Hosted by Gillian Lloyd, who was raised on Tanna Island and has returned many times to the communities that remain close to her heart, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience Tanna through her relationships and understanding of the island. Gillian is passionate about supporting remote communities to create opportunities through grassroots entrepreneurship and responsible tourism, always guided by compassion, respect and a deep appreciation for local culture.
We are welcomed into the village of Itialo (eat-ee-arlo), staying in simple bungalows, sharing meals, hiking along jungle paths, and experiencing village life, all the while enjoying the genuine warmth of our local hosts. Balanced with comfortable resort accommodation, this journey offers the best of both worlds – the privilege of authentic village immersion, along with time to relax and recharge in western comfort.
This is not a traditional island escape, It is a chance to slow down, experience the simplicity of village life, and connect with a community that few travellers have had the privilege to visit. Living for a few days at the pace of local life offers a refreshing reminder that the things we value most are often the simplest.
Perfect for travellers who value connection over comfort, culture over crowds and experiences that leave a positive footprint.
Port Vila, Vanuatu
18 – 26 October 2026
This journey is a little different from our usual ICON Adventures tours. It’s not just off the beaten track. it’s well and truly beyond it. If you enjoy a sense of adventure, are curious about places few travellers ever visit, and are happy to embrace the unexpected, this experience may suit you perfectly.
Village accommodation is in simple twin-share bungalows, with nearby communal toilet and shower facilities. The facilities are modest, but the welcome is extraordinary.
Meals in the village are simple, mostly vegetarian, and based on locally grown produce. Expect fresh, nourishing food prepared with care by your hosts.
Flights between Port Vila and Tanna Island are weather dependent and may occasionally be delayed or cancelled. Should this occur, we will adjust the itinerary as needed and keep you fully informed.
Luggage is restricted to 10kg checked and a small personal bag. This helps you to travel light – the best way to travel. We suggest a backpack or duffle bag. Hard case suitcases on wheels are not going to be your friend.
Transport on the island of Tanna is often by truck, an open backed vehicle piled with you and your luggage. It is the island way. Who are we to argue?
If you would like to bring a small gift for the village, practical items are often appreciated – for example school supplies, small tools, children’s books, solar torches, fishing gear, seeds, or basic medical and first-aid supplies. We’ll provide more guidance before departure to ensure any gifts are useful and culturally appropriate.
If an activity is unable to be experienced, due to weather or environmental factors another will be provided and the itinerary adjusted accordingly. Island life is anything but predictable!
Arrive in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, where island hospitality and a warm Ni-Vanuatu welcome awaits.
Transfer to your hotel and settle in before enjoying an evening of cultural entertainment including an introduction to the customs, and traditions of Vanuatu, and your first taste of the warmth and generosity of the local people.
Over dinner, get to know your fellow travellers and prepare for the adventure ahead as we travel to Tanna Island tomorrow.
O/N 1 nt Port Vila, The Melanesian Resort (or similar)
The day begins with a short flight south to Tanna Island, leaving behind the bustle of Port Vila for a place where village life follows the rhythms of the land, sea and seasons.
Travelling with our host, Gillian Lloyd, whose lifelong connection to Tanna brings a unique depth to this experience, we begin our journey into the heart of the island.
On arrival, we explore Lenakel, the island’s main town, visiting the local market, hospital and township before continuing to the remote village of Itialo, our home for the next four nights. Here, we receive a truly special welcome from the villagers, with traditional singing, dancing and a ceremonial coconut tree planting to mark the beginning of our stay.
This is a rare opportunity to be welcomed into a community that has not previously hosted visitors, sharing in village life and experiencing the genuine hospitality of Tanna’s people. Settle into your simple village bungalows and begin embracing the slower pace and rhythms of island life.
O/N 4 nts Itialo Village
The rhythm of village life begins to unfold as we spend time learning about the land, traditions and customs of Tanna.Today we begin to experience the true rhythm of village life on Tanna.
Explore a local conservation area, enjoy a gentle hike through the island landscape, and learn more about the traditions and stories of this special place through a local presentation and traditional dance.
Returning to the village, the afternoon offers the chance to participate in everyday village activities alongside our hosts. Learn traditional cooking techniques, try your hand at basket weaving, and experience the preparation and sharing of kava, a traditional drink central to many Pacific Island gatherings. (Please note: on Tanna, kava is traditionally reserved for men.)
