Introduction to the Itinerary
"Malo e lelei", and welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga! This is a stunning archipelago of timeless beauty, comprising 170 islands with age old customs and ancient traditions. The Tongan monarchy still rules here, but the vast Pacific is the queen.
This changeable and diverse area is a meeting point for tectonic plates, animals and mammals of all sorts and now plays host to TradeWinds’ latest base, Mandala Island Resort, Tonga. Mandala private island eco resort is the perfect setting for your vacation in the paradise which is the Kingdom of Tonga.
Land and Sea Option
Members will spend part of the week in traditional style luxury “fales” (bungalows) constructed with locally sourced materials. The resort offers a range of exciting tours and activities including, quad-biking, snorkeling, yoga, hiking, exploring local blowholes, or you could simply soak up the peaceful ambience and enjoy the rejuvenation of the eco-friendly private island of Fetoko.
The other half of the week will be spent aboard our Luxury Class yacht, exploring the many secluded and pristine anchorages around Vava’u. Boasting some of the most spectacular coral gardens in all of the Pacific, limestone caves and caverns create an underwater topography that will amaze and delight.
When booking online the full AQUA•TERRA land and sea experience in Vava'u, please note that you will spend one half of the week at Mandala Resort and the other half of the week on a LUXURY class yacht, irrespective of whether or not the "sailboat" icon and the "LUX" icon are displayed above your selected date on the bookings page.
Mandala Resort Only Option
Please note that the island only time is only bookable as a whole island, rather than one room at a time.
If you choose to simply spend a wonderful week relaxing on land, then staying in a luxury beach-front fale (bungalow) at Mandala Resort is definitely a must do.
Once in every 4 week period there will be an opportunity to book the entire resort of 5-rooms and bring along your friends and/or family. Imagine having a private island all to yourselves!
Guests will be collected from and returned to Fangifoa Marina on the Fungamisi Waterfront at the Port of Refuge in Neiafu.
Spend the week completely relaxing, taking yoga sessions as available, swimming, snorkelling, diving and exploring our own tiny paradise island.
Switch up the tempo (if you like) and visit the neighboring main island of Vava'u, where we can take an off-road drive (with a knowledgeable guide) through about 25 miles of bush trails, beaches and spectacular cliff-side lookouts.
Enjoy the Tongan feast and the beach party with a beautiful bonfire, just as you would on the full AQUA•TERRA experience.
Cherish old friends; make new friends. The tranquility of Mandala will remain in your heart - and the images, memories and the feeling of peace will last a lifetime.
Sample Itinerary - Mandala Resort followed by sailing on a Luxury class catamaran
Here is a sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a Land and Sea vacation with TradeWinds in Vava'u. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
Arrival Day - Saturday
Let’s drop our shoulders and relax our minds and bodies, we’re on our way to TradeWinds’ private island of Fetoko - home to the exclusive eco-friendly resort of Mandala. We will be the only guests staying on the beautiful “sacred geometry inspired” prize piece of Tongan paradise!
All guests will meet at Fangafoa Marina at the Port of Refuge, and at 5pm we'll take a 2 minute drive to Houmelei Old Harbour Jetty. It’s then only a short boat transfer from the Houmelei Old Harbour to a million-miles-away-from-cares.
Welcome cocktails await as the sun sets over our private beach ... our home.
Day 1 - Sunday
So little to do ... or so much to do - we decide.
Awaken to the gentle breeze that strokes and shapes the eastern shores of the Vava’u archipelago. Mandala’s fales (bungalows) are each unique and handcrafted to mimic the natural environment around each of them. Enjoy the consistent trade winds and natural beauty of this intimate and exclusive piece of ancient land. The island’s smart design ensures power is sourced using renewable resources; solar power runs smart led and low wattage appliances – resulting in the mesmerizing natural sounds of the island occupying our senses.
Why not have a sleep-in, you’ve earned it. Maybe we’ll want to get moving slowly, take a stroll down to the island’s Yoga deck, which sits on the lee shore, and stretch while we listen to the sounds of the ocean as she brings the tide in.
Our land crew will provide daily options of activities, including kayaks and paddle-boards, always ready for a splash. The secret to Mandala is that this is your home; feel it and become it. We will have scheduled activities, but we recommend you just slow down and enjoy the magic. Don't miss the sunset on the beach, or a sway in the hammocks.
