10 Health & Wellness Experiences in Tonga

Where to Experience Wellness in Tonga

Tonga is not the usual holiday destination. People who come here are looking for something special, whether it’s to escape the crowds, connect with nature or even reconnect with themselves. The idyllic island landscapes provide the perfect setting for relaxing the mind and treating the body, but there are more ways to enhance your wellness in Tonga. We go through some suggestions in this list of health and wellness experiences in Tonga!

1. Do a Yoga at a Stunning Island Resort

Rejuvenate the mind, body and soul with a yoga class in paradise at one of Tonga’s island resorts. Resorts, particularly in Ha’apai and Vava’u, have dedicated yoga pavilions with yoga mats, weight and on-site yoga instructors to help you get the best start to each day in Tonga. Check out the 5 Best Yoga Resorts in Tonga for more information.

10 Health & Wellness Experiences in Tonga

2. Make Your Own Tongan Essential Oils and Natural Medicines

Immerse in local traditions and practices at Ancient Tonga in Nuku’alofa. The cultural centre offers cultural tours, taking you on a journey of Tongan arts, crafts, clothing, cuisine and natural medicines. Part of the tour teaches you how Tongans, still to this day, use natural tropical plants from the islands to create essential oils and natural medicines with all sorts of wonderful health benefits. Find out more about Ancient Tonga in the local culture in the 10 Best Culture Tours in Tonga.

3. Relax with a Tropical Spa Treatment

Tonga’s stunning island landscapes, soothingly warm temperatures and relaxed pace of life are usually enough to wash all of your worries away. Get that extra dose of relaxation with a tropical spa treatment. Whether it’s at one of the day spas on Tongatapu or a massage in a private beach fale at one of the beach resorts, there are many blissful spa experiences to be had in Tonga. Just head to the 5 Best Spas in Tonga for inspiration.

4. Browse Natural Coconut Oil Products at Koko Designs

Tonga is a producer of all sorts of amazing natural health and beauty products, with one of the main ingredients being coconut oil. More and more people at turning to coconut oil as part of their wellness routine, not only for eating but for external use due to its benefits for the hair and skin. Your one-stop shop for your coconut oil needs is Koko Designs on Tongatapu. They support the Tongan youth and local farmers by turning virgin coconut oil into cold-pressed soaps and other beauty products. Find their store in Longolongo, Nuku’alofa.

5. Practice Sustainable Living at an Eco-Resort

A great way to learn about living a more healthy life for yourself and the planet is through the amazing eco-resorts of Tonga. Many of the island resorts in Ha’apai and Vava’u are off-the-grid where it’s essential for them to not only live sustainably to survive but look after their stunning surroundings through sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Learn about how easy it is to live from locally sourced produce, see how the resorts only use sustainable energy, and learn about connecting with nature. For more tips, head to the 30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Tonga.

6. Mingle with the Locals at Talamahu Market

Talamahu Market in Nuku’alofa is a treasure trove of Tongan goodies, from amazing handicrafts to intriguing health products. Locals sell a range of local health products, from coconut to vanilla oils, as well as unique handicrafts made from natural locally sourced materials. What’s more, your purchases go straight back into the local economy. For more markets to discover, check out the 5 Best Markets in Tonga.

7. Swim with Humpback Whales

Of course, a life-changing experience like swimming with humpback whales is what enriches the heart and mind. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to join these gentle giants in their natural element, but it makes you appreciate the ocean on a whole new level. Learn more about how you can experience swimming with whales for yourself in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.

8. Learn About Natural Health Foods at the ‘Ene’io Botanical Gardens

On the main island of Vava’u, the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden is a must for foodies, nature lovers, health warriors and anyone who appreciates a dose of culture. Garden tours are provided by the former Director for Agriculture and Forestry, whose passion for tropical plants is inspiring. The botanic garden produces its own range of natural artisan health foods, from natural organic vanilla beans to pure noni juice! Learn more about this experience and many more in the 15 Best Foodie Experiences in Tonga.

9. Experience a Medicine and Cultural Walk at Katea Retreat

Katea Retreat might be more known for its cultural shows and umu buffets, but the beach resort also offers a unique guided walk. The walk begins on the resort’s breathtaking beach backed with caves before delving into the forest where you’ll learn about the vegetation and how they are used in traditional Tongan medicine. Along the way, you’ll also check out sacred landmarks and learn more about Tonga’s unique history from your knowledgeable local guide. The experience concludes with a fabulous lunch. See more walks across the islands in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.

10. Join a Wellness Retreat

Finally, make your stay in Tonga all about health and wellness by joining a retreat in Tonga. Resorts in Ha’apai and Vava’u are regular hosts of all kinds of retreats, including yoga, art, writing, meditation, dance, cooking, wellness, small church groups and business. Learn more about wellness retreats in The Guide to Wellness & Yoga Retreats in Tonga.

More Health and Wellness Experiences in Tonga

That’s it for our list of the best health and wellness experiences in Tonga. For more like this, take a look at the following:

Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.

Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page