Introducing Vanuatu's first agri-tourism stay, the luxury Palm House

Vanuatu has not been known for designer holiday digs but that's slowly changing, particularly since the 2015 cyclone, with hotels and resorts being renovated to a new standard.

Now the south Pacific gem has a bona fide luxury boutique resort with the opening of the Palm House Vanuatu.

For 15 years, the Palm House was the private home of the owner of a substantial sustainable beef, prawn and organic coconut oil business. Deciding to turn it into Vanuatu's first agri-tourism stay, the owners reconfigured their beachfront home to create four two-person private villas as well as communal living and dining areas suitable for paying guests. Everything is decorated in a light, bright, airy, contemporary colonial style, with nods to island history and culture. Villas have en suites, outdoor showers and private verandahs with ocean views from a day bed.

Dining is true paddock-to-plate, with the full-time chef utilising produce directly from the ranch, supplemented with other locally sourced ingredients to create a fine dining experience.

But like all of Vanuatu, a big lure is the natural world. The Palm House occupies a beachfront patch of a 3800-hectare organic farm, on the north-west coastline of Efate island. Paths have been built so guests can explore the property's 12 kilometres of private coastline, where they can discover sandy coves, reef access and spectacular views. But they needn't go too far: there are two beaches right in front of the accommodation and the Reef House comes with complimentary paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear to take advantage of it. For further activities on land, there is a petanque court and yoga mats.

The Palm House is 45 minutes from Port Vila. Exclusive bookings of the whole property are available.

$855 a villa a night, twin share, including full a la carte menu for two (beverages additional), airport transfers and gift and drink on arrival. See thepalmhousevanuatu.com