Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Espiritu Santo
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- sustainability
Wendy Vocor, Manager
Lonnoc Beach Bungalows has been owned and operated by the Vocor family for over 20 years. Wendy Vocor, Lonnoc Beach Bungalow's manager, was born and raised in Lonnoc Village. Wendy loves to meet people from all over the world and works in all the different areas of the bungalows: cooking, serving, meet and greet etc.She is the consumate bungalow manager. "I find that people unwind so much when they are here that I become a friend to them, the tropical ambiance is so calming and therapeutic, travellers do not want to leave and have tears when saying goodbye. We are deeply touched especially after they have experienced the way we live, eat, and enjoy ourselves."
This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.
Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
This accommodation is owned and operated by a NiVanuatu family. The grounds were cleared by hand and although the facilities are basic, they are by consequence, very ecologically sustainable.
This accommodation is owned and operated by a NiVanuatu family. The grounds were cleared by hand and although the facilities are basic, they are by consequence, very ecologically sustainable.
Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:
These bungalows are built by the owners and their extended families with basic hand tools (sometimes with just a bushknife, a shovel, and a wheel barrow). Materials used in the construction are primarily found in their local surroundings such as coral bamboo for making walls by splitting, flattening and weaving. Natangora Palm fronds layered on top of each other; Coconut Palm leaves are also used for matting and roofing material. Pandanus leaves are used extensively in floor matting and bags, or other areas requiring tight weaving.
Cement is used, mixed by hand using aggregate and sand from the beach and water from the local well or creek. Even the cement bricks are made from moulds by the villagers. Wood beams are cut from local wood with bush knives or purchased from other locals possessing portable mills.
Food
The menu centres around what can be grown in the owner's garden or is available from local producers at the local markets, all of it grown 100% organically. Beef is grazed on 100% organic food and fish are fresh from the local waters, but as there is no electricity apart from what is produced at night for a few hours from a small generator, food cannot be refrigerated long enough, so it is literally "the catch of the day".
As is common in the islands, local people try to imitate what they think "western" people eat and consequently add a lot of "western" additives to their food such as Maggie stock meat, Soya, or whatever concentrates can be found.
As food flavour, presentation and nutritional value to most NiVanuatu is of little importance (...you eat what you're given, whatever it is, and be happy that you have something to eat, approach...), the pursuit of a gastronomic experience is not high on their list.
Ask for your food to be cooked without all the "western extras" if you want to taste the real flavours of your lobster, fish, steak or vegetables.
People
All Bungalows are built, owned and operated by local people hence all income generated by these businesses go directly back into the local economy.
This rating is an aggregate score for "Caring for Destination" we survey the travellers
The Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Espiritu Santo has an average rating of 2.31 (out of a possible 3)
Traveller Comments:The Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Espiritu Santo has an average rating of 2.31 (out of a possible 3)
The scores for each parameter are:
Traveller find the hotel to be "caring for the destination": 2.86
Traveller book this hotel because it was listed as "caring for the destination": 1.76
Traveller find the hotel to be "caring for the destination": 2.86
Traveller book this hotel because it was listed as "caring for the destination": 1.76
"Environment kept pristine by caring villagers."
Mr. douglas k. - Australia on 23/06/2010
Mr. douglas k. - Australia on 23/06/2010
"Around cabins and beach area keeped clean."
Mr. Ian F. - New Zealand on 26/01/2010
Mr. Ian F. - New Zealand on 26/01/2010
"we booked the accommodation because we had gone a day trip there 3 years ago and loved it. we will always make it a part of our vanuatu holidays"
Ms. Jody G. - Australia on 29/11/2009
Ms. Jody G. - Australia on 29/11/2009
"Very deceived!! Beautiful place but bungalows are uncleaned, old. No service, no food choice. No more to say about it."
Mrs. Ophelia D. - France on 03/11/2009
Mrs. Ophelia D. - France on 03/11/2009
"Please stop the burning of leaves and rubbish."
Mr. Hans G. - Australia on 15/09/2009
Mr. Hans G. - Australia on 15/09/2009
"The NiVanuatu are very proud of Lonnoc Beach and proof of that was being taken around and being shown all they do to keep this place in perfect condition with minimum negitive affect."
Mrs. Vicki S. - Australia on 10/09/2009
Mrs. Vicki S. - Australia on 10/09/2009
"They keep the grounds in immaculate condition and there is very little environmental impact due to the minimal mod cons and only a few hours electricity per evening (via generator)- a truly gorgeous part of the world."
