Stay in Tonga’s Smaller Accommodations
Seeking tranquillity away from the bustling resorts and hotels seen across the South Pacific Islands? Almost 100% of accommodation in Tonga is boutique. It’s rare to find accommodation in these stunning islands with more than 20 rooms, so you hardly need to worry about resorts, hotels and lodges being too “busy”. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for the most boutique stays and small resorts, we’ve listed some of our favourites in this list of the best boutique accommodation in Tonga.
1. The Beach House (Shell Garden)
Stay in one of only two cottages on the tranquil Fofoa Island at The Beach House. On one of the stunning islands of the Vava’u Group, The Beach House offers one self-contained house on the beach, as well as the “Coral Cottage” nestled in the island’s interior – each with private walkways to the beach. The boutique accommodation in Tonga offers gourmet cuisine with ingredients grown on the accommodation’s own tropical plantation, while also offers a range of activities, from whale swimming on their private boat to snorkelling in the island’s lagoon.
Check The Beach House out:
2. Blue Banana Beach House
Located on the sandy shores of Kanokupolu in Tongatapu, the Blue Banana Beach House consists of just four self-catering beach houses. Get your own quiet corner of coastal forest as you stay in one of the uniquely designed accommodations with a personal garden area with a rainwater sun shower. On the property is also a barbecue deck ideal for whale watching in the season, a small gift shop and art studio, as well as a mini-museum.
Check Blue Banana Beach House out:
- Blue Banana Beach House on Airbnb – don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
3. Waterfront Lodge
A boutique lodge on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa, the Waterfront Lodge has just eight guest rooms. Your room, whether it’s the ocean or garden view, is kitted out in luxurious Fijian mahogany furniture with all your expected hotel-style amenities and an ensuite bathroom. A continental breakfast is included in your stay, while dinner can be enjoyed at the restaurant also on-site. Relax with a drink on your private verandah, some of which overlook Queen Salote Wharf where you can catch boat tours or interisland ferries nearby. Check out more accommodation like this in the 7 Best Luxury Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.
Check Waterfront Lodge out:
4. The Reef Resort
For a boutique resort experience, consider The Reef Resort in Vava’u. Just five modern fales decorate the hillside and beachfront of Kapa Island where guest have proximity to popular attractions like Swallows Cave and the Japanese Coral Gardens. You’ll feel in a world of your own, however, which each fale in a secluded area of the resort grounds featuring luxurious king-sized four-poster beds and convenient kitchenette facilities – not that you’ll need them with the resort offering delectable European Polynesian-style cuisine. Check out more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts in Tonga.
Check The Reef Resort out:
5. Ovava Tree Lodge
Embracing the nature of ‘Eua island, Ovava Tree Lodge is named after the large banyan trees found on the island. The boutique lodge blends with the surrounding bush with its timber-lined exterior and interior. The lodge provides affordable double rooms connected by a boardwalk elevated in the trees. During your stay, your hosts offer scuba diving, whale swimming and 4WD land tours to explore all of ‘Eua’s stunning natural attractions.
6. Matafonua Lodge
A boutique resort in the remote islands of Ha’apai, Matafonua Lodge offers a tranquil experience in a less-visited area of Tonga. Stay in one of only 10 elevated fales on the beach with options for couples, friends and family groups. Guests have private balconies where they can walk straight onto the sand and to the resort’s central area with a restaurant and bar. Guests also share bathroom facilities in stylishly tiled show blocks. As for the activities, the resorts features a huge range of in-house experiences, including whale swimming, village tours, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding tours and much more.
Check Matafonua Lodge out:
7. Mounu Island Resort
A 6.5-acre (2.6ha) private island resort with just four fales: you can’t do any more boutique than Mounu Island Resort! The idyllic island in the Vava’u Group is fringed with white sands and coral reefs where guest can enjoy a range of watersports to make the most of it – even kitesurfing! Enjoy the island life staying in a coconut-constructed fale with a towering ceiling to maximise the ocean breeze. There is also a restaurant on-site where guests dine over the beach. Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
8. House of Tonga
A boutique hotel in the centre of Nuku’alofa, the House of Tonga is a great option for staying in the capital without having to stay in a busy hotel. Each one of the seven rooms is modernly decorated with subtle Tongan decor. Guests have access to a spacious ensuite shower room, air-conditioning and an exterior deck to watch the city go by. All rooms have a queen bed, but a sofa bed is available for children. Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Hotels in Tongatapu.
Check House of Tonga Hotel out:
- House of Tonga Hotel on Booking.com
- House of Tonga Hotel on Trip.com
- House of Tonga Hotel on Expedia
9. Serenity Beaches Resort
Nestled in beachfront forest of the uninhabited Uolevu Island in Ha’apai, Serenity Beaches Resort is a spectacular option for a boutique resort in Tonga. Stay in one of the wooden octagonal fales with half-walls so you can constantly embrace the surrounding nature or opt for one of the concrete fales for more privacy. The resort has a yoga pavilion, offers kayaking, snorkelling and whale swimming.
Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:
10. Mystic Sands
Attached to the main island of Vava’u via the causeway roads, Mystic Sands is easy to get to but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the main island. The boutique accommodation on the waterfront of the Port of Refuge has a small selection of modern rooms with self-catering facilities to make your stay your own. The sandy waterfront of the accommodation have kayaks and snorkelling gear for guests to make use of, as well as a small swimming pool and jetty.
Check Mystic Sands out:
More About Boutique Accommodation in Tonga
Author
Laura 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.