Day 2 - Monday
We could set up the beach games today, or should we take a trip out to Kenutu Island to explore some of the walking tracks the visionaries, designers and builders of this remarkable resort have created? Rarely visited, these long and narrow islands (where we will most likely be the only people) allow us solitude and quiet as we step from the beach into the bush.
The serenity is abruptly broken as we reach the eastern shore, where the sounds of the pulsing ocean and powerful swell can be felt and heard below us, as they end their long unobstructed journey of many thousands of miles. The weathered cliffs form blow-holes and crevices, which echo loudly as the swells force the Pacific through to the idyllic lagoons on the western shore.
Let’s pack some lunch before we leave, and have a picnic on this uninhabited, real-life deserted island. Then let’s visit the disappearing sand caye and continue on to enjoy some snorkelling at the aptly named ‘Aquarium’ or ‘Ben’s Blue Bowl’. Relish in the time we’ve set aside for this experience and enjoy the activities, or the lack of activity, it’s our call.
Perhaps you want to get more busy? If that’s your kind of crazy then we can provide. Let’s take a kart tour along some 25 miles of tracks on the big island of Vava’u. Villages, bush-trails, plantations, stunning lookout points, native fauna and flora; just marvel at it all while having a blast, following our knowledgeable guide through this tropical wonderland.
Day 3 - Tuesday
This morning, after an optional Yoga session, perhaps we could go for a paddleboard or a kayak over to one of the nearby islands and do some of our own Robinson Crusoe, or Survivor ... the tribe has spoken!
Mid-morning we’ll be dropped over to Ofu Island, where the local staff (who have been looking after us so well) will introduce us to their way of life. Today we are invited to a Tongan feast, complete with underground “umu”, traditional entertainment and of course the customary, hand-roasted pig on a spit. (There will of course be delicious vegetarian and vegan options also on offer).
Tongans cook with coconut milk and wrap foods such as fish and vegetables in taro leaves and banana leaves before burying them in the underground umu pit. This can be a whole day event, and the whole village is often involved. No one goes home hungry.
After the feast, we’ll board our beautiful yacht anchored in the bay right off of Mandala’s beach. We would like to invite everyone back (after sunset cocktails aboard) for a dinner date with a difference. Tonight Mandala’s laid-back style goes beach party. We'll all dine together, we play together, we dance together and we finish with a beautiful beach bonfire.
While we will not forget our experiences on Mandala, it’s time for us to say farewell and be ready to take our position at the helm of our 59ft Catamaran ... after a night of floating asleep, our thinking is so much clearer.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Today we'll hoist the sails and head out to explore the southern and western islands of Vava’u.
The main island (Vava’u) has over 40 islands which dangle off of its main geology. With a relatively small yet diverse cruising area, a sailing boat is the perfect vessel for these waters. Most of our journey will be done completely under sail power, as we explore the outlying islands and lagoons. Approximately 20 miles from the top of the chain to the furthest point means that we won’t be rushing anywhere, but that’s not to say we will be going slow!
The lagoon-like waters, protected by the island group’s outer ring of reef, offer flat water with fairly consistent trade winds, meaning the sailing will be exhilarating at times - and downright sleepy at others, but remember, we are in no rush… do you have somewhere you really need to be?
Perhaps we’ll take a long reach outside the reef towards the open ocean and the bird sanctuary island of Mananita, or we can always take the downwind (inside the reef option) and head to the sheltered waters of Tapana Island. The beauty of this cruising area is that in any weather we can find shelter and flat water, a sailor’s dream to be sure. Perhaps we’ll anchor tonight at Ovaka or Ovalau, a delightful reef within a reef that has a beautiful sandy bottom and amazing contrasts of blue.
Sunset cocktail anyone?
Day 5 - Thursday
How about a short sail to Vaka’eitu, where we can dive or snorkel the beautiful “Coral Gardens”. This area has some of the most prolific hard corals and massive plates dropping endlessly off the edge of a sloping reef into deep blue channels. The blues and purples and sheer volume of corals here, coupled with the absolute clarity, are sure to entrance any snorkel or dive lover.