Mrs. Libby G. - Australia on 30/04/2009
Mrs. Libby G. - Australia on 30/04/2009
This rating is an aggregate score for the six parameters we survey (Cleanliness, Check in/Welcome, Service, Charm/Experience, Overall Impression/Value)
The Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Espiritu Santo has an average rating of 4.05 (out of a possible 5)
Traveller Comments:The Lonnoc Beach Bungalows, Espiritu Santo has an average rating of 4.05 (out of a possible 5)
The scores for each parameter are:
| Cleanliness | 3.77 |
| Check in/Welcome | 3.77 |
| Service | 4.03 |
| Charm/Experience | 4.1 |
| Overall Impression/Value | 4 |
"We enjoyed our stay and the interaction with "Doctor Tim" and other family members who manage the site. Transport to/from airport was excellent. The accomodations seems set up more for a group retreat experience and they are working to improve dorm accomodations. They could improve the activities for visitors by providing a boat with a ladder so that snorkelers can get on/off the boat easily. The food was very basic and little variety, but okay. The beach is poor for swimming but we could take a 15 min. walk to Champagne Beach for a beautiful swim/beach experience. People should know that it costs $5 vanatu currency to use Champagne Beach."
Ms. Marcella G. - United States on 06/09/2010
Ms. Marcella G. - United States on 06/09/2010
"Fantastic holiday in paradaise sun bungalows ..rah island
..father Luke and his family are fantastic
Kiss Alessandro"
Mr. Alessandro C. - Italy on 31/08/2010
..father Luke and his family are fantastic
Kiss Alessandro"
Mr. Alessandro C. - Italy on 31/08/2010
"Our welcome was not very welcoming at all. Being the only couple staying at Lonnoc on this given night it was clear that the people taking care of the bungalows would havemuch rathered we were not there so they could have the night off. No smile and a sullen attitude the whole time from this one young girl were off putting. The bungalows themselves were clean but things such as broken bed slats are not acceptable and not very comfortable to sleep on."
Ms. Rebecca C. - Australia on 02/08/2010
Ms. Rebecca C. - Australia on 02/08/2010
"Lonnoc Beach is the place to go for a true Vanuatu experience run by locals. The beach is SPECTACULAR and Wendy and her family run a great local business. Sure, there maybe limited menu choices but does that really matter when you are staying in paradise?"
Mrs. Melissa L. - Australia on 18/07/2010
Mrs. Melissa L. - Australia on 18/07/2010
"The family who owned and operated the Lonnoc Beach Bungalows were very friendly and helpful. The food was great and it was a lovely stay."
Ms. Gayle F. - New Zealand on 09/07/2010
Ms. Gayle F. - New Zealand on 09/07/2010
"This is one of the best beaches you can swim at. It has sand and some great coral to snorkel over. It's an easy swim to Champagne Beach ~ 1.5Km. If you love the water and doing little else other than reading a good book it's gorgeous. It is an experience outside of 5 star resorts, wth the local families, and we loved it. The food is simple fare but plenty of it. Breakfasts were good. Transporton on the local bus is cheap and easy from the Unity Service station."
Mrs. Gillian D. - Australia on 24/06/2010
Mrs. Gillian D. - Australia on 24/06/2010
"Considering a locally run operation quite good."
Mr. douglas k. - Australia on 23/06/2010
Mr. douglas k. - Australia on 23/06/2010
"Basic but that's what we expected. Food was great value for Vanuatu. It was a delight to mee the locals who were charming, friendly and accommodating."
Ms. Emma M. - Australia on 31/05/2010
Ms. Emma M. - Australia on 31/05/2010
"I had a great time in Lonnoc, everything was fine, Wendy and her team are very friendly, food was nice. Please, don't change, stay true as you are (apologize my English)"
Mrs. Anne B. - France on 08/12/2009
Mrs. Anne B. - France on 08/12/2009
"our stay at lonnoc beach bungalows was just heaven. the vocor family are just wonderful people and couldnt do enough for us. I was surprised at the variety in meals. The beach was pristine"
Ms. Jody G. - Australia on 29/11/2009
Ms. Jody G. - Australia on 29/11/2009
"Very deceived by the accomodation and by the service. The place is exceptionnal, but the bungalows are uncomfortable, not correctly cleaned, sheets very old and with holes. No choice's food, ingredients were missing (no fish, no vegetables) just meat. No dessert."
Mrs. Ophelia D. - France on 03/11/2009
Mrs. Ophelia D. - France on 03/11/2009
"The accommodation we booked was not available (overbooked ! )
We stayed in an adjoining bugalow next to generator, but with no power!The accommodation was not what we expected, but the experience and location was."
Mr. Hans G. - Australia on 15/09/2009
We stayed in an adjoining bugalow next to generator, but with no power!The accommodation was not what we expected, but the experience and location was."
Mr. Hans G. - Australia on 15/09/2009
"Yes the accomodation is very basic but very clean and the staff are always on hand to help with anything you need. The wonderfull view and crystal waters is what makes this place so heavenly and worth giving up a few creature comforts just for this wonderfull experience."
Mrs. Vicki S. - Australia on 10/09/2009
Mrs. Vicki S. - Australia on 10/09/2009
"What a great place. If you are heading to Malekula Island, look no further."
