Best of two worlds in one destination

Guests at both the Iririki Island Resort & Spa and The Grand Hotel and Casino now have added choice and flexibility during their stay in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Formerly known as The Sebel Vanuatu, The Grand Hotel and Casino is now being managed as an exciting alliance with the renowned Iririki Island Resort & Spa, which is a complimentary three minute ferry ride across the harbour.

Laura Wadsworth, New Zealand sales and marketing representative, says that anyone staying at either hotel will be able to use the facilities of both and simply charge back to their account. The ferry will directly link the two properties and there will even be combination stays developed to further emphasise the new relationship.

‘Really this gives people the best of both worlds. Combination stays will be ideal for people with early arrivals or late departures who would find it convenient to stay at The Grand on the first and/or last night.’

The Grand Hotel and Casino is a 74 room resort hotel which has harbour view rooms, panorama suites and penthouse suites, plus a full range of entertainment and dining. Crystals Restaurant, Hemisphere Bar (the highest and reputedly the best bar in Vanuatu), gymnasium and pool area right on the harbour are now complemented by the upgraded casino and its world class facilities.

 

In unison, the two properties offer extensive activities and facilities. These include four restaurants - cafés, three bars, a day spa, tour desk, private beach, three swimming pools, games room, two full size tennis courts, a range of aquatic fun activities and more. Cabarets and shows at both properties will feature well known international artists.

Dan Faivre, who has been general manager at Iririki for about 18 months and now holds the position at both properties, is looking forward to a strong 2010.

‘This year (2009) has been good business for us. Iririki has gone from strength to strength year on year,’ he says.

Faivre says that among other markets, the incentive and conference sectors appear strong. ‘There is huge interest from conference and incentive organisers. In September we had a group in virtually every day. We are targeting the corporate market and we find that interest is certainly increasing.’

Laura Wadsworth says the joint offering of the island resort and the harbour front hotel will also appeal to corporates. ‘The ambience of the hotel and the ability to stay right in town will have appeal to corporates, but again they will be able to access all the facilities of the resort just three minutes away by ferry. We are now looking at corporate specials and offers to enhance that side of the market.’

Silvana Perna, director of sales and marketing at both properties, says Vanuatu has gained appeal over the years and has a higher profile in various market segments.

‘It is important that we sell to the strengths of the destination. People need a good reason to keep coming and they have got to have a good, enjoyable experience while they are here.

‘We used to have to start by selling the destination but there is much more awareness now. For example, a lot of people we talk to have been to Port Vila on a cruise and had a short stay here.’

New updates

Iririki Island Resort & Spa recently introduced a new exercise programme for guests who want to enjoy a fun filled range of fitness training with a certified instructor. The schedule operates Wednesdays 10am to 11pm from the resort gym and leisure centre pool. Depending on the day, the programme includes aqua aerobics, instructions on Indian head massage, Tai Chi, walk and stretch, and yoga and mediation.

Iririki has also introduced a new Kids Club, located at the Sunset Lagoon Pool complex. It primarily operates through the New Zealand and Australian school holidays, but outside of these dates the kids club will operate when there is a minimum of four children booked. Fun activities available include face painting, nature walks, arts and crafts and outdoor games.