Royal Beach Club Lelepa: What to Expect at Royal Caribbean's New Private Beach Club in Vanuatu

Serenity sings from the newest Royal Caribbean private beach club Vanuatu concept — Royal Beach Club^SM Lelepa — tucked away in an exotic South Pacific paradise. Learn what makes Lelepa so special and why Royal Caribbean picked this island for its latest beach club location. 

Lelepa-bound cruises offer an island escape with all the pleasures of a great beach day included — endless food, beaches, nature paths and relaxation. This much-anticipated slice of peaceful perfection gives big beach brag moments and cultural touchpoints for a meaningful day to remember.

Where is Vanuatu’s South Pacific Paradise of Lelepa?

Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation east of Australia and west of Fiji. Australian departure ports in both cosmopolitan Sydney, New South Wales and the tropical rainforest gateway of Brisbane, Queensland offer easy access to venture to Vanuatu on Lelepa-bound cruises. This is the first Royal Caribbean cruise destination in the South Pacific — opening in October 2027 — with Anthem of the Seas^Ⓡ and Voyager of the Seas^Ⓡ being the first ships to visit Vanuatu’s new gem.

Vanuatu’s Royal Beach Club Lelepa lies in the center of a Y-shaped chain of 83 tiny islands, many volcanic. Lelepa is a small 967-acre island, just ten minutes by boat from the northwest coast of Vanuatu’s main island of Efate. Before Royal Caribbean created Royal Beach Club  Lelepa, travelers would have to take a 30-minute drive from the capital of Port Vila to Havannah Harbour, followed by a 10-15 minute boat ride to Lelepa.

More than 15% of this beautiful island remains undeveloped tropical rainforest, with a historical cave earning a UNESCO World Heritage site nod.

Learn what to expect at the new Royal Caribbean beach club in Vanuatu, the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Opening in 2027, Royal Beach Club Lelapa is one of the cruise line’s Ultimate Destinations for captivating vacay vibes. If you’re looking for sandy spots to chill, beach game and watersport thrills, toes-in-the-sand tropical drinks to swill or just the perfect place to meet a new friend with gills, here are a few reasons why a visit to this South Pacific paradise is set to become one of the best things to do in Lelepa.

Be a Good Sport and Play the Day Away

Royal Beach Club Lelepa is the pinnacle of peaceful paradise, but don’t think that means there’s no action and fun to be had. Complimentary sand-sports like volleyball, cornhole and beach cricket are even sweeter when played seaside. When you need to cool down from the heat of competition, keep the good times rolling by renting watersport equipment such as glass-bottom kayaks, SUPs or snorkel gear to explore the shore.

An Adults-Only Piece of Peace in a Private Paradise

The hallmark of Royal Beach Club Lelepa is having an authentic adventure with a serious dose of South Pacific serenity. Adults’ Cove at beautiful West Beach is only for 18+, leaving the sounds of family fun to the other stretch of spectacular sand. An island free from Wi-Fi keeps you blissfully in the moment. Bring a book or your best downloaded podcast and chill out with a tropical drink on complimentary loungers with beach umbrellas. Pack your snorkel and fins or rent gear on the island to explore the sea’s treasures or bob the afternoon away — whatever floats your boat.

Kid-Friendly Beach Bonding By the Calm, Clear Sea

Royal Beach Club Lelepa has kids covered, with a long stretch of beach primed for family fun. East Beach offers soft sand and calm, clear water. This is a perfect spot to try out snorkeling for the first time or paddle a glass-bottom kayak to view the reef and sea creatures below. Enjoy complimentary shade umbrellas and loungers to keep little ones safe from the sun. Beverage stations keep kids hydrated with water, sodas, juices, teas and smoothies available. Bring a bucket (or sturdy cup in a pinch) and build a sandcastle or scoop out a moat-with-the-most for serious beach bonding with your brood.

