How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga for You

Advice on Choosing Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies

Some of us like to experience a new country and a new culture through its flavours. In Tonga, that’s an intriguing mix of what the ocean provides and tropical land crops from the islands. A great way to experience Tonga’s flavours is simply by choosing an accommodation that allows you to, whether it’s through a resort’s restaurant or the self-catering facilities of a holiday home located near a local market. Let us help you choose the right foodie accommodation in Tonga for you in the guide below.

5 Things You Need to Know About Staying in Accommodation for Foodies in Tonga

Resorts in Tonga have restaurants or set meal plans for guests, which is often the only option for food in Tonga’s more remote islands
Look for lodges, guesthouses and holiday homes for self-catering accommodation
If you want to stay close to a variety of restaurants, stay near Nuku’alofa or Neiafu
Accommodation standards are a little lower than what you might be used to, as Tonga is a developing country
Accommodations in Tonga are known to change their services without updating listings on websites, brochures, etc. It’s a good idea to double-check listings and even contact the host to confirm essential amenities you may need are available.

How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga for You

Types of Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies

When your stay in Tonga revolves around food, it could mean a few things: staying in an accommodation with an amazing restaurant, staying at a resort that serves a set plan of meals, or accommodation with self-catering facilities.

Resorts, Hotels and Lodges with Restaurants

The most obvious accommodations for foodies are accommodations with restaurants. Resorts across the islands, as well as hotels and lodges in Nuku’alofa, can be found with their on-site restaurants with an a la carte menu. Check out some examples of this in the 10 Best Resorts in Tonga for Foodies and The Food Guide to Tonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Resorts with Meal Plans

Some of the more remote resorts with fewer facilities, such as the resorts on Uoleva Island in Ha’apai, have set meal plans for guests. This typically includes three meals a day, one being a three-course meal for dinner. Check out some of these accommodations in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai and learn more about meal plans in Should You Buy a Resort Meal Plan in Tonga?

Self-Catering Accommodations

Finally, self-catering accommodations are a good option for the foodie on a budget or who wants to experiment with the local produce. Self-catering accommodation in Tonga comes in the form of apartments and holiday homes, while accommodations like guesthouses and lodges have a communal kitchen for guests. These accommodations are typically located near to where you can purchase groceries, such as Nuku’alofa, Neiafu, Pangai (Ha’apai) and ‘Eua.

Accommodation Standards in Tonga

It’s important to set a few expectations straight before checking into your accommodation in Tonga. Tonga is a developing country with a younger tourism industry and, in turn, less expertise than some of the more developed tourist hubs of the South Pacific. Some accommodations can be pretty basic, and not all of your usual facilities are provided. Tonga is more basic, so it is best to keep an open mind.

Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

It’s easy to narrow down which accommodation to stay in once you have picked a destination. There are three main destinations in Tonga for foodies: Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u, while the island of ‘Eua has less in terms of restaurants but is still a worthy destination for nature and cultural immersion. Compare what each island group has to offer foodies in the following guides:

Once you’ve chosen an island group that appeals to you, you’ll need to weigh up the time and budget needed to get there. Figure out how you’re going to get around using the following articles:

Finally, be sure to compare what is nearby, especially if you choose to stay in self-catering accommodation. If you don’t have a rental car, then you’re going to want to make sure that you can buy groceries within walking distance. Alternatively, if you want to try a few different restaurants, make sure you’re in one of the few limited places to do so. Learn more about where to buy food in The Guide to Food Shopping in Tonga.

Additionally, check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby, as well as a compilation of self-catering accommodations based on location:

And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Tonga.

Price and Inclusions

Finally, when comparing accommodations, be sure to compare the value of your stay. This doesn’t just mean comparing prices on Booking.com, but making sure your accommodation provides all the facilities that you want/need.

Some of the inclusions you might want to compare include:

Car parking (if on an island with roads)
Hot water (usually solar-heated)
Fans or air-conditioning
Insect screens on the windows or mosquito nets
Garden
Kitchen
Beds with linen provided
Towels
Bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink
Fully furnished lounge and dining area
Ocean views or a lookout
WiFi (for a fee)
Air conditioning
Outside deck or verandah
Tea and coffee
Toiletries
Iron
Portacot
Washing machine
In-house tours or cultural activities for guests
Kayaks
Car rental (for a fee)
Airport transfers.

The Cost of Accommodation

The cost of accommodation varies considerably depending on what type of accommodation you choose. Some ballpark figures are:

Guesthouse room shared bathroom/night – TOP$70-$90
Guesthouse double room ensuite/night – TOP$100-$120
Guesthouse triple/family ensuite/night – TOP$120-$180
3/4-star hotel room/night – TOP$240-$600
3/4-star resort fale (bungalow)/night –TOP$460-$1,200
Holiday home/night – TOP$250-$1,020.

For more prices, such as typical food costs, check out our guide, Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga.

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page