Adult-Only Holidays in Vava’u
Let’s get one thing straight about Vava’u, unlike other South Pacific destinations, it’s certainly not crawling with kids! Nevertheless, for those craving a getaway undisturbed, Vava’u is one of the best places in Tonga to provide, with two exclusive adult-only resorts and a wealth of experiences aimed at adults! Let us help you find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation in this adults-only vacation guide to Vava’u.
10 Activities in Vava’u for Adults
- Swim with beautiful humpback whales
- Drink and be merry at one of Neiafu’s bars
- Explore the underwater world on a scuba diving trip
- Hire yourself a private sailing charter
- Get out on the water on a game fishing charter
- Disconnect from the world in a relaxing spa treatment
- Reconnect with yourself in a yoga session
- Harness the elements in kitesurfing
- Explore the coral reefs on an underwater sea scooter tour
- Shop for unique Tongan arts and crafts
For more information on each experience, see the full list at the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u.
How to Get to Vava’u
Vava’u is connected to Fiji and Samoa through its international airport, Lupepauʻu Airport. However, most visitors to the islands arrive in Vava’u via Tonga’s main arrival airport in Tongatapu, via cruise ship or by sailing on their own yacht. Here are the best transport options for an adults-only getaway.
Vava’u by Plane
The most intimate way to get to Vava’u, appropriate for an adults-only holiday, is by taking the plane. Planes fly from Tongatapu’s Fua’amotu Airport every day except Sunday landing in Vava’u’s Lupepauʻu Airport. Allow at least a couple of days to fly to Vava’u as flights frequently get cancelled. Learn more in The Guide to Flying Around Tonga.
Vava’u by Cruise
While there are no adult-only cruises that visit Vava’u, there are a number of other cruise liners calling at Neiafu, the main town of Vava’u, that are worth considering. Check out the 10 Cruises that Visit Tonga for more details.
Car Rental in Vava’u
For those who prefer to travel around independently, car rental is available in Vava’u and is a good option if staying outside of Neiafu but still on the main islands. Compare car rental companies in The Best Car Rentals in Vava’u.
For more about transport in Vava’u, head to the 10 Ways to Get to Vava’u (& Around Vava’u).
Activities on Vava’u for Adults
With Vava’u being an adventure tourism destination, you won’t find many of the activities “full of kids”. Most of the major attractions here are more hands-on, directed at the grown-up crowd. Some suggestions include…
Whale Swimming in Vava’u
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with enchanting humpback whales. There are more than 15 operators taking visitors out to see the whales in Vava’u. After a whole morning watching the whaleboats depart with the Tonga Government’s Whale Enforcement, the Tonga Pocket Guide team only saw one child on one of the many whaleboats that went out! Chances are, you’ll just be sharing the experience with like-minded whale-lovers. To ensure a more private whale swimming experience, book a tour with one of the whale swimming boats that only allow up to four people on the boat, such as the Tonga Beach House and Kiwi Magic Tonga. Find out more in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Private Sailing Charters
Ensure you spend the day or a few days with the people you choose on a private sailing charter. Vava’u is renowned for its magnificent sailing grounds, which is best experienced by chartering a sailing yacht yourself. Bareboat and skippered charters are available with The Moorings and South Pacific Sea Adventures. Find out more in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.
Scuba Dive in Vava’u
With divers needing to be at least over 10 years old (and with your head in the water most of the time), needless to say, scuba diving is not an experience with noisy children. Vava’u is home to some sensational scuba diving where hundreds of tropical fish, sharks, nudibranchs, soft coral and hard coral are seen on a daily basis (except for Sundays when tours are not permitted to operate under Tongan law). Learn more about diving in Vava’u here.
For more inspiration, head over to the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u.
Nightlife in Vava’u
Vava’u is a sailor’s paradise! With that in mind, there are plenty of places to drink like a sailor in Vava’u, whether it’s at the restaurants that team up as bars in Neiafu or one of the island resorts!
Bars in Neiafu
While Neiafu doesn’t have any solely dedicated bars and nightclubs, the town’s watering holes are restaurants with a bar. For instance, The Basque Tavern on a hilltop of Vava’u boasts awesome elevated views of the Neiafu Harbour along with your drinks and Spanish tapas. The Mango Cafe is a popular spot for yachties and all visitors alike, with a full bar and restaurant right on the water’s edge. Finally, the Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant boasts an excellent wine and beer selection to enjoy with views over the harbour from its elevated perspective in the centre of town.
Resort Bars in Vava’u
Don’t worry, the resorts know you’re on holiday, so are here to pour the drinks! The Tongan Beach Resort on ‘Utungake Island, which is connected to the main island, is open for casual diners and drinkers, serving international favourites, as well as a range of cocktails. The Mandala Resort, one of Vava’u’s exclusive adult-only resorts, has a Beach Bar pouring New Zealand and Australian wines, beers and premium liqueurs. Finally, a stunning place to enjoy some sundowners is the Moby Dick Bar at the Mounu Private Island Resort, located on the island’s beach.
Adult-Only Accommodation in Vava’u
- Mandala Resort
- Dream Island Resort
While Vava’u doesn’t have many choices when it comes to adult-only accommodation, an alternative is to stay in a holiday home where you get to choose who you share the accommodation with. See the 5 Best Holiday Homes in Vava’u.
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.