10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu

Tongatapu’s Best Resorts

Breezy beachfront locations, island retreats, and the frequent feeling of the whole place to yourself, the resorts in Tongatapu offer the ultimate Tongan retreat. Tonga’s main island has resorts lining its shores, as well as nearby off-shore islands. Resorts in Tongatapu are two to four stars, many featuring traditional Tongan features from woven panelled walls to thatch roofs for a true island experience. Some boast restaurants with highlights of the week being cultural shows with Tongan food and “lakalaka” dancing.

Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country and with that, many of the accommodations change their offerings with little notice. Although we try to keep our listings up-to-date, feel free to reach out with any updates.

For more tips and ideas for planning your getaway, see The Complete Guide to Tongatapu.

1. Fafa Island Resort

Although just a short boat ride from Nuku’alofa, you’ll feel a world away from anywhere at this four-star island resort. Among the 18 acres (7ha) of palms and sandy shores are the 13 fales (bungalows) of the Fafa Island Resort all decorated with a Tongan theme of woven wall panels and cone-shaped roofs. Fales are kept cool with ceiling fans and also feature a private deck with outdoor furniture. On-site is also a restaurant and cocktail bar hosting Polynesian nights, as well as European-meets-Tongan cuisine. See more resorts like this in our 9 Best Luxury Accommodation on Tongatapu.

Check Fafa Island Resort out:

2. The Royal Sunset Island Resort

Escape to ‘Atata Island at the Royal Sunset Island Resort, boasting 24 beachfront fales across eight 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 10 Best Family Accommodation on Tongatapu.

Check The Royal Sunset Resort out:

3. Liku’alofa Beach Resort

A beachfront three-star resort on the western side of Tongatapu, Liku’alofa Beach Resort is a great option for a down-to-earth stay. Bungalows are set among tropical gardens with just about any layout you could want between the standard double rooms to the family rooms to the honeymoon suite. The resort boasts a restaurant with an elevated deck overlooking the beach serving 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:

4. Vakaloa Beach Resort

This boutique resort is more known for its grand Tongan buffet nights and cultural shows than it is for its accommodation, but yes, you can stay there too! Vakaloa Beach Resort is set along the picturesque Kanokupolu Beach on the western side of the island, offering twin, family and deluxe double rooms. The three-star resort offers amenities, from in-room fridges to furnished outdoor areas, as well as paid WiFi in the public spaces.

Check Vakaloa Beach Resort out:

5. Ha’atafu Beach Resort

Tongatapu’s only all-inclusive resort sits on Ha’atafu Beach Resort on the island’s western side. Stay in one of their standard, premium and family fales, some boasting amazing beachfront locations with super-king beds. Have peace of mind knowing that breakfast, dinner and use of kayaks, table tennis table, snorkelling gear, shuttle to Nuku’alofa (running on the resort’s schedule), Sky TV and more are included in the rates.

6. Pangaimotu Island Resort

An excellent option for adventurous travellers on a budget, Pangaimotu Island Resort is your affordable island resort experience. 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 intricately 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 Accommodation on Tongatapu.

7. White Sands Beach Resort

The only resort on ‘Utukehe Beach on Tongatapu’s western side, White Sands Beach Resort provides a tranquil retreat. Sunbathe and beach comb among the scattered palms decorating the white sands, relax in communal open-air loungers, swim in the outdoor pool and retreat to your modernly decorated bungalow. The nine bungalows have an open-plan with lounge, dining furniture and an ensuite.

Check White Sands Beach Resort out:

8. Oholei Beach Resort

Get the eco-fale experience at the Oholei Beach Resort! This resort on Tongatapu’s eastern side on Oholei/Lavengatonga Beach is famous for its cultural dinner shows in the impressive Hina Cave, getting you right in the heart of the action. The fales among beachside forest are designed with features of traditional Tongan architecture but with modern furniture and fixings including an ensuite bathroom.

9. ‘Otuhaka Beach Resort

Another option on Kanokupolu Beach, ‘Otuhaka Beach Resort offers 15 bungalows for guests, as well as space on their expansive greens for backpackers wishing to camp. There are three types of basic bungalows available at this two-to-three-star resort, including a garden and superior bungalow with an ensuite sleeping up to three and four people, as well as a private suite with hot water and sleeping up to six people.

10. Keleti Beach Resort

A resort with access to arguably some of the most picturesque beaches on Tongatapu, Keleti Beach Resort is worth considering. The resort has 11 fales/rooms, including double rooms with either a shared bathroom or an ensuite, as well as a family fale sleeping up to four guests. Each fale has a kitchenette for self-catering. With its quite isolated location, a car is essential for staying here.

Check Keleti Beach Resort out:

Keleti Beach Resort on Trip.com

More About Resorts in Tongatapu

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