The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga 🏝️ [2023]

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Resorts in Tonga

Looking for that next resort holiday? Perhaps this time in a group of islands where you can truly connect with nature, the local culture and enjoy more the simple things in life? Tonga offers an array of resorts in stunning locations, all either on the beach or on a private island. Tonga is renowned for having more uninhabited islands than developed islands, which you’ll get to experience the beauty of both on a resort getaway to this lesser-visited country. Check out some of the best stays on this list of the best resorts in Tonga.

Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country with some services that accommodations provide changing with little notice. While we try to keep our accommodation listings up-to-date, know that some services may have changed. If you have an update, feel free to reach out.

Before we get into the best resorts in Tonga, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga. There’s a lot of useful tip in there!

1. Matafonua Lodge

Epitomising the Tongan culture with its woven-panelled fales (bungalows) on the beach combined with an array of diverse experiences, Matafonua Lodge achieves the perfect blend of adventure and culture. Each of the 10 beachfront elevated fales sleeps up to two or four guests and features a private deck to relax on. The experiences, however, is where the resort truly shines with its own whale swimming, scuba diving and fishing operations. You can snorkel just off the beach at the resort’s 400m (1,312ft) long marine reserve. Hop on a boat to a nearby village for a cultural tour or borrow one of the free bikes to ride into Ha’apai’s main town. And that’s just the beginning… See more Ha’apai accommodations in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.

Check Matafonua Lodge out:

2. The Reef Resort

A boutique resort of just five fales scattered across the hillside and beachfront of Kapa Island, The Reef Resort is a top choice in the Vava’u Group. Stay in one of the modern and elegantly-appointed fales sleeping up to three to four guests each. Local fishing, diving and whale swimming operators can pick you up from the resort’s private jetty, while you can also enjoy activities straight from the island, like SUP, snorkelling and kayaking to the nearby Swallows Cave. Meals are an event here, where gourmet European Polynesian fusion dishes are served in the elegant dining room. Check out more options in this island group in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.

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3. Treasure Island Eco Resort

Enjoy a low impact stay at this eco-resort in Vava’u. The main drawcard of the Treasure Island Eco Resort is its eco-friendly fales, which are traditionally thatched and woven in true Tongan style while using solar-heated rainwater for your’s and the environment’s comfort. You’ll get a real remote island experience during your stay, where you can explore the walks around ‘Eueiki Island, take part in snorkelling and island-hopping tours and even swim with whales from the resort’s unique outrigger boat. Check out more resorts like this in the 10 Best Eco Resorts in Tonga.

4. Sea Change Eco Retreat

Another eco-friendly option can be found on the white sandy shores of Uoleva Island in Ha’apai at the Sea Change Eco Retreat. Stay in one of their wooden fales or elevated glamping tents with private bathrooms complete with composting toilets. Set meals are provided for guests on this uninhabited island, while there is a generous amount of activities on offer, from snorkelling tours, island-hopping trips, private island picnics, island walks and, of course, whale swimming. See more stays like this in the 5 Best Honeymoon Accommodations in Ha’apai.

5. Fafa Island Resort

Just off the shores of Tongatapu, Fafa Island Resort is an easy island getaway without too much travel. Not only that, but the resort’s beautifully constructed timber fales strike the right balance of luxury and blending in with the surroundings, from the high ceilings to the outdoor tropical garden shower. There are 13 fales scattered across this palm-filled island lined with sandy shores where you can snorkel or be picked up for one of the whale swimming or diving tours from Nuku’alofa. There is an open-air restaurant where the highlight is the Polynesian night with entertainment and an island-style barbecue. Check out similar resorts in the 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu.

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6. Mounu Island Resort

On a 2.6ha (6.5-acre) coral atoll in the island group of Vava’u, Mounu Island Resort has just four coconut palm fales with shingle rooves and towering ceilings to maximise the ocean breeze. Each has its own piece of sandy beach to enjoy leading out to a lagoon ideal for snorkelling, kitesurfing, kayaking and more. The resort can arrange all of the usual water activities with local operators who will pick you up from the beach, while the resort itself offers bird-watching tours, snorkelling boat tours, stargazing with the resort’s telescope and much more. At the end of a day of adventure or relaxing, you’ll get to dine at the Moby Dick bar elevated over the beach. See more resorts like this in the 10 Best Honeymoon Accommodations in Vava’u.

