Global ecotourism is no longer a niche market, with a reported 80% of travelers seeking experiences that minimize their environmental impact while supporting local communities. And more than half say they are looking for accommodations that combine comfort with innovative sustainability features. Enter TradeWinds’ Mandala Resort. Located on the private island of Fetoko in the Vava’u island group in the Kingdom of Tonga, Mandala offers travelers an off-the-grid, remote slice of paradise in the South Pacific.
Living In Harmony with Nature
Three-acre Fetoko Island forms the grounds for Mandala Resort, and guests have the island to themselves. Designed and built with great care and consideration for the natural habitat and local traditions, Mandala embraces the ecosystem rather than attempting to tame it. The resort’s biophilic design (an architectural concept that fosters positive and sustained interactions between humans and the natural environment) encourages the surrounding flora to merge with the manmade structures.
Five spacious, treehouse-style fales—traditional Tongan open-air bungalows—include native materials such as locally sourced bamboo. Giant clam shells foraged from nearby islands become a sturdy border for the restaurants’ living roof and make fun “lampshades” for outdoor lighting. All electrical power is generated by solar panels, allowing the whole of Fetoko Island to run on renewable energy. Rain barrels capture fresh water, and a solar-powered reverse osmosis system makes sea water potable. On-island transportation is restricted to fully electric carts.
“Mandala is a sanctuary, a place where the complexities of life give way to serenity,” said Ricardo Flores, VP of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations. “The island invites us to relax, sustain ourselves, and commune with nature. It gives us the opportunity to be aware of our consumption, and to be mindful about it.”
Adventure Awaits Life on Fekoto Island isn’t only about relaxation. A powerboat is at the ready to take guests to remote coves and caves for snorkeling adventures. The remote and unspoiled waters surrounding Fetoko Island and throughout Vava’u are crystal clear, making possible close encounters with a myriad of marine life including turtles, colorful reef fish and seahorses. Guests also have access to a collection of water toys—kayaks, standup paddleboards, underwater sea scooters and a Hobie Cat to name a few—for use just steps away from the bungalows.
Neighboring islands offer Mandala guests the opportunity to experience more of Tonga’s beauty and culture. An off-road drive takes guests through miles of bush trails, beaches and cliffside lookouts, while a hike reveals blowholes, an ancient cycad grove and hidden caves. A Tongan cultural feast with a local family offers the chance to sample dishes prepared in the traditional style—wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an underground 'umu' pit oven—while getting to know the locals. Each day ends with a beach bonfire under the stars and if the conditions are right, a night snorkel in the shallow waters around Mandala.
A seven-night stay at Mandala Resort starts from $9,300 per double-occupancy suite in a private tree house or waterfront bungalow. Rate includes locally sourced meals, all alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, access to a private boat and captain, and all activities. Mandala is also available for exclusive group bookings. Inquiries and bookings can be made by phone at 1-855-600-5821.
