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For sale until 31 May 2013

For travel between 01 December 2013 and 31 March 2014
Not including the blackout dates over Christmas (22 Dec 2013 until 14-Jan 2014)

Minimum 4 night stay

After a short flight across the pacific, you will be met by a friendly face at Port Vila international airport and then driven in air conditioned comfort to your home away from home, Poppys on the Lagoon.

After an easy check-in, Albert will join you for a lime juice in the hut by the lagoon, and he will be there to answer any questions you may have and to point out all the best restaurants, explain how the taxis work and to just ensure you don’t have to worry about a thing…this is your time away to relax and rejuvenate

Your package includes a free 40 minute massage each – perhaps this a good time to book it in

Your 7 nights accommodation at Poppys on the Lagoon staying a Lagoon View Studio, including return airport transfers and 2 free massages is AU $620 or NZ $760 per person twin share!

Package based on twin share ( queen or twin)  and includes:

• 5 nights accommodation 4 star resort, Poppys on the Lagoon Studio Apartment with daily maid service and fully self-contained facilities
• One night free accommodation
• Continental breakfast daily
• Return airport transfers
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Welcome basket in room
• Two for one full body massage
• Complimentary use of kayaks and all games at Poppys
• Return transfers to horse riding venues and Poppys

Please note, package does not include airfares to and from Vanuatu, please advise your details. Variations to package price may relate to high or low season, please check availability info@poppys.com.vu or phone +678 23425.

In the middle of the South Pacific, in the twice voted “happiest country on the planet” sunny Vanuatu, be prepared for 6 days (5 nights) of relaxation, horse filled adventure and fun.  Your dream holiday combining everything you want and escaping from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

Poppys on the Lagoon has put together an exclusive package deal, featuring riding for all ages and levels with the two most sort after and experienced horse enthusiasts in Vanuatu.

French born Stephanie Calliaud has a degree in Equine Science Stephanie established the Vanuatu Equestrian Federation.  She has her own property for private and group lessons at The Riders Club, Port Vila, Vanuatu.  Born in France and raised in USA, Stephanie has a degree in Equine Science from Lake Erie College, Ohio, USA.  and has ridden in every state of USA with the famous performing Lipizzaner stallions. Now based in Vanuatu, Stephanie has the passion, the credentials and breadth of experience to offer visitors wanting  to learn or improve in dressage, jumping or overall performance.

Stephanie has her own open air sand arena where you can ride under expert tutelage looking up at the blue skies and big banyan trees of Vanuatu.

Tom Ngam is the horse whisperer of Vanuatu. Originating from the mysterious island of Tanna where the volcano still erupts every day and wild horses roam the white grass plains, Tom has spent his whole life working with the wild horses of Vanuatu training them for work on ranches and riding for pleasure.  Tom’s skills in the saddle and in the training ring became well known in the pacific, and he was invited to spend time at the highly regarded riding stables of Belgium in 2004 and 2005.  Tom has since returned to Vanuatu to establish his own business, situated on the historic “Bellevue Ranch” where guests can spend the day riding and watching Tom and his son work with these horses in real “island style”.

Both properties and your luxury 4 star accommodation at Poppys on the Lagoon are all situated within the close proximity of Port Vila, and your accommodation is situated right on the water’s edge of beautiful Erakor Lagoon.

Day 1:

We meet you at Port Vila International airport with our cool air-conditioned mini bus and chilled water to bring you straight to your resort and home away from home, Poppys on the Lagoon.

After your complimentary refreshment at check in and being escorted and settled in to your spacious Lagoon View Studio apartment, you are free to wind down, take a swim and settle into holiday mode. Tomorrow you will be in the saddle!

Take time to use the complimentary kayaks for a paddle on the lagoon, enjoy a cocktail by the pool, or just relax under the coconut palms…you are here!

Day 2.

Your day begins with a yummy continental breakfast prepared fresh to order at the Poppys open air café restaurant overlooking Erakor lagoon.

As soon as you are ready, by  around 9.30am you are transported to the historic Bellevue ranch, the grounds used during World War 2 for military command, and where James A, Michener wrote his stories including the famous “Tales of the South Pacific”.

You will meet local horse identity, Tom Ngam  who has broken in and trained wild plantation horses ready for local riding.

