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 treat the body, but there are ways to experience more wellness in Tonga. We go through some suggestions in this list of health and wellness experiences in Tonga!
1. Do a Yoga Class 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 their own dedicated yoga pavilions with on-site yoga instructors to help you get the best start to each day in Tonga. Some resorts even offer unique “Whales & Yoga” classes to heighten your whale swim experience. Check out the 5 Best Yoga Resorts in Tonga for more information.
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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 on Viator and Tripadvisor. Plus, learn more about immersing in the local culture in the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Tongan Culture.
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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 6 Best Spas in Tonga for inspiration.
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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 in 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.
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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 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.
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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.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
7. Swim with Humpback Whales
Of course, a life-changing experience like swimming with humpback whales are what enrich 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.
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8. Learn About Natural Health Foods at the ‘Ene’io Botanical Gardens
On the main island of Vava’u, the ‘Ene’io Botanical Gardens is a must for foodies, nature-lovers, health-warriors and anyone that 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 on Vava’u and more in 10 Things to Do in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
9. Browse Local Artwork and Beauty Products at Blue Banana Studios
Be inspired by the local modern art and find local coconut and vanilla beauty products at the Blue Bana Studios. The small gift shop and museum on the beachfront of Kanokupolu Beach is brimming with all sorts of pieces of intrigue with modern Tongan art printed on T-shirts, lavalava (sarongs) canvases, postcards and more. They also sell pure virgin coconut oil soaps, local coffee beans and more to prepare your wellness routine with a touch of Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
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 for yoga, art, writing, meditation, dance, cooking, wellness, small church groups and business. Learn more about wellness retreats in Tonga in our guide.
(c) PixabayMore Health and Wellness Experiences in Tonga
