Almost four days after our hasty departure, the palm tree-lined, sandy beaches of Tonga welcomed our weary bodies ...
The ancient Kingdom of Tonga, the only Pacific island nation never brought under foreign rule, is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. This beautiful archipelago comprised of more than 170 islands is located between Fiji and Samoa along the Pacific Rim of Fire. Vava'u, the northern most group of islands, issues a very limited number of permits for snorkelers to swim with humpback whales -- only one of 2 such locations in the world.
The quaint, 4 bungalow Reef Resort would be our home during our visit. Its fantastic managers, Josef and Renate, were the best we have ever encountered in 20 years of travel -- they are genuine and accomodating to one's any wish. Meals were luxuriously delicious -- especially when one considers the very remote locale. As one can see below, the view from our bungalow was idyllic.
