If you pick up a travel brochure on Tonga you will probably read that the Kingdom of Tonga is a “rare sprinkling of jewels set in the turquoise blue of the Pacific”. It could well say the same in a dictionary. Tonga doesn’t attract nearly the number of tourists as, say, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa or the Cook Islands but that’s part of the attraction – it is somewhat off the ‘beaten track’. 

Apart from the diverse natural beauty, it is the people and the culture that makes Tonga such a unique and rewarding destination. Tonga is the only Pacific nation never to have been subjected to foreign rule and, as such, traditional lifestyle has been maintained. The monarchy is important, as is the church and the sense of family and inner peace can be somewhat enviable.

The Pacific Insider recommends Fafa Island Resort for holiday-makers.  It is perfect for honeymooners or those just wanting to relax and enjoy the myriad watersports (snorkelling, paddleboards, sailing, island excursions, whale watching and diving can be arranged.  The fales are comfortable, the restaurant is excellent and the setting sensational (palm-covered, seven hectare island with turquoise blue lagoon). The island resort is only 30 minutes from Nuku’alofa on the ferry or 15 minutes in the ‘fast boat’.

There are 18 palm-covered acres and only 13 falés (bungalows), nestled privately around the island. They are built in typical Tongan style with soaring high ceilings and natural timber – coconut palm poles, coconut thatched walls, roof with wooden shingles etc).  The resort is very eco-friendly (solar energy, no petrol-based water activities etc).  

The restaurant and open-air bar are right on the beach with breathtaking views and an amazing canopy of stars overhead at night.  The cuisine is ‘Pacific European’, specializing in seafood.  The cocktail bar has beer, wine, spirits and, of course, cocktails (using freshly squeezed coconut milk).  One a week there is a BBQ and Tongan/Polynesian cultural show.

Email us if you have any queries on how to get there, flight times, packages etc.  There is currently a Stay 4 nights Pay 3 nights special at Fafa from August 1 to end March 2012 (with some block out dates late September to mid-October and late December to mid-January).