Tonga’s Small Resorts
Spoiler alert: all of Tonga’s resorts are boutique. That’s right, you’ll struggle to find a resort that has more than 15 guest fales (Tongan bungalows) in total but since you were probably Googling boutique resorts in Tonga, we’re just here to provide. Here’s a list of some of our favourite boutique resorts in Tonga, including options from across all the major island groups so you can find something to suit your style.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, especially when it comes to accommodation. With that in mind, some of the services accommodations provide are known to change without notice. If there is any information needing an update in the listings below, feel free to reach out!
For more resort talk, check out How to Pick the Best Resort in Tonga for You.
1. The Reef Resort
Find your own quiet corner of Kapa Island in Vava’u at The Reef Resort. Stay in one of only five fales scattered across the hillside and beachfront of this stunning island. Fales are modern with luxurious touches like a king-sized poster bed and private verandah to enjoy views of the island’s turquoise lagoon. Each fale has basic kitchenette facilities, which is only for added convenience as the resort is renowned for its gourmet European Polynesian cuisine. Check out more resorts in the area in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
Check The Reef Resort out:
2. Fafa Island Resort
If you’re looking for a fly-and-flop getaway then this attractive boutique resort just off the shores of the main island, Tongatapu, is just the place. Within an hour of landing in Tonga, you could be kicking back in your Tongan-style fale decorated with woven panels and cone-shaped ceilings. Each fale has a private outside shower nestled in tropical forest and is moments away from the resort’s beach and marine reserve. You’re in the perfect place to spoil yourself with beaches, snorkelling, sip cocktails, have a massage or go fishing, as well as be picked up for boat tours from Tongatapu. Check out more resorts nearby in the 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu.
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3. Sandy Beach Resort
In the idyllic islands of Ha’apai, you’ll feel away from the world, which is further enhanced by staying at the boutique Sandy Beach Resort on Foa Island. Your accommodation is one of 12 modern and airy fales with cool tile floors and an ensuite bathroom. From your verandah, you’re a few steps on your private walkway to the beach. Enjoy breakfast and fine dining from the dining terrace which specialises in some of the seafood and lobster dishes. The resort also offers whale swimming, fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling in its very own marine reserve just off the beach. Check out more nearby resorts in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
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4. Serenity Beaches Resort
On the otherwise uninhabited island of Uoleva in Ha’apai, Serenity Beaches Resort offers a small number of wooden and concrete fales in the coastal bush. It’s the place to disconnect with the modern world, offering a retreat-style stay with yoga pavilions, shared communal meals with fellow guests and oodles of space to relax. Activities here include kayaking, whale swimming, massage, cultural activities and more, in between staying in one of the interesting half-walled octagonal fales or the more private concrete fales.
Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:
5. The Beach House (Shell Garden)
It doesn’t get more boutique than just two guest houses on this stunning island in Vava’u. That’s right, The Beach House is made up of an elevated beach house with its own beach access and what’s called the “Coral Cottage” nestled in tropical coral gardens of the island. Guests have access to all sorts of watersports equipment to enjoy at the island’s lagoon, as well as delicious meals made with ingredients from the resort’s own tropical plantation. The Beach House also offers its own whale swimming tours, as well as fishing, kitesurfing (if you have your own gear) and just about anything you want.
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6. Treasure Island Eco Resort
For nature combined with culture, check out the Treasure Island Eco Resort in Vava’u. They have just eight traditionally-thatched fales at this boutique resort in Tonga, which includes all meals and transport to the island in the package. The resort offers a range of experiences, from whale swimming from their outrigger boat to island-hopping and snorkelling tours. What’s more, the resort is an eco-friendly option using sustainable power sources and locally-grown ingredients for meals.
7. Mounu Island Resort
This small and stunning island is complete with a small and stunning resort, the Mounu Island Resort. Providing another fantastic boutique resort option Vava’u, the Mounu Island Resort has just three fales each with its own piece of private waterfront ideal for snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beach. The fales provide a real island experience, constructed with a coconut pole structure and tall ceilings for maximum airflow. Dinner is served at the resorts’ elevated restaurant on the beach.
8. Mandala Resort
Another resort in Vava’u for those seeking something boutique, the Mandala Resort is an eco-resort with treehouses and beach accommodation. From elevated treehouses to octagonal beach bungalows, Mandala certainly offers something more unique in the Vava’u Group, where you can stay in between doing yoga at the on-site shala or dining at the beachside restaurant. The resort can arrange a number of activities for you from whale swimming to game fishing.
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9. Tongan Beach Resort
This boutique resort in Vava’u requires no complicated boat excursions, as the island is attached to the main island of Vava’u via a causeway. It means that moments after arriving in Vava’u, you can be relaxing at your beachfront accommodation or dining at the restaurant which specialises in Pacific Rim cuisine and an endless list of cocktails. The Tongan Beach Resort is in a good location to take part in most activities Vava’u is famous for, including scuba diving, whale swimming and fishing. There’s even good snorkelling off the beach. As for accommodation, you have a choice of double rooms and family rooms.
Check Tongan Beach Resort out:
10. The Hideaway
Finally, we can’t forget the island of ‘Eua. Although none of the accommodation here is exactly a “resort”, The Hideaway is the closest things with the added benefit of being a boutique accommodation. The accommodation is your one-stop shop for accommodation, meals, transport and activities while on the island. Stay in one of their affordable rooms, each featuring a queen bed, a single bed and a hot shower ensuite. Guests have access to a kitchen for self-catering and can order meals with vegetarian options. The most popular communal area, however, is the viewing deck built for watching the amazing sunsets and whales in the season. Apart from whale watching from shore, the resort offers a range of in-house activities, such as guided hikes and 4WD tours. Check out more accommodation options on the island in the 6 Best Resorts in ‘Eua.
More About Boutique Resorts 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.