Holiday Inn bids farewell to iconic Overwater Villas, demolition ongoing

August 27, 2025 9:38 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

In the interest of guest safety and future innovation, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu has announced the careful removal of its 10 iconic overwater villas, which have welcomed thousands of visitors over the years.

According to the office of Holiday Inn General Manager, Rashmi Tulsiani, the decision was made following recent structural assessments carried out after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake on 17 December 2024. These assessments revealed ongoing stresses in the foundation, meaning the villas no longer met the resort’s high safety and quality standards.

“While we bid farewell to this beloved landmark, our focus is on the future,” said Ms Tulsiani. “As Vanuatu’s tourism continues to recover and evolve, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu remains committed to delivering memorable, safe, and sustainable experiences — honouring the destination’s unique heritage while creating new chapters for guests to discover.”

For nearly a decade, the Overwater Villas at Holiday Inn stood as a proud emblem of Vanuatu’s warm spirit and unspoiled charm. As the first of their kind in the South Pacific, they redefined island luxury, blending Vanuatu’s breathtaking natural beauty with the thrill of staying directly above the crystal waters of Erakor Lagoon.

Guests were enchanted not only by panoramic lagoon views and private water access, but also by the unique experiences that made each stay unforgettable. A charming hanging bridge once connected the villas to the resort, while mornings often saw staff paddling canoes across the lagoon to deliver breakfast — moments that reflected authentic island hospitality.

Visitors could slip straight from their decks into a kayak, exploring the lagoon at their own pace, surrounded by serene beauty. Over the years, the Overwater Villas became a favourite backdrop for international tourism campaigns, travel magazine features, honeymoon escapes, and dream-getaway wishlists.

“The Overwater Villas may be gone, but their story — from the hanging bridge to canoe breakfasts — will forever be part of Vanuatu’s tourism legacy,” Ms Tulsiani added.