Joel Slattery, co-owner The Moso Resort, Moso Island, Vanuatu

What is it that you love about Vanuatu?

The people. Everyone is happy, smiling, and saying hello. I hate negotiating, and here, you don’t have to haggle over a price like many other places. It’s still a little raw. Not everything is perfect. Here, things might take a little longer, but it’s so laidback. We came here on holiday in 2014. The water was so clear that we could see down to 15m, and that first afternoon we saw a dugong.

What must you do?

The movie Tanna was filmed in Yakel village on Tanna. It is also where Prince Phillip is still worshipped as a god. The Yakel people live traditionally according to their custom (Kastom) and wear grass skirts. When they dance, the ground moves … it makes you feel quite spiritual.

My very best Vanuatu experience…

Mt Yasur on Tanna is an active volcano and is highly accessible. 4WD vehicles can get you within 40 steps of the crater.

First-time visitors should stay...

Within the Havannah Harbour region. Here, you can go boating and fishing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, or enjoy the pristine beaches and clear water. If you go to the Blue Hole on a hot day, the water is so cool and very blue.

The best places to eat are…

On Port Vila, the Chinese restaurant Golden Port in the number 2 district has questionable decor, but the food is very good. Try the salt and pepper prawns and the sizzling beef too. The Chill restaurant near Mama’s Market in Port Vila is exceptional. It overlooks Irriki Harbour. They do an excellent Balmain bug (known as slip-nose lobster here) burger, and they have great lunch specials.

For cocktails go to…

Here at The Moso, we make Vanuatu’s best cocktails. We make our own syrups, from rosemary and turmeric to lemongrass and ginger. Our Ginger Rogers is our signature cocktail, and so is our Bloody Mary. If you’re in Port Vila, try the Stone Lounge. The cocktails are great, and the French owner loves to chat with her guests. Picture: The Moso

If you like adventure…

Vanuatu Eco Tours takes you to Nguna and Pele islands. But, you must be fit because there is a 560m climb to the extinct volcano Mt Marou! There is also a village walk, which is much less strenuous. They have a buffet lunch on the beach at Pele Island, and then you can snorkel or swim the reef or lagoon.

The best snorkelling is…

Beyond the drop-off here or you can walk a ½ hour across to the ocean side of Moso island, and there is an amazing cave or grotto that’s accessible by boat at high tide.

The best tour is…

The Around Moso Tour which takes about five hours on a banana boat and includes a picnic lunch on the beach. Moso is 11km long and has 30 beaches where you can snorkel and swim. After lunch, you go to the local school, where the kids will sing for you. Sailing Vanuatu does day trips on the Major Tom. It’s five hours, and you can swim and relax. They will take you to Lelepa Island, where you can snorkel on the fringing reef. It’s an Australian and Ni-van-operated business.

The best time of year to go is…

It’s great here most of the year. Here on Moso, because of the mountains, we don’t get as much rain as the mainland – it’s like a little micro-climate. It rarely gets over 28 degrees.

Don’t forget to pack…

Reef shoes and a good attitude. You come here to switch off, and if things take a little longer, don’t worry.

Vanuatu is perfect for…

Both families and romance. There is so much to do, or you can choose to do very little. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin all fly here from Australia.