From Hotel Corsica to Hotel Santo: A Piece of History

Before Hotel Santo, this site was home to Santo’s very first hotel — Hotel Corsica — housed in a World War II–era American Quonset hut.

In the 1970s, New Hebrides–born entrepreneur Dinh Van Tho envisioned something greater. Working with Italian architects, he built Hotel Santo, giving Luganville not only a striking new landmark but also a vibrant hub for hospitality that has stood the test of time. Since before independence, the hotel has been lovingly managed by his wife, Mary Jane Dinh — a familiar and much-loved face in Luganville — whose warmth, easy-going nature, and dedication continue to define the hotel’s spirit today. Her passion for gardening has transformed the grounds into lush, tropical gardens that are as much a part of the Hotel Santo experience as the rooms themselves.

An Iconic Building with a Local Touch

Hotel Santo stands out in Luganville for more than just its history — its architecture is inspired by the Venus Murex shell, a rare species found at river mouths like the nearby Sarakata River. The shell’s elegant spines inspired the row of columns that wrap around the hotel, giving it both a distinctive look and exceptional structural strength. That solid design is one reason Hotel Santo has stood strong for over 50 years.

The Venus Murex shell remains central to the hotel’s identity, proudly featured in the logo as a tribute to the island’s natural beauty and rich heritage.

A Front-Row Seat to Political Change

Officially opened in the colonial era by the French and British High Commissioners, Hotel Santo quickly became a gathering place for local leaders. During the Coconut War and the independence movement, it was a discreet but important venue for conversations that shaped the future of the nation.

When Vanuatu gained independence, the country’s first Prime Minister, Father Walter Lini, visited on his first trip to the island. From Room 21, the staff witnessed in July 1980, the first ever raising of the Ni-Vanuatu flag across the hotel at Antonioz Park — a defining moment in the nation’s history. At the initiative of Dinh Van Tho, the municipality later renamed the park Unity Park, as a symbol of reconciliation after the independence struggles.

History and Culture in Every Corner

Hotel Santo is more than accommodation — it is a living gallery of Vanuatu’s story. Original 1970s artworks, framed historic newspaper clippings, and traditional ceremonial tamtams are displayed throughout the property, each piece carrying its own chapter of the island’s cultural journey.

Despite the growth of Luganville, the hotel’s tropical gardens remain a lush sanctuary. Alive with native birdsong and bursts of vibrant flowers, they offer guests a rare connection to nature — a tranquil escape just steps from the bustle of town.

A Place for Everyone

For over five decades, the Dinh family has upheld a tradition of open hospitality, ensuring that Hotel Santo remains a place where everyone feels welcome — from international travellers to visitors from remote inland villages. For many Santo men and women making the journey to Luganville, their first dip in the hotel pool is a moment of pure wonder, remembered long after they return home.

 

Hotel Santo is a place where history is still being written, and we invite you to be part of the story.