This article originally appeared in Island Life Mag

Tropical Bliss – Sindiso

Sindiso is the Zulu word for ‘Bliss’. And it does represent this property accurately.

Originally from South Africa but residing in Sydney, Ange and John first found Vanuatu through a house-swap holiday in the country. As often happens, they fell in love with the islands and decided to find their own home here.

Their search for the ideal property commenced. “We had quite an extensive wish list. We needed a house that was big enough for the whole family and was in a location with a calm and safe oceanfront, far away but close enough to town.” Ultimately, they found the block of land that met their expectations and needs. Not wanting to build, they initially took to the task with a fair bit of apprehension. Eighteen months later however, their new home was finished right on time for their first family Christmas in Vanuatu. “We made the right choice: all the hard work of building is now forgotten and we have the beautiful home we wanted.”

Designed by a Sydney architect, the home plan looks like, well, it has been architecturally designed. Resembling half a hexagon, every room in the house faces the ocean and benefits from the view and the breeze. Because the rooms are slightly angled towards each other, there is a feeling of unity and a central space that orbits around the huge swimming pool, every space communicating with each other along the expansive wooden deck.

Huge cathedral ceilings and sliding doors towards the ocean lend the property an incredible sensation of space. The floors are polished concrete and the theme follows throughout the house with stylish polished concrete bench tops. There is a variety of spaces, to sit, eat, be and hang out, with several lounges and tables spreading along the home.

The best is that this is truly a home. Ange and John have four children and built the property for the family. “We wanted to have a home in Vanuatu where the whole family could come and spend time together now and for many years to come.”

To this extent the home is not only functional but beautiful and warm; many of the decorative and furniture pieces in the house such as the lovely dining table, have been ‘borrowed’ from their Sydney home.

The colour palette is whites and soft blues and greens, beautifully blending with the natural surroundings of the property. With a strong interest in interior design, Ange decorated Sindiso with pieces acquired during their travels in Africa and the Far East. A Juju tribal headdress sits majestically on a wall while Massai necklaces, Australian art and Indian cow belts adorn others. All tastefully put together to create a beach-chic style, that is at once, fresh, elegant, warm and peaceful.

The house has three main bedrooms. The king bedroom is stunning with two walls opening onto the deck, drinking in the spectacular view of the ocean. The two queen rooms are fresh and spacious and each has its own bathroom. All together the home has five showers, three outdoor and two indoor.

The living room area is remarkably huge, with a stunning dining table taking center stage and facing the pool and ocean beyond. The kitchen has ample space with a five-burner stove, double door fridge/freezer, and other mod cons.

To the left, a glorious lounge extends along three walls of the reading/tv area, which is as fresh and lovely as the rest of the home. Further to the left, a games room makes a perfect space for children to hang out, read a book, play a game and ‘lounge about’.

A nakamal right on the beach, bicycles, in-ground trampoline, stand up paddle boards, snorkeling and kayaks to enjoy the calm waters of the bay are all at hand.

A BBQ area is of course not forgotten and in a separate building, a sleep-out and bunkroom with a table tennis table are yet another great space.

The home is perfect for three couples or two families to rent together, although, of course, you may also just want it all to yourself. Available for holiday rentals through Vanuatu Luxury Holiday Homes, Vanuatu’s trusted private villas and self-contained accommodation agency, this home is truly outstanding. Check out www.vanuatuluxuryholidayhomes.com, [email protected], ph: +678 5577034.