Upgrade Your Day, the South Pacific Way

Private daybeds are the way to take your Royal Beach Club Lelepa visit to the next level. Not only can you lounge on a daybed for four, but additional loungers are supplied for your group. Don’t sweat carrying towels; this upgraded option adds a big dose of Vanuatu-style service with a personal attendant, so all you need to do is show up and get ready to relax.

Purchases for a daybed experience can be completed via the Royal app, My Royal Cruise or on board at the Shore Excursions desk, subject to availability.

Lelepa’s Best Beach Places to Pose … and Post!

Be the envy of Royal watchers everywhere by showing off your best and first look at this newest beach club concept. Daybed divas can revel in the natural beauty backdrop. Lush tropical foliage ringed by white sand and aqua seas equals picture-perfect beach vibes. Don’t miss exotic shots framed by the local Nakamal style outbuildings, featuring natural timber and thatch elements honoring local community hubs seen in Vanuatu villages. Show off your artsy angle by admiring local creators’ work at Mama’s Market. Don’t forget that waterproof camera for true blue snorkel shots to show off your inner mermaid in Lelepa’s incredibly clear seas.

Noshes and Nibbles at the New Club

When you reach such perfect shores as Vanuatu’s Royal Beach Club Lelepa boasts, you’ll want to stay all day. Two on-island eateries plus four beach bars and beverage stations around the island to choose from have your cravings covered so you can do just that, with sustenance just steps from the fun. 

Sipping a tropical libation while catching some rays in the mellow shallows of Lelepa’s sea splashes out with major cool factor points. Dietary needs are covered, with gluten-free and vegetarian options at all of the island’s dining venues (and pre-arranged kosher meals with advanced notice).

Take a note from a rich local culture that puts community over consumerism and focuses on respect for nature. You can celebrate Vanuatu’s strong spiritual connection to the land by carving out some time to enjoy the Royal Beach Club Lelepa Nature Trail. 

Roam this tropical rainforest haven, whose undeveloped landscape is a birdwatcher’s oasis. Simply enjoy the lush flora, or embark on a critter-filled “Where’s Waldo” (or Wally, Aussies!) to spot geckos, fruit bats, Emerald Dove, Pacific Kingfisher and Coconut Lorikeets.

To pack even more fun into your visit, brush up on these simple but powerful tips for experiencing Royal Beach Club Lelapa like a pro:

What To Book

Royal Beach Club Lelepa is the only Royal Caribbean private club experience included in the cruise fare. No need to book an excursion to this South Pacific hotspot. Simply carry your SeaPass and government ID and hop on a free tender ride to the island.

Of course, you can still book specialty dining and unique shore excursions in advance to max out the memories of your South Pacific sail.

Pack Your Beach Bag for a Beach Brag Escape

Sign out towels on the ship and bring them on the tender to Lelepa. Multiple towel refresh stations ensure comfy sand-free lounging all day, but be sure to return with the same number you borrowed.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen or rashguards. If enjoying the Nature Trail, wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers and reef-safe bug repellent. 

Parents should also pack any baby items for the island, but leave the stroller on the ship. Enjoy complimentary beach strollers which are located throughout the island.

And don’t forget to make space for souvenirs. On-island Mama’s Market is the perfect place to peruse local artisans’ woven baskets, carved coconut or shell works and jewelry to bring home to remember your day at Royal Beach Club Lelepa.

Don’t Forget Ship Amenities

Royal Beach Club Lelepa is just one of the many benefits of cruising to Vanuatu. Don’t forget to enjoy ship amenities before and after the beach vibes:

● Royal Caribbean kids’ clubs keep young sailors from 3-17 engaged with social games and tech’d out spaces ideal for making new friends.

● Parents can dance the night away or reconnect over wine tastings and hilarious interactive game shows.

● The expansive pool deck and water play areas with record-breaking slides and splashpads for little ones are designed to make days at sea spectacular fun for families, with adults-only areas ideal for couples and traveling friend groups.

● Dozens of dining and drinks spots serve up cuisine tailored to any taste.

● Onboard entertainment is world-class, with Broadway, jazz and blues, Latin beats, live comedy and thrilling stunt-filled shows all included with your cruise fare.