7. Mala Island Resort

Another island resort in Vava’u, Mala Island Resort offers one of the top snorkelling spots in Tonga, with the famed Japenese Coral Gardens being just 3m (10ft) away from the beach. This 20-acre private island has five fales for guests, each decorated in true Tongan style with tapa paintings and woven wall panels. Spend time at the resort dining on the freshest seafood from the surrounding waters or simply relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for adventure, whale swimming, diving and fishing tours can pick you up from the resort or you can take a boat into town just 15 minutes away. See more glorious stays like this in the 8 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.

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8. Ha’atafu Beach Resort

For a fly-and-flop beach getaway, take a look at the Ha’atafu Beach Resort on Tongatapu. The all-inclusive resort is a popular choice for surfers, boasting some of Tonga’s best breaks just a 100m (330ft) paddle from the beach. Otherwise, families and friendship groups will love it here too with snorkelling and kayaking to enjoy at the beach’s marine reserve. There are fales in the gardens and waterfront, some with a private deck with a mix of Tongan-style woven ceilings and more modern rooms. Check out more resorts like this in the 7 Best Surf Resorts in Tonga.

9. Mandala Resort

A popular choice with a range of unique fales and treehouses on a private island, the Mandala Resort is well worth considering for a stay in Vava’u. Six uniquely handcrafted bungalows can be found at this resort, from octagonal beach huts to elevated treehouses. The resort prides itself on sustainable practices such as using solar energy, rainwater catchment with UV light filtration systems, composting toilets and more. Some of the in-house experiences include island massages, yoga sessions and dining at the beachside open-air restaurant, while a wide range of off-island experiences can be arranged with local operators. Discover more stays like this in the 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Tonga.

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10. Serenity Beaches Resort

When you think about beaches, think Ha’apai where Serenity Beaches Resort is one of the many resorts located on the pristine beaches of this less-visited island group. Stay in one of the resort’s octagonal wooden fales or concrete fales, each nestled among the coconut palms of the uninhabited Uoleva Island. Enjoy a relaxed stay where meals are cooked for you using locally sourced produce, kayaks and snorkelling gear are free for guests to explore with, and a yoga pavilion awaits for rejuvenating yoga sessions. Unsurprisingly, we also feature this resort in the 10 Best Beach Resorts in Tonga.

Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:

11. Sandy Beach Resort

Another fabulous option in the islands of Ha’apai is the Sandy Beach Resort. The sister resort to Matafonua Lodge, which featured #1 on this list, Sandy Beach offers 12 modern fales lining the white sandy shores of Foa Island. Guests can enjoy a range of activities as well as dining at the resort’s fine dining terrace. Scuba diving, whale swimming, fishing charters, cultural island tours, SUP and kayak hire and snorkelling are all on the agenda here at this adventure-filled resort. See more like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts in Tonga.

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12. Heilala Holiday Lodge

Stay among the beach gardens of Ha’atafu Beach at the Heilala Holiday Lodge on Tongatapu. Choose from one of the fales scattered among the grounds, the family cottage or stay in the lodge for a more affordable option in a premium location. The lodge has its own restaurant, as well as a range of complimentary activities for guests, including kayak hire, snorkel hire, bike hire, a city tour of Nuku’alofa and more. See more options like this in the 10 Best Family Resorts in Tonga.

Check Heilala Holiday Lodge out:

13. Blue Water Retreat

Our first feature from the rugged island of ‘Eua, Blue Water Retreat (formerly The Deep Resort) is an affordable yet well-appointed option in this island group. This resort offers a range of freestanding bungalows, three with a queen bed/two king single beds and three family bungalows. Bungalows are modernly renovated and furnished, plus feature their own deck where you can watch amazing sunsets and sometimes whales on the horizon. Blue Water Retreat offers daily specials at its restaurant, as well as organises whale swimming tours, bike hire, 4×4 tours, horse riding, fishing and more. Check out more options on the island in the 6 Best Resorts in ‘Eua.

14. Ha’apai Beach Resort

Back to the beach lover’s paradise of Ha’apai, this time we’re talking about the aptly-named Ha’apai Beach Resort. Stay in one of the double or single rooms of this resort’s five bungalows located in manicured gardens just a few steps from the beach. The resort offers scuba diving and snorkelling from the beach, as well as dining at the on-site restaurant. Other activities include island-hopping, dive lessons, whale swimming and more.