A dynamic feature can be found close by, as pure white sand nestles in against a sheer wall on the outside corner of an area known as ‘White Wall’. Fruit bats or flying foxes can be seen and heard to stir as we approach and drop anchor in this natural amphitheatre created by the high cliffs and foliage laden walls. Should we stay here overnight or sail over to the Blue Lagoon or Hunga Lagoon? The luxury of such choices!
On the western shore we are in the lee, so generally have smooth waters and unobstructed views of the sunset as she ends her first stop of the day, and night falls for the first time on the earth.
Day 6 - Friday
We have another full day planned today. We ‘ll begin with a free dive into Mariners Cave, an underwater cave only accessible by a breath hold and a short, slightly daunting swim into its immense belly. Then let’s stop over at Swallows Cave where you may swim in on the surface. This a highlight of any trip to Vava’u, and a must-do today. Have your waterproof camera charged for this stop. There is a dive entrance that can be used via scuba, and a hidden cave up in the shallows.
If that’s not enough, let’s head over to the King’s island of Nuku - with its perfect sand spit and beautiful snorkeling reefs; uninhabited intentionally, left empty for the King. Perhaps he won’t mind if we only take pictures and just leave footprints?
We’ll enjoy our evening cocktails after a meal ashore, and then relax on the beach by a bonfire at the water’s edge as the sun sets on another unforgettable TradeWinds’ week in Tonga.
Departure Day – Saturday
We leave during breakfast, to have one last sail up the deep beautiful channel that drops us into the Port of Refuge. It’s always a flat-water run, so we can pack underway and arrive at the dock at 9am, ready to depart.
We'll meet up with our new friends from the week’s other group, and exchange stories and photos from this magical Tongan adventure.
The images, memories and the feeling of peace will last a lifetime.
Sample Itinerary - Sailing first on a Luxury class catamaran followed by Mandala Resort
Here is a sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a Land and Sea vacation with TradeWinds in Vava'u. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course.
Arrival Day - Saturday
We meet at 5pm at the deep protected bay at Fangafoa Marina, aptly named the Port of Refuge. This deep bay has long been a welcome sight for sailors and Polynesian travelers alike, it’s all-weather harbor creating a perfectly calm and serene shelter from the grand Pacific Ocean. We will board and set sail along the deep, tree lined channels toward our the beautiful sunset anchorage of Port Maurelle. Relax, it’s time for a cocktail, and to capture your first Green Flash of the week.
Day 1 - Sunday
Sunday is a day for rest and church in Tonga, so the vocal acapella singing can be heard drifting through the villages all morning. Tongans love to sing and set the mood for our relaxing yet uplifting day as we visit the peace and tranquility of Swallows Cave, a limestone cavern where we can swim, dive and snorkel.
The entrance to the cave opens up into 60 feet of water, with contrasting shades of blue, while the undulating roof of colorful limestone reflects the morning sunlight, creating a stunning image to behold. There is an underwater entry to the cave via scuba (if you're the adventurous type) otherwise we will pull the vessel up to within yards of this renowned Tongan highlight.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, let's drop by Mariner’s Cave and make a “cave day” out of it. Access here is only possible by freediving down and swimming into this hidden underwater cave. Inside, watch the mist form and clear as the gentle swell pressurizes the cave to a visual spectacle and surreal experience. Should we anchor at the Blue Lagoon tonight? OK, if you insist! You guessed it, it’s the beautiful mix of the blue that the South Pacific is renowned for ... now we really are in paradise!
Day 2 - Monday
Let’s explore the Hunga Lagoon today: a massive landlocked lagoon accessible by the vessel with an entrance through a gap that will have us praising our Captain’s skills, and remembering why these guys and girls are highly sought-after professionals!
Once in the flat calm waters, we can explore the underwater world with the immersed topography, only matched by the beautiful surrounding hills of green. After a morning exploring the lagoon we will duck over to Vaka’eitu - for a flat calm anchorage with some of the best diving and snorkeling right on your door/boat step.
Perhaps we'll sail over to the Coral Gardens: a plunging wall of colorful healthy plates and endless hard corals dropping into the deep channels and alluring deep blue.
With so many choices we may decide to anchor at Nuku tonight: the King’s Island, a beautiful sand spit just perfect for a swim, a stroll and sunset photos. Take a cocktail along and let’s enjoy the Kingdom’s offerings.