Mr. Gareth B. - South Africa on 08/06/2009
Mr. Gareth B. - South Africa on 08/06/2009
"Lonnoc was basic and very affordable accommodation. Basic bathroom, no electricity. The mattress and pillows in our bungalow were uncomfortable. Lonnoc overlooks one of the most picturesque bays in the South Pacific. We had a great time! Great value and lovely cheap meals. Delightful Ni-Van hosts. I thoroughly recommend staying at Lonnoc."
Ms. Maria S. - Australia on 02/06/2009
Ms. Maria S. - Australia on 02/06/2009
"Paradise!!!"
Mrs. Libby G. - Australia on 30/04/2009
Mrs. Libby G. - Australia on 30/04/2009
"Beautiful location and great staff, however the bungalows are basic - bathrooms in particular (could do with a proper clean!). We enjoyed our 4 day stay there, a very relaxing experience and the food was great. They are in the process of providing electricity to each bungalow, for a couple of hours per night while the generator is on. "
Mr. Christopher T. - Australia on 29/09/2008
Mr. Christopher T. - Australia on 29/09/2008
"Thoroughly enjoyed 3 nights at Lonnoc Bungalows. Very basic accommodation but the location is everything, peaceful, well kept grounds and such a lovely beach. The location is rather remote, no shops nearby so bring your own nibbles and if you do bring drinks staff are happy to place these in their fridge. Bring lots of smaller notes eg 1000 vatu as there are a number of cheaper activities to do and to get onto Champagne Beach will cost 500 vatu each but well worth it. Staff can organise a mini bus back to airport at 600 vatu each but leaves 6.30am back to Luganville except Sundays. To get to Lonnoc try catching a mini bus or other local transport at Pacific Petrol station around 3pm,should be around 600 vatu each and well worth the adventure. Very friendly people, beautiful natural island, cannot wait to return. "
Ms. Gabriele B. - Australia on 28/08/2008
Ms. Gabriele B. - Australia on 28/08/2008
"Accommodation is basic, if you are prepared for that then it is fine. The beach is absolutely stunning! Because there isn't that much to do, you really just relax. Bring some books and a beach towel. The food menu is quite limited. There are about 7 options for dinner, so if you have stayed a couple of nights you have already exhausted most of the menu. Breakfast is just toast and a bit of cut of fruit, and either tea or coffee. I suggest brining your own snacks, chocolate, biscuits, fruit if you can find some in luganville. The village store nearby is very basic and doesn't sell much besides tinned and packaged goods (ie biscuits).Perhaps think about bringing up a jar of nutella - a smart nz couple did and we were envious! Also if you can bring your own wine it might be worth while.. You could only buy by the bottle, and i can't remember exactly how much it was, i think between 3000-3800 vatu. Otherwise this place is just amazing... the staff are friendly, and everything is very laid back. It's a beautiful place to just wind down. I would definitely recommend it if you don't mind cold showers and the option of no electricity (we chose a bungalow without). "
Ms. Samantha E. - Australia on 03/08/2008
Ms. Samantha E. - Australia on 03/08/2008
"Nice chalets despite cold water only showers, staff very friendly, lovely setting, great beach. Good fishing trip with a local. Long drive to get there on bad road"
Mr. Merilyn Call of A. - South Africa on 18/07/2008
Mr. Merilyn Call of A. - South Africa on 18/07/2008
"It may be a long and bumpy trip out to Lonnoc, but it was well worth it.
The staff were lovely and the location, Paradise.
"
Ms. Kristy C. - Australia on 24/02/2008
The staff were lovely and the location, Paradise.
"
Ms. Kristy C. - Australia on 24/02/2008
"A beautiful, remote location, providing very, very basic accommodation that could be spruced up easily with a some fresh curtains and towels, and chairs in or outside the bures.
The bures are not mosquito proof but plenty of stuff is provided to minimise ones exposure to the mozzies.
Our booking had not been conveyed to the manager on site. She was over booked and had to put us in even worse accommodation overnight until our bures became available.
The food provided at the resort restaurant was adequate."
Mr. Michael & Lian B. - New Zealand on 16/07/2007
The bures are not mosquito proof but plenty of stuff is provided to minimise ones exposure to the mozzies.
Our booking had not been conveyed to the manager on site. She was over booked and had to put us in even worse accommodation overnight until our bures became available.
The food provided at the resort restaurant was adequate."
Mr. Michael & Lian B. - New Zealand on 16/07/2007
"It was a shock at first with it being very basic but once you got used to it it was great. Wendy was wonderful and very helpful. This is not a place for the home away from home traveller more suited to the wanting to get to know the lifestyle of the villages kind of holiday."
Ms. Tina H. - Australia on 03/06/2007
Ms. Tina H. - Australia on 03/06/2007
"Lonnoc Beach is gorgeous, and quiet. Wendy was a great host and the food very good. Need to seal the bungalows-one night a spider the size of your hand crawled in followed by a bigger crab the next night- doesnt really help you sleep!"
Mr. Gary K. - Australia on 09/04/2007
Mr. Gary K. - Australia on 09/04/2007
