Environmentally Friendly Resorts in Ha’apai
In islands and waters as pristine as Ha’apai, no wonder those who live there want to look after it as much as possible. Staying in stunning natural environments, such as crystal clear water lapping onto sandy shores lined with lush vegetation, the resorts in Ha’apai do their best to keep in tune with the surroundings you undoubtedly came to enjoy. While some basic beach huts provide a minimalistic stay with friendly locals, some resorts provide all of the modern comforts using sustainable energy. Check out some of your best options for an eco-friendly stay in Ha’apai with this list of the best eco-resorts in Ha’apai!
While you’re here, plan the rest of your stay in the islands with The Complete Guide to Ha’apai. Plus, get more eco-tips from the 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Tonga.
1. Sea Change Eco Retreat
As the name strongly suggests, Sea Change Eco Retreat is a resort fully committed to providing an environmentally friendly stay in Ha’apai. Accommodation is either in wooden fales (beach huts) or glamping safari tents on elevated decks, allowing guests to really connect with the surrounding beachfront forest. Each fale uses fresh and clean water in the ensuite outside bathroom from rainwater and rooms are only serviced as required. The whole resort is off-the-grid, running on solar power. The resort also offers a number of eco-tourism experiences, from swimming with whales to yoga retreats. Learn more about the resort in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
2. The Lolofutu Beach Barn
The Lolofutu Beach Barn is a fully off-the-grid experience with Whale Discoveries. The accommodation is exclusively available in the whale season (July-October) and in eight-day packages where guests have all accommodation, whale swims, other activities and food included. Stay in their safari tents with a private deck and rain cover. The accommodation has shared bathroom facilities with cold showers and composting toilets to provide minimal impact to the surrounding forest and beach. You’ll also be treated to three sustainably sourced home-style meals a day. Learn more about Whale Discoveries in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai.
3. Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga
While Fanifo Lofa Kitefsurf Tonga might seem all about kitesurfing at first glance, the boutique resort on Uolevu Island also has an environmentally friendly policy. Their five beach huts are made with natural timber to blend in with the surroundings. The whole resort uses solar and wind energy, as well as composting toilets. Recycling and energy efficiency is also promoted to guests during their stay to help keep the resort’s corner of Ha’apai beautiful. Learn more about the resort in our 7 Best Luxury Accommodation in Ha’apai.
4. Serenity Beaches Resort
Another gem on the otherwise uninhabited Uolevu Island, Serenity Beaches Resort offers a range of wooden and concrete fales for guests either wishing to do whale swimming, one of their retreats or simply nothing at all… The eco-resort uses rainwater, while electricity is collected from the sun and almost all food is brought in by local farmers and fishermen. Although meat is an option for food, they also cater extremely well to vegetarians to minimise your impact further. Learn more about this accommodation and others in the 5 Best Honeymoon Accommodation in Ha’apai.
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5. Taiana’s Resort
Ha’apai’s most authentic traditional fales can be found at the locally-run Taiana’s Resort. Enjoy an ethical stay with locals on their home turf, staying in one out of the small selection fales that have been made with natural materials (except for a plastic reinforced roof), and using a shared shower and toilet for all guests for minimal impact. Camping is also available. It’s all about the minimalist lifestyle here. Learn more about the resort and others like it in the 7 Best Budget Accommodation in Ha’apai.
6. Captain Cooks Hideaway
An eco-retreat mainly due to the fact that its facilities are so limited, Captain Cooks Hideaway provides a simple stay for the eco-conscious traveller. Don’t worry about using too much power because there is none! It’s all about being connected with the stunning beach and forest around you, whether it’s through kayaking or snorkelling from the waters just a few steps from your cabin. Meals and self-catering are available for an extra fee at this budget accommodation.
7. Billy’s Place
Enjoy pure isolation at Billy’s Place, otherwise known as Billy’s Resort, on the east coast of Lifuka Island. Stay in one of five wooden fales blending in with the surrounding banana plantation and moments away from a secluded beach. This is another place the facilities are limited but it’s all part of the adventure, where shared facilities are cold-water bathrooms, which may or may not always be working. Electricity is also intermittent so you needn’t worry about using too much! Free bike hire is available as an eco-friendly transport method for getting to Pangai, a 10-minute ride away.
More About Eco-Resorts in Ha’apai
Author
Laura 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.