Day 3 - Tuesday
With over 40 islands to choose from, we will look at the weather and choose the perfect place for a morning snorkel or to go beachcombing. Euakafa Island’s legend says that a virgin princess buried on its flat top. Should we stretch our legs and take a hike?
Or we could visit the tiny island of Pau with its delightful sand-spit uncovering at low tide to provide a link to Taunga - with beautiful shells and delightful snorkeling.
The islands are numerous and flat water is easy to find. With nothing but open ocean to the east we are blessed with consistent trade winds, allowing maximum time under sail power
One of Tonga’s little jewels in her crown is the delightful Island of Fetoko. This 3 acre island is home to TradeWinds’ newest endeavour, Mandala Island Resort. We will anchor at the island, but it’s not your turn to explore Mandala just yet. First, we’ll visit the neighboring island of Ofu, where the locals will treat us to a traditional Tongan feast with all food prepared in traditional ways; wrapped in banana leaves, cooked in an underground ‘umu’ pit, and of course the celebratory and customary pig on a spit. (There will of course be delicious vegetarian and vegan options also on offer).
This evening we will head ashore to Mandala for a beach party, where guests from both groups will all dine and dance together and we finish off with a beautiful beach bonfire. We'll spend our first night ashore tonight, and sample our first taste of how the others have been living this week.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Waking up to the serenity of Mandala is a delight. With Tonga’s position (sitting just to the west of the International Date Line) Mandala's guests are blessed to be the first people on the planet to witness the sun rise. The most eastern accommodation on the planet means that time really does begin here.
Most of the island’s “fales” are constructed with materials sourced locally and crafted to emulate the natural curves and waves of the scenery around the island. This handcrafted retreat was a passion project for a couple who sailed here in 2004 and got caught by the beauty of Vava’u. They have built the island to be fully self-sufficient with a focus on blending all structures into the existing landscapes.
After a delicious breakfast and a relaxing morning in the hammocks, we get a little busy - if that’s your thing! We'll take a tour to where time begins - the eastern flanks where the raw energy of the Tonga Trench is palpable. Open cliff faces and uninterrupted swells batter the coastline, forming blow holes and tidal pools before spilling into the beautiful serene bays of Kenutu, with walking tracks, sink holes, and stunning vistas rewarding the adventurous.
Tonight we dine in Mandala’s unmistakable aquatic inspired restaurant. With its open common area pointing due west, our daily routine must surely involve a sunset cocktail and a relax on a hammock.
Day 5 - Thursday
Let’s get our adventure on today! The main island of Vava’u is a sparsely populated, ever-changing canvas of tropical outlooks.
Today we will gear up to drive our 2 person off-road vehicle for around 25 miles of trails, beaches and spectacular cliffside lookouts. We will follow our knowledgeable guide through plantations and learn about local harvests and the flora and fauna of the area.
After this 3 hour tour we'll be ready for a swim and wash off, so let's find a secret spot for a cool off and a dip before we head back to the calm and serenity of Mandala.
Alternatively, maybe we could take a lazy afternoon paddle to find our own piece of quiet on an neighboring island.
Either way, it will be spectacular, let's just make sure we are all back on time for sunset cocktails!
Day 6 - Friday
The snorkeling on Tonga’s eastern islands is as good as it gets, with reefs rarely visited by people and a sand caye that is Tonga’s twice-daily disappearing piece of real estate - and youngest island! We'll take a snorkel tour, swing by the sand caye and perhaps drop on back to a reef pass where seasonal manta rays are often seen. You never know, there may even be some of their bigger cousins around, as whales commonly frequent this area.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Mandala with an afternoon of stretching and meditating on the purpose-built Yoga deck, or search the fringing reefs for octopus.
Head out for a meal ashore and then back to Mandala for an evening seaside beach bonfire.
Take in the feeling of calm and allow time to slow down. Mandala has a way of releasing the stresses of our busy lives.
The designers of this intimate experience hope you enjoy it as much as they do. Exchange your photos and email addresses and start planning your next TradeWinds' adventure.
Departure Day – Saturday
After a delicious breakfast we make our transfers back to the Port of Refuge, where we can trade stories with the other adventurers and say goodbye to the beautiful welcoming Kingdom of Tonga.
The images, memories and the feeling of peace will last a lifetime.
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