Unique Tonga resort

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 24

Unique Tonga resort

A $1 million tourist resort for Tonga is being pre-cut in New Zealand and shipped in containers to the tiny island .of Atata, 7km offshore from Nuku’alofa. A team of New Zealand carpenters and Tongan workers is busy constructing the 26 four-bed cottages which will form the Royal Sunset Island resort on a 3.5-hectare beachside site.

Designed by an Auckland architect, Mr Ron McLachlan, the resort is expected to open in January, 1986. The development ' com’pany has taken out a lease

on Atata Island and plans to make the resort a unique holiday hideaway for New Zealanders. To finance the project, New Zealanders are being offered a 15-year pre-paid holiday package deal. It consists of 10 two-week stays at the resort for a total of $2500. This provides accommodation for up to four adults and two children.

Holiday packages can be re-sold or transferred back to the resort at any time.

Thirteen accommodation cottages and a restaurant

will be ready for use in 1986.

It is planned to include scuba diving, game fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water ski-ing and tennis courts, and a swimming pool will be constructed. The development will help Tongans living on Atata Island by providing regular employment and their homes will receive electricity from the resort’s generating plant. Atata Island is 35 minutes sailing from Tonga’s capital, Nukualofa.