorts do not allow guests under 12 years of age to ensure that couples seeking the romance of a South Pacific wedding, or those looking for a honeymoon escape can fulfil their dreams.

All meals are generally included in the tariff and, if couples choose, they can have a romantic dinner for two under the stars or a gourmet picnic on their own beach. Seafood and island dishes are a specialty.

Visitors staying outside the resorts don‘t necessarily have to stay there to enjoy some of their facilities. Day or night, they can be a great place to enjoy a good meal, a few drinks, and the pleasures of a first class holiday resort atmosphere. A visit to a modern Ni­Vanuatu village is a good way for couples and guests to get a taste of local life. Although for many English is their third or fourth language, most are happy to stop for a talk once they overcome their shyness. And then there‘s the pageantry of an authentic Melanesian feast, where villagers prepare a selection of fresh local dishes and serve them by an open fire. Guests are also treated to selection of authentic Melanesian music, together with local dance. And they shouldn‘t be surprised to find themselves joining in, as it‘s all part of the experience of marrying or enjoying a romantic interlude in Vanuatu.