Leaving the village behind, we follow local paths towards the east coast, discovering the landscapes, stories and traditions that make Tanna so special. This moderate three-four hour hike takes us through pristine rainforest and coastal villages with our host Gillian and local guides, sharing stories and introducing us to bush tucker and the plants that have long sustained village life.
Our hike brings us to Black Beach, where we hope to witness local horse races, with the imposing silhouette of Mt Yasur rising in the distance. It is a day that beautifully captures the connection between the people of Tanna and the land they call home.
A scenic drive takes us to Port Resolution Bay, where black sand beaches, steaming hot springs and sweeping coastal views showcase Tanna’s volcanic landscape.
After a short hike to the hot springs and beach, we will have lunch at the Port Resolution Yacht Club. In the early afternoon, we begin our walk from Port Resolution, passing steaming vents and ash-covered slopes as Mt Yasur comes steadily into view.
Following registration and a safety briefing at the visitor centre, we prepare for one of the great highlights of our Tanna adventure – the ascent of Mt Yasur. We ascend with local guides, who share their knowledge of the volcano and ensure our experience is both memorable and safe. Standing on the crater rim of one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, we watch glowing lava bombs burst into the sky, hear the roar of the crater and take in the spectacular sunset over Tanna.
After dark, we descend by torchlight and return by truck to Itialo village, where a late dinner will be waiting.
Saying goodbye to our village family is a special moment as we begin our final hike, this time west, following local pathways on sacred ground, with our hosts sharing stories, folklore and insights into the conservation efforts that protect this special place and a rare glimpse into an area of Tanna few visitors have the opportunity to experience.
Reaching the Sacred King’s Lookout, we pause for a picnic lunch and enjoy sweeping views, learn about unique plant species and take a moment to appreciate the deep connection between the land and the people who care for it.
Continuing towards the coast, we visit the King’s resting place before descending to the ocean. From here, we make our way to Rockwater Resort, to enjoy a well-earned evening of comfort after our immersive village experience.
O/N 2 nts White Grass Ocean Resort
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Make the most of the relaxed surrounds of White Grass Ocean Resort, with plenty of options for an easy-going island day.
Take a complimentary bicycle and explore the nearby beaches and village trails, discover the colourful underwater world with a snorkel, or join the resort’s guided Green Sea Turtle experience.
Prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land? Settle beside the pool, wander along the beach, or challenge your fellow travellers to a game of pétanque or tennis.
For the ultimate indulgence, book a treatment at the beautiful Nabisa Day Spa, where volcanic-inspired treatments and island ingredients are paired with spectacular ocean views. Or simply do absolutely nothing.
Our time on Tanna comes to an end carrying with us the stories, connections and memories of the warmth and generosity shared during our stay.
After our flight back to Port Vila, enjoy a relaxed afternoon in your resort accommodation to settle back into the rhythm of the capital. You may venture into the town to browse the local markets, stroll the waterfront, explore island crafts or enjoy a coffee overlooking the harbour (transport at own expense).
For our final evening in Vanuatu, we celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner at our hotel, sharing stories and moments from an adventure that has taken us far beyond the usual visitor experience.
O/N Port Vila, Mangoes Resort (or similar)
As we depart Vanuatu, we leave with the knowledge that our visit has been more than a travel experience, it has been an opportunity to support a community opening its doors to responsible tourism.
By choosing to stay in Itialo village, we have helped create new opportunities for the local community, encouraging tourism that supports women and families, celebrates culture and allows visitors to experience Tanna Island in a respectful and meaningful way.
Born in Zimbabwe, Gillian spent much of her childhood and teenage years on Tanna Island, where her father managed a coffee plantation. Although she left Tanna as a young adult, her love for the island and its people never left her.
Gillian has returned many times over the years, long after the rest of her family moved away. For her, Tanna isn’t simply a beautiful destination. It is home, and the local community is very much part of her extended family.
More recently, Gillian has been instrumental in helping the next generation of young women in her village establish their own grassroots tourism venture. Through ICON Adventures’ Tanna Island tours, we are incredibly proud to support these women as they use tourism to create opportunities, build independence and improve life for their families and community.
With Gillian hosting, you won’t just visit Tanna. You’ll experience the island through the eyes of someone who knows its people, understands its culture and holds the place very close to her heart. This is travel built on genuine connection, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
