At Fanifo Lofa, we operate a small, owner-operated eco-retreat with limited boutique accommodation. Due to our remote location on Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai group and the highly seasonal nature of our operations, cancellations significantly impact our business.
Please review our booking and cancellation policies below before securing your stay.
1. Payment Structure & Booking Confirmation
To secure your requested dates and services (including accommodation, meal packages, and licensed whale swim experiences), the following structured payment plan applies:
- Initial Deposit: A 30% deposit is required immediately to secure your booking dates.
- Second Deposit: A 20% payment is due 6 months prior to your scheduled arrival date.
- Final Balance: The remaining 50% balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to your arrival date.
- By paying your deposit, you explicitly agree to our full terms and conditions.
2. Strict Non-Refundable Policy
- All deposits and payments are strictly non-refundable. > * This non-refundable policy applies to all components of your booking, including accommodation, meal packages, and pre-booked whale encounter days.
- No refunds or credits will be issued for guest cancellations, late arrivals, premature departures, or unused portions of a booked package.
3. Weather, Marine Conditions & Domestic Flight Disruptions
- Whale Encounters & Activities: Your safety and the welfare of the wildlife are our highest priorities. Whale swim encounters and boat operations are entirely dependent on sea and weather conditions. If an encounter day must be canceled due to unsafe weather or rough seas, our team will do our absolute best to make it up during your stay. However, no refunds will be issued for sessions that cannot be run due to environmental factors beyond our control.
- Domestic Travel: Domestic flights within Tonga can experience flexible schedules or delays. Fanifo Lofa is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, or missed connections associated with Lulutai Airlines or external travel operators.
4. Mandatory Travel Insurance Recommendation
Due to the strict non-refundable nature of bookings and the remote environment of Ha’apai, we highly and strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. > Your travel insurance policy should cover:
- Trip cancellations and trip interruptions.
- Flight delays, missed connections, and baggage losses.
- Emergency medical expenses and evacuation.
- Activity cancellations due to severe weather.
For any questions or further clarifications regarding this policy, please contact us at info@fanifolofa.com prior to making your payment.