This morning you get a feel for the island way of life, and take a leisurely 1 and a half hour trail ride through the magnificent Bellevue plantation. A strong canter, if you want, along the World War 2 airstrip ( still in use) will be permitted and  highlight / taste of what’s to come. Meander back past huge banyan trees and native rain forest gullies. Back to the club house for a cool drink and chat, then we take you nearby to meet Stephanie Calliaud, in preparation for your lesson tomorrow.  After talking with Stephanie, your  program and level of horse will be gauged for the next day, ready for your lesson.

After  talking with Stephanie, your transport will be waiting, ready to take you back to Poppys for a free afternoon.  Snorkeling, swimming, exploring Port Vila or just plain relaxing by the pool….Poppys tour desk can help you decide if you want to go further afield.

Day 3.

Your day begins again with a yummy breakfast made fresh to order at the Poppys open air café restaurant.

Enjoy your free time this morning because after lunch today, your 1 hour lesson with Stephanie begins in earnest.  As soon as you are ready, your transport will take you from Poppys at 2pm, enough time to connect with your horse with simple grooming and saddling, you are then mounted ready to go. This lesson will be dressage unless specifically arranged otherwise.

All horses at The Riders Club have been trained by Stephanie, and suit all level of horsemanship from absolute beginner to advanced.

After your 1 hour lesson, you have time to relax with a cold drink before its time for your transport to come and collect you at 5pm, and take you back to Poppys.

Day 4.

Your day begins again with a yummy breakfast  made fresh to order at the Poppys open air café restaurant

To make the most of your training, you have your second lesson with Stephanie planned for this afternoon.

You will already know if you are riding the same horse, or changed for specific requirements and you will already know if you will be continuing with dressage or will be moving on to jumping or technique.

After your  1 hour lesson, you have time to relax with a cold drink before its time for your transport to come and collect you at 5pm,  and take you back to Poppys.

Day 5.

Your day begins again with a yummy breakfast made fresh to order at the Poppys open air café restaurant.

You have done a lot of hard work over the past two days, so today it is fun time and relaxation, on a  long trail ride to the stunningly beautiful Lelema Waterfalls. Take your bathers and towel, you will swim in clear cool ponds under the cascading falls. And don’t forget your camera.

As soon as you are ready, by around 9am we take you again by car or mini coach transport to the historic Bellevue ranch, and Tom and his family will have horses ready for you to leave around 9.30am, back by around 3.00pm

You will ride through the historic Bellevue ranch, then out the gates along quiet dirt roads and tracks through mountain rainforests and old stock plantations from 100 years ago.  Your escort will be either Tom or his family and they will tell you along the way all about the plants and different sights you will see. Together you will reach the magnificent waterfalls around 11.30am and tether the horses while you picnic and swim, resting for about 1 or 2 hours,…it’s all on island time! After you are ready, it’s time to be back in the saddle for the return journey, and you somehow see even more on the way back ( how did you miss that tree? Or that beautiful photo opportunity this morning?).

Arriving back at the Bellevue ranch clubhouse, you have time for a drink if you wish, before returning late afternoon to Poppys resort.

As the sun sets today, you will have done a lot of horse riding over the past few days, enjoyed magnificent sights and experiences, learnt some fantastic tips, and had a great holiday in beautiful Vanuatu.

Day 6.

Departure back to Australia …. And dreaming of returning soon!

We take you by air conditioned mini-bus back to the Port Vila International airport 2 hours before your flight time, and time so say good-bye.  Or as they say in Vanuatu,  “Lukim yu !!” ( see you soon!!)

*disclaimer:

insurance- please ensure your travel insurance includes adventure activities including horse-riding as this is not included in your package and Poppy’s on the Lagoon takes no responsibility for injury or loss while engaging in any tour related activities.
to enquire, please send us an email HEREand we can check availability and send you a quote right away.

Your family will experience the magic of Vanuatu with a great mix of activities for Mum, Dad and the Kids

This package suits families of all sizes and all ages

Your great value package includes 7 nights accommodation in spacious apartment or villa, a half day family tour to the magnificent cascade waterfalls (which is even better value than if you were to go without a guide!) plus a full day tour either sailing on a yacht where you may see dolphins, whales and dugongs; or spend your full day visiting a private island, with crystal clear turquoise waters and pure white sand. Here is the chance to experience the true colours and culture of Vanuatu plus snorkel one of the best snorkel spots accessible from Port Vila.

Prices for this package vary depending on how many people are travelling and the ages of your kids. Just send us an email HEREand we can send you a quote right away