House of travel New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island & Tonga Brochu | Page 29

Tongatapu Accommodation & Sightseeing
Heilala Holiday Lodge
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The homely and super-peaceful Heilala
Holiday Lodge offers some of the best
surfing and snorkelling on the island, and
definitely the most beautiful sunsets! It’s
perfectly positioned at the tip of Tongatapu
by two stunning beaches, Ha’atafu and
Kanokupolu, where the water is as clear as
glass. And, as you would expect, life here
revolves around the beach; your choice of
snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing
or dozing under a palm tree on the sand. Your
accommodation will be in a traditional style
fale, with a choice of Superior or the more
basic but still very comfy Tongan. Both are
cooled by ceiling fans and have insect screens
on all windows.
Liku’alofa Beach Resort
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Liku’alofa Beach Resort is situated on the west
coast of Tongatapu, fringed with palm trees,
surrounded by lush tropical gardens and sits
along a stretch of white sandy beach. It’s a 35
minute drive from Fua’amotu International
Airport, so you’ll be unpacked and relaxing
‘Tongan style’ in no time. If you’d rather keep
busy, check out the snorkelling and kayaking,
enjoy a leisurely cycle, discover the island
paradise of Fafa or Pangimotu, take a full
island tour or swim with the whales (seasonal
July-October). Make sure your stay includes
a Wednesday or Friday night for the hotel’s
legendary Island Night.
Fafa Island Resort
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Fafa is tiny and unspoilt, with just a handful
of fales on its palm-fringed shores – they
are seriously gorgeous! If you’re hoping to
immerse yourself in a South Seas dream,
this is the place to go. Privacy and peace
are paramount here, with fales built as far
from one another as possible. They are very
stylishly furnished, and in true Tongan style
have high, cathedral ceilings, thatched walls,
big coconut beams and poles and wooden
shingle roofs. Each has its own outdoor space,
with hammock, beach beds and shady palms,
and a bathroom opening out to a secluded
flower garden and outdoor shower.
Fafa Island
Scenic Hotel Tonga
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Located across the road from the airport and
in the southern region of Tongatapu, it is
close to the island’s secluded eastern beaches,
limestone caves and dramatic cliff walks. You
can spot humpback whales from nearby cliffs
at Hufangalupe during the migration season
or take a picturesque half hour drive into the
capital, Nuku’alofa. Set in spacious grounds,
enjoy a spot of mini golf with the new 18-hole
putt putt course, golf driving range and
kids playground. Scenic Hotel Tonga offers
76 spacious air conditioned guest rooms, a
restaurant, bar and WiFi.
Nuku’alofa City Tour Island Day Trip
This fun and informative walking tour is
a great way to experience and familiarise
yourself with the kingdom’s capital,
Nuku’alofa. In addition to visiting the Royal
Palace and Royal Tomb, you’ll visit Talamahu
Market, the kingdom’s main fresh produce
hub. It’s a hive of activity here particularly on
Saturday mornings. Another highlight of this
tour is the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre
which stocks the best range of traditional
Tongan handicrafts and fine arts including
traditional tapa cloth, woven crafts from
pandanus leaves, Tongan jewellery and
wooden carvings. A must for first time visitors. Take a day cruise out to one of the two off-
shore islands, Royal Sunset Island Resort
located on Atata Island a 55 minute boat ride
north-west of Nuku’alofa, or Fafa Island a
comfortable 30 minute boat ride North of
the capital. There’s time aplenty to swim and
snorkel in crystal clear waters, join in the
daily resort activities or simply relax on the
white sand beaches – the choice is yours! You’ll
capture many fascinating sights of Tonga’s
capital, Nuku’alofa from the boat as you head
out. The two islands are easily accessible and
close by so you’ll get the most out of your day
in paradise.
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