A great story of Iririki Island Resort & Spa by Sumantri

A GREAT STORY OF IRIRIKI ISLAND RESORT & SPA - Republic Vanuatu- South Pacific

by Sumantri.

Iririki Island is the traditional land of Ifira Islanders, another island in Mele Bay, just beyond Iririki. Iririki Island which translates to “small island” in the local language but other resource say the name mean ‘safe haven’ in the local dialect.

From 1913, Iririki Island housed the British Residency who leased the island from missionaries for 99 years. The first British High Commissioner of the New Hebrides was Merton King; his remained in his position for 17 years. His Residency was located at the top hill of the island reached by climbing 179 steps.
An original of housed the British Residency still remain maintain used as Resort General Manager resident now. The British commissioner was build a house for queen when visit and over night at iririki island. At independence, in 1980, the residency was all but abandoned

Iririki also housed the Paton Memorial Hospital through that period where patients were seen for such ailments as broken bones, meningitis, and rheumatic fever. To day there is a small house located at lagoon as a symbol of this hospital

In 1987 was on the most divesting storm ever to lash Port Vila, Cyclone Uma almost wipe Vila and Iririki Island. With winds up to 200kmh and rain measured by the metre. Few remaining guests huddled in the resort’s blacked-out concrete toilet until roof caught fire, when they retreated to a sodden, windswept refuge under the building and roof slowly peeling off.

After 10 gonising hours, Uma passed out to sea and daybreak revealed fewer than a third of Iririki 72 fare’s still standing. It took a year to get the resort fully operation

In 1991 former Geelong AFL player Rick and Ngaire Graham took over Iririki as owner. Turning the Resort into a new unique concept a Child free sanctuary for those adults not wanting to spend their holidays baby-sitting other people’s kids.

In 1st August 1994American author James A. Michener wrote the classic book ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ after serving in Vanuatu during the Pacific War, was so delighted to learn that Iririki
Island Resort wanted to name their premier restaurant Michener’s after him, that he wrote to us “I am delighted at such a great honor” – With letter head from Texas Center for writer, the University of Texas at Austin his letter is framed and on display today in “Michener’s Restaurant”

In 1999 Iririki Island selected as Best Finalist Honeymooner Destination by Bridal Industry Award

In 2002 Graham sold Iririki Island Resort to Melbourne investor, Zagami Cooperation

The new features and facilities opened in September/October 2006 renamed to Iririki Island Resorts & Spa holds its position as the premier resort in Vanuatu

61 Deluxe Rooms & Penthouses at “Snorkelers Cove” were added to the original hotel bringing the total capacity to 131 guest rooms. Two new restaurants “Watermark” and “Sunset Bar & Café” and a magnificent four level lagoon pool were also built at the same time. The new Deluxe Rooms & Penthouses provide a standard of luxury and service never seen before in the Vanuatu and satisfies the discerning traveller as well as families looking forward to spending holiday’s in a full featured resort

In 2004 won Gold Award, Most Popular Resort for Holidays Reader’s Choice Award

In 2006 won the prestigious Vanuatu Hotels & Resorts Association Award for Best Resort in Vanuatu

In 2008 Iririki Island Resort & Spa selected as a Finalist best hotel in the Pacific Islands by Hotel Club

In 2009 Interducing brand new " Warm Welcome" initiated by Sumantri Endang, the Rooms Division Manager

In 2009 Transition period, Iririki Island Resort & Spa taking over the Sebel hotel

In 2009 Massive internal promotion in Rooms Division

October 2009 The legend, Sumantri Endang the resort Rooms Division Manager tender his resignation due to his personal reason.