A tiny island paradise. That’s Iririki. Just a short boat ride from Port Vila’s bustling center. Iririki is more than just a beautiful resort. It’s a place steeped in history.
Iririki Island’s story begins long before its current incarnation as a luxury resort. It was once the site of the first British Hospital in the New Hebrides. Established in 1910 in memory of missionary John G Paton it treated everything from broken bones to tropical diseases. Imagine the stories those walls could tell.
Then in 1913 Iririki became home to the British Residency. The British High Commissioner resided there for nearly 70 years. The house was even designed to host a royal visit. The original structure is still there. It’s now used by the resort’s general manager. Think of the grandeur the building once held.
Cyclone Uma in 1987 almost destroyed Iririki. Winds of 200 km per hour tore through the island. Guests sheltered in a concrete toilet block. The resort took a year to rebuild. This resilient island shows a strength of character.
In 1991 it became a child-free sanctuary under Rick and Ngaire Graham. Then in 1996 a $2 million renovation fixed extensive cyclone damage. This was followed by a change of policy in 2009 making Iririki family-friendly once again.
Cyclone Pam in 2015 hit the island hard again. Extensive damage followed. But Iririki was rebuilt and reopened in 2016. More recently Australian brothers Brendon and Mark Deeley purchased Iririki in 2023. They closed the casino in April 2024.
Today Iririki Island Resort offers a blend of history and modern luxury. It’s a paradise that has weathered storms both literal and figurative. Each building holds a piece of Iririki’s fascinating past. It’s a place where you can relax on a pristine beach. Or explore the island’s rich history. Enjoy the beautiful views from the hilltop once occupied by the British Residency. Feel the island’s unique character in its present and past. Experience Iririki’s unique charm. It is an island unlike any other.