Plan a Luxury Getaway to Tonga
If your idea of luxury is once-in-a-lifetime experiences, surrounding yourself in pristine tropical islands, and getting off the beaten track, then Tonga can certainly provide. Sure, Tonga is a unique choice for a South Pacific getaway, but it doesn’t pretend to be anything that it’s not. It’s not a place of five-star resorts, for helicopter flights or the glitz and glam. What you get in Tonga is real, so expect a few bumps on your boat ride to your private island resort, but if you can appreciate the turquoise waters and perhaps spotting a Humpback Whale breaching in the distance, then you’ll do just fine. Let us help you plan your luxury getaway to The Kingdom in the South Pacific with this luxury travel guide to Tonga.
Luxury Activities in Tonga
- Swim with majestic humpback whales
- Scuba dive in crystal clear waters
- Reel in the South Pacific pelagics on a fishing charter
- Hire a sailing charter to explore the islands of Vava’u
- Kitesurf over the butter-flat lagoons of Ha’apai
- Wake up with a morning yoga class
- Indulge in an island massage
- Shop for unique arts and crafts at the handicraft markets and gifts shops
- Take a private tour of the natural and historical sights of Tongatapu.
For more ideas and elaboration, see the 10 Luxury Activities in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comLuxury Travel to Tongatapu
Tongatapu is the main island of Tonga and an easy option for a fly-and-flop holiday. The island group has a four-star island resort and an all-inclusive beach resort on the mainland, while other four-star hotels, lodges and apartments can be found in the capital, Nuku’alofa.
Some of Tonga’s top experiences are available from the wharf in Nuku’alofa, including whale swimming, scuba diving and fishing, while private boat charters can be hired to explore the surrounding islands and their snorkelling spots. As for sticking to dry land, there is an interesting selection of natural and historical attractions, such as the impressive Mapu ‘a Vaea Blowholes, the landing site of the first European to the islands, Abel Tasman, and the ancient Ha’amonga ‘a Maui megalithic trilithon. These and more can be discovered on private tours of the island.
The small metropolis of Nuku’alofa also makes a good base for sampling South Pacific cuisine at restaurants lining the waterfront.
Learn more about planning a luxury getaway to the main island and capital in The Luxury Guide to Tongatapu and The Luxury Guide to Nuku’alofa.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismLuxury Travel to Ha’apai
Those postcard photos of palm-topped islands, sandy shores and fringing coral reefs were probably taken here in the island group of Ha’apai. A short scenic flight from Tongatapu can bring you to this central island group made up of 62 islands, most of which are uninhabited. Although there is only one four-star resort in this island group, the three-star resorts evoke luxury in their pristine island surroundings and five-star experiences, such as swimming with humpback whales, private island picnics or even staying on a private island, Luahoko Island, for a few days.
Liveaboard sailing and whale swimming experiences are another luxurious way to enjoy the Ha’apai islands, staying on a catamaran yacht and listening to the whale song as you drift off into slumber.
Ha’apai’s tranquil lagoons and consistent tradewinds also make the island group a popular destination for kitesurfing, while the abundance of eco-resorts and gorgeous natural surroundings make for a popular destination for yoga and wellness retreats.
Find out more about Ha’apai in The Luxury Guide to Ha’apai.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismLuxury Travel to Vava’u
One of the most renowned sailing grounds in the South Pacific, Vava’u is a must-visit for yachties. But while you might not have your own yacht, you can certainly pretend for a day or up to 10 days on one of the sailing charters of Vava’u.
The main drawcard for this adventure-packed island group, however, is the water activities, of which it offers some of the best in Tonga. Vava’u has the most whale swimming tours, is home to one of the South Pacific’s renowned blue marlin fisheries and has some of Tonga’s top dive sites. Needless to say, swimming with humpback whales, fishing charters and scuba diving is a must.
Luxury stays in Vava’u can be found in the well-appointed holiday homes lining the cliffsides of the Port of Refuge, while the island group also has its fair share of private island resorts where you will be one of the very few exclusive guests at resorts that rarely have no more than five fales (beach bungalows).
For more advice on planning a luxury trip to Vava’u, take a look at The Luxury Guide to Vava’u.
Luxury Accommodation in Tonga
Note that Tonga does not have any five-star accommodation, but some of the more upmarket options are the following:
- Fafa Island Resort
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Villa Apartments Eastside
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel
- Emerald Hotel & Restaurant
- Seaview Lodge & Restaurant
- Waterfront Lodge
- Captain Cook Apartments
- Sandy Beach Resort
- Serenity Beaches Resort
- Matafonua Lodge
- The Beach House
- Mandala Resort
- Reef Resort
- Mala Island Resort
- Ha’atafu Beach Resort
- Sea Change Eco Retreat
- The Lolofutu Beach Barn
- Whale Discoveries Live-Aboard
- Fanifo Lofa Kite Surfing Tonga
- Mouna Island Resort
- Hakula Lodge
- Lupetea Apartment
- Treasure Island Eco Resort
Check out our top picks in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga and the 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Tonga.
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