15. White Sands Beach Resort

Spread across ‘Utukehe Beach in Tongatapu, White Sands Beach Resort provides a tranquil retreat on the main island’s appealing western shores. Sunbathe among the scattered palms decorating the white sands and relax in your modernly decorated bungalow, of which there are only nine. Bungalows are open-plan with a lounge, dining furniture and an ensuite. Outside, there are several beach cabanas, open-air lounges and an outdoor swimming pool. Discover more resorts like this in the 10 Best Romantic Resorts in Tonga.

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16. The Hideaway

The Hideaway is your one-stop shop for accommodation, meals, transport and activities on the island on ‘Eua. 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 for watching the amazing sunsets and whales in the season. The Hideaway offers its own range of in-house activities, such as guided hikes and 4WD tours, and can arrange external activities, from whale swimming to horse riding.

17. The Royal Sunset Island Resort

Escape to ‘Atata Island off the shores of Tongatapu at the Royal Sunset Island Resort. The resort boasts 24 beachfront fales across three acres (3ha) of tropical gardens. Experience the traditional culture in the village that the resort shares the island with or spend your time here kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. The resort is ideal for families and groups, with each fale accommodating up to four guests. Room amenities include a fridge, tea/coffee-making facilities, hot showers and fans. Dine at the open-air Polynesian restaurant and cool off at the resort’s outdoor pool. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodation on Tongatapu.

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18. ‘Ovava Tree Lodge

The closest accommodation to the ferry wharf of ‘Eua, ‘Ovava Tree Lodge has a convenient location yet feels a world away from anywhere with its timber-lined cabins nestled in the trees. There are 10 attractive cabins connected by a boardwalk to the dining area where a cooked breakfast is served each morning and meals can be ordered. The cabins are ideal for couples and solo travellers and feature WiFi and an ensuite with hot water. The hosts offer 4WD tours, whale swimming, scuba diving and registry/transfers for rock climbing. See more affordable resorts like this in the 10 Best Budget Resorts in Tonga.

19. Tongan Beach Resort

If you’re looking for an easy-going resort experience in the islands of Vava’u, take a look at the Tongan Beach Resort. It’s located on the sandy shores of one of the causeway-connected islands, making the journey between the resort and the islands’ town and attractions as easy as an island breeze. Stay in a choice of beachfront family rooms, double rooms and apartments where you’re only moments away from fantastic snorkelling, free kayak hire, a glass-bottom boat, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. See more resorts with excellent activities in the 5 Best Dive Resorts in Tonga.

Check Tongan Beach Resort out:

20. Dream Island Resort

The only real adults-only resort in Tonga, Dream Island Resort is exclusively for guests over the age of 16. Stay in one of their simple yet comfortable beach or garden bungalows where your toes will be in the sand as soon as you leave your private deck. Dine at their thatched restaurant with tables set on the sand and a mix of Tongan and European-style food is served each day. Things to do at the resort include island hikes, snorkelling, kayaking whale watching and bird watching from the island or simply doing nothing at all. Whale swimming and fishing operators can pick you up from the resort. Find this resort in Vava’u.

21. Liku’alofa Beach Resort

A three-star resort on the western side of Tongatapu, Liku’alofa Beach Resort offers a down-to-earth stay among tropical gardens and beachfront. Bungalows have just about any layout you could want between the standard double rooms to the family rooms. The resort boasts a restaurant with an elevated deck overlooking the beach and serves a range of crowd-pleasers. They also put on a cultural show and Tongan buffet on Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as hire out bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards and snorkelling gear.

Check Liku’alofa Beach Resort out:

22. Blue Lagoon Resort

For a true island escape, check out the Blue Lagoon Resort. On the remote Foeata Island, the Blue Lagoon Resort is in the heart of the whale swimming area of Vava’u where whales can be seen breaching from the resort! As for accommodation, there are just four beach huts on the island, each elevated above the water. While most of the fales are ideal for couples, the “Reef” fale is the best option for families with a split-level design, as well as ample room to enjoy between the indoor lounge and the outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon.

23. Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga

Kitesurfing might be the focus of the isolated resort in Ha’apai’s Uoleva Island, but Fanifo Lofe Kitesurf Tonga offers so much more than that. The all-inclusive eco-friendly resort includes all meals, accommodation with solar warm showers, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and kayaks and more. Stay in one of Fanifo Lofa’s attractive timber-constructed fales for solo travellers, couples and even a family. See how the kitesurfing resort compares to others in the 8 Best Kitesurfing Resorts in Tonga.

24. Vava’u Harbourview Resort

Far enough from the hustle and bustle yet close enough for convenience, the Vava’u Harbourview Resort in Toula village, Vava’u is well worth considering. Stay among tropical gardens and with glorious views of the Port of Refuge at this accommodation made up of spacious bungalows. Enjoy homely facilities like a kitchenette, a bathroom with hot showers, a barbecue area and a private verandah. See more places to stay like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Vava’u.

25. Taiana’s Resort

Enjoy tranquillity, culture and a beautiful beach setting on the uninhabited Uoleva Island in Ha’apai with Taiana’s Resort. The resort has five Tongan-style fales which are simply a beach hut but certainly add to the island adventure! Each fale is lined with traditional tapa paintings and contain a mattress on the floor, a mosquito net, a bedside table with a kerosene lantern. Guests share a bathroom, while backpackers have the option to camp on the grounds. As for entertainment, well, you better enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and lazying on the beach! Food is available to order, so give your hosts notice. Check out more options like this in the 7 Best Budget Accommodations in Ha’apai.

26. Mystic Sands

A boutique resort on the waterfront of Pangaimotu Island, Mystic Sands is easy to get to from Neiafu, yet provides a tranquil retreat. Stay in one of the modernly-furnished double or family rooms with ocean views and the beach just steps away. Each room has a kitchenette, however, meals can be organised with the hosts. The hosts can also organise a number of activities around the island or you can just make do with the complimentary use of snorkelling gear, kayaks, swimming pool and beach games. See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Honeymoon Accommodations in Vava’u.

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27. The Beach House (Shell Garden)

Elevated on the coral cliffs of Fofoa Island in Vava’u, The Beach House is a boutique resort with just two unique properties. Both have their own boardwalk or staircase with direct access to the beach and lagoon. “The Beach House” is the largest holiday home on the island, elevated over the lapping turquoise waters and housing up to four guests. “The Coral Cottage” is an octagonal beach house with exposed walls of coral rock extending the theme of the coral garden surroundings. Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Most Unique Accommodations in Tonga.

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28. Blue Banana Beach House

Choose from four unique beach houses at the Blue Banana Beach House, a quaint self-catering accommodation complex on the Kanokupolu Beach on Tongatapu. Each beach house is self-contained with bathroom and kitchen facilities, while barbecues can be enjoyed on the communal deck overlooking the beach and watching whales in the season. Each beach house features hot water, tiled bathrooms, rainwater for drinking, free WiFi, free use of snorkelling gear, beach and bush walks and much more. Check out more options in Tonga’s main island in the 10 Best Honeymoon Accommodations on Tongatapu.

29. Pangaimotu Island Resort

An excellent option for adventurous travellers on a budget, Pangaimotu Island Resort is your affordable island resort experience on Tongatapu. The resort is a 10-minute boat trip from Nuku’alofa with an iconic shipwreck sticking out of the water at the island’s entrance! On the island, stay in basic beachside fales with woven panels and thatched roofs for a true Tongan experience. There is also an on-site restaurant, Big Mama’s Yacht Club. The resort is also open for day-trippers. See more resorts like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Tongatapu.

30. Teukava Beach Oasis

Stay in one of the eco-fales on Ha’atafu Beach of Tongatapu at the Teukava Beach Oasis. While not a resort per se, the accommodation offers three timber-lined fales with views of the sea and surf that rival just about any resort on the list. Two fales sleep up to three guests and one is a family fale, featuring an ensuite shower room, a kitchen for self-catering, free WiFi and more. You are nearby other resorts on Tongatapu should you want to indulge in eating out.

Check Teukava Beach Oasis out:

More About Resorts in Tonga

That’s it for the best resorts in Tonga but by no means the end of our Tonga advice! Check out the following guides for more tips on choosing the perfect resort in Tonga:

Finally, get even more advice for planning your trip in our 30 Tips for Travelling 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page