Spanning over 80 islands that stretch across 1300 kilometres, Vanuatu is the ideal spot for a family holiday. The country’s incredible scuba diving adventures, unique culture and zen all-inclusive stays are just under a three-hour flight from Brisbane. Here’s our pick of the best resorts and holiday houses in the country for a fuss-free getaway with kids.

Image credit: Holiday Inn

For young families: Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

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Minutes from the heart of Port Vila, the 148-room Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Let the little ones run wild in the Banyan treehouse-themed Family Suite, which is kitted out with bunk beds, beanbags, a TV and a Finding Nemo-inspired bathroom. At the Kids Club, they’ll get to try their hand at basket weaving, skirt making and coconut painting before heading to the pool bar for all-day ice cream and pizza. The best part? Children 12-and-under get to eat for free.

Image credit: Tamanu on the Beach

For relaxing: Tamanu on the Beach

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Peaceful and secluded, the intimate Tamanu on the Beach – home to just 15 villas – is positioned on its own private stretch of sand, a 20-minute drive from Port Vila. Check the little ones into the Kids Club and make a beeline for Tamanu Spa to start your blissful getaway the right way with a 120-minute whole body volcanic hot stone massage. Retire to your Two Bedroom Plunge Pool Villa overlooking the ocean for a cocktail and afternoon dip. Dinner at the onsite restaurant means fish and chips for the kids and fresh-caught tuna sashimi and seafood curry for the adults.

Image credit: Iririki Island Resort & Spa

For luxury travellers: Iririki Island Resort & Spa

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A private island in Mele Bay, about three minutes’ ferry ride from Port Vila, the upscale Iririki Island Resort & Spa enjoys spectacular ocean views from its Deluxe Family Farés. Gaze at the Vila waterfront from your balcony or take a dip – the only question is, will you choose the infinity pool with a terrace overlooking the Coral Sea or the pool, gently cascading over four tiers, adjoining the kids’ club?

Image credit: Vanuatu luxury holiday homes

For absolute privacy: Villa Champagne

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Sprawled over 1.2 hectares and including a private beach, Villa Champagne consists of a main house with four bedrooms as well as two self-contained two-bedroom cabanas. If you feel the need to drag yourself away from the pristine white sands or the enormous beach-facing swimming pool, hiring a car to explore more of Port Vila is recommended.

Image credit: Warwick Hotels and Resorts

For active families: Warwick Le Lagon

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The Warwick Le Lagon hotel is less than five kilometres from Port Vila but the setting on the edge of pristine Erakor Lagoon feels far from Vanuatu’s version of the big smoke. The huge array of activities (there are three pools, two tennis courts, a pool table and bicycles) ought to keep the family occupied. If not, there’s the dedicated Kids Club.

Image credit: Nasama Resort

For apartment living: Nasama Resort

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The kitchen facilities in each of Nasama Resort’s 43 apartments will appeal to self-catering families. Otherwise, the resort located on the south-western corner of Efate Island has every creature comfort, including a restaurant and bar, shared barbecue and adults’ and kids’ swimming pools.

Image credit: Erakor Island Resort & Spa

For laid-back families: Erakor Island Resort & Spa

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Bright waterfront bungalows with open-plan sleeping areas are the entry point to Erakor Island Resort & Spa, a small resort three minutes by ferry from downtown Port Vila. Check into one of 22 guest rooms before snorkelling in the lagoon where your only company will be schools of tropical fish. Or try your hand at weaving your own picnic basket back on land.

Image credit: Alamy