Iririki is a privately owned island located in Mele Bay, near Port Vila, the Capital of Vanuatu. The island is owned and operated by the Deeley family from Australia.
Originally built by Rick Graham of Graham Group of Companies, a former captain of the AFL team Geelong Cats, who relocated with his family to Vanuatu in 1991. The resort became their home after converting what was formerly the British High Commissioner’s residence that sat unused at the top of Iririki Island following the construction of the resort’s 83 Fare’s and main resort. From 1991 to 2001 the resort was owned and operated by Rick Graham, with his 2 daughter’s attending L’Ecole Colardeau the local French school in Port Vila and working within the resort in Guest Relations and Food and Beverage roles.
The resort underwent a $2 Million dollar renovation in 1996 after extensive damage from 3 cyclones within less than 2 years.
The resort was sold to a consortium of Australian Business owners in 2001, changing hands a few more times up to the current owners and operators.
Current usage
Iririki, Vanuatu
Iririki Island Resort is renowned as Vanuatu's top resort.
History
Iririki Island is the traditional land of Ifira Islanders.
1910 – The first British Hospital in the New Hebrides was established on Iririki Island in memory of the well-known Presbyterian missionary John G Paton. Patients were seen for such ailments as broken bones, meningitis, and rheumatic fever, and Pacific islanders were trained in tropical disease management.
1913 – Iririki Island housed the British Residency who leased the island from missionaries for 99 years. The Residency was located at the peak of Iririki (reached by climbing 179 steps), affording it magnificent views to Port Vila and the surrounding bay. The original household was built for the Queen for an overnight visit, and subsequently accommodated the British High Commissioner.
1980 – On independence, the residence was abandoned although it is currently in use.
1983 – After consideration by the Ifira Islanders, they leased the Island to Peter Nicholson to construct it into a resort.
1987 – Cyclone Uma hit Iririki Island and Port Vila with 200 km (124 mi) winds and flooding. Former Geelong AFL player Rick Graham and former Airline Pilots Federation President,Dick Holt, had purchased the resort. The resort returned to full operation after repairs that took approximately one year.
1991 – Rick and Ngaire Graham took over Iririki as resident owner/managers, turning the resort into a child-free sanctuary.
2004 – The Resort was sold to a private consortium of Australian businessmen.
2009 – Policy changed to a family-friendly resort.
2015 – Cyclone Pam bore down on Iririki at speeds over 300 km (186 mi) per hour, requiring considerable refurbishment. The resort was relaunched in May 2016.
2023- On 1 September 2023, Iririki Island Resort sold to the Deeley family from Australia who operate 'Vision Hotels' in Australia. They personally manage the hotel themselves and have undertaken extensive renovations.
Language
Bislama is the official language of Iririki. In addition, English and French are also widely spoken. Indigenous languages are spoken in the city Wikipedia:Citing sources[citation needed].
Climate
Port Vila has a tropical climate, with little variance in temperature throughout the year. Temperatures can reach 93.2 °F (34.0 °C), with an average low of 84.2 °F (29.0 °C). The region also enjoys southeast trade winds. The months of November to February are generally warm and humid, with April to October displaying optimal weather conditions.
Geography
Iririki island is an island off the coast of Port Vila, Vanuatu. It offers blue Pacific Ocean waters, tropical climates, tropical landscapes such as Arecaceae trees and white sandy beaches.
References
Freeman, T.E.A., (2006), Doctor in Vanuatu: A Memoir, Institute of Pacific Studies
Rodman, M.R., (2001), Houses Far From Home: British Colonial Space in the New Hebrides, University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu, USA. ISBN978-0-8248-2307-8
Vanuatu
