The Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Vava’u
Travelling on a budget or want to get a more “local” experience? The guesthouses in Vava’u are a great way to experience the islands while keeping costs to a minimum. Guesthouses typically have private double, twin or triple rooms with either shared bathrooms or ensuites. Kitchen facilities are also the norm, making it easy to save money on meals during your stay. Most guesthouses can be found either in or just outside of Neiafu, keeping you close to the action and the activities. Check out some of our recommendations in the list below.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country. With that, services and accommodations upgrade and change all of the time. While we try to keep our listings up to date, feel free to reach out if you find anything that needs updating.
1. Flying Annie Moa
A well-presented guesthouse with free breakfast, Flying Annie Moa is worth considering. Stay just a short walk from Neiafu town centre and close to the whale swimming operators, including its own. The large guesthouse has a range of rooms on offer, from standard single rooms with shared bathroom facilities to double ensuite rooms. Communal areas include a balcony where you can watch amazing sunsets, a lounge and a kitchen with fridges and drink-making facilities. Services include free WiFi and airport transfers.
Check Flying Annie Moa out:
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2. Port Wine Guest House
Four buildings of four different styles of accommodation await at the Port Wine Guest House. Stay in a double or a twin room with shared bathrooms or an ensuite or get a whole standalone bungalow to yourself. The highlight of the stay is the breakfast (included/extra fee depending on your room) of fresh fruit from the garden, fresh bread, muffins, cinnamon rolls and more (the guesthouse also owns Potekis’ Place Bakery just down the road)! Free WiFi is available, while airport transfers and laundry can be arranged for a fee. What’s more, the Tongan-owned guesthouse is just a five-minute walk from town where you can pick up supplies to spruce up meals in the communal kitchens available. Stay outside of the whale season for cheaper rates – cash only. The accommodation also offers retreat and conference services, as listed in the 5 Best Hotels for Conferences in Tonga.
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3. Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers
For that island getaway experience, head to the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers! Set on the sandy shores of Ofu Island, a short boat ride from Neiafu’s old harbour – Houmelei Wharf, the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers offers basic but ultra-affordable private fales (bungalows) with power outlets sourced by solar power and ensuite bathrooms with cold water. Alternatively, backpackers can stay in one of the three rooms in the main house with a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Meals are also available with the highlight being a Tongan feast and floor show once a week. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
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4. Lesina Guesthouse
Directly at the wharf where many whale swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving trips depart, Lesina Guesthouse boasts a convenient location on the waterfront of Neiafu. After a dip from the jetty, relax in one of the four oceanview rooms upstairs or six downstairs rooms, all with either an ensuite or a separate private bathroom with towels provided. Guests also have access to a small communal kitchen with a microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle with hot drink supplies provided. A laundry service is also available for a fee. Note that access to the guesthouse is down a short but very steep driveway.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
5. Oceanside Lodge
Offering two types of accommodation at this gorgeous hillside property on the edge of the Port of Refuge, Oceanside Lodge is sure to have something to suit. In one house, stay in one of the four modernly furnished private double rooms with an ensuite, air-conditioning and access to a shared balcony and an air-conditioned lounge. There’s also an older house with more spacious rooms, sleeping up to three across a double and a single bed with an ensuite bathroom and access to a balcony where you can soak in the harbour views. Whatever you choose, a highlight of the stay is the included breakfast which changes every day between pancakes, eggs and toast with fresh fruit, and more. For all of your other needs, the accommodation is a five-minute walk from town.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
6. Humpback Lodge
Better described as more of a boutique hotel than a guesthouse, Humpback Lodge is still worth mentioning for its wonderful Tongan hospitality. Your host provides complimentary airport transfers, as well as transfers into town from its peaceful inlet location between Toula and Pangai villages. Most of the seven rooms are double ensuites with a choice of oceanview upstairs or garden-view downstairs, while there’s also one family room with two queen beds. Guests are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and can help themselves to hot drinks throughout the day at the upstairs minibar/kitchen. Otherwise, downstairs is a popular restaurant with a diverse menu and kava nights once a week. See more like this in the 5 Best Hotels in Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
7. Vava’u Lahi Backpackers
Although not your homeliest of guesthouses, Vava’u Lahi Backpackers provides a perfectly fine stay for travellers on a budget. Stay in one of the 15 private twin or double rooms with three shared bathrooms and a very spacious communal kitchen and lounge area. The backpackers is right on the waterfront with direct access to the small boat marina where most whale swimming tours depart, while the town centre is only moments away. The budget accommodation is part of the Puataukanave Hotel next door, which also offers car rentals and whale swimming tours.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
8. Pineapple Bungalows
Despite the name, Pineapple Bungalows rents out just one “bungalow” ironically the entire upper floor of their family home. Located in the village of Toula, a short drive from Neiafu (luckily, they also operate Coconut Rentals), the top-floor space includes five bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette but no kitchen. Your hosts can arrange breakfast and dinner for you to enjoy meals with a sea view from the verandahs. Other features include WiFi access for a flat fee, hot water and mosquito screens on the windows. See more stays with your own private space in the 5 Best Holiday Homes in Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
9. Pio’s Backpackers
Right in the heart of Neiafu, Pio’s Backpackers is a boutique locally-run guesthouse with just three guest rooms and a shared bathroom. Each room is characterfully furnished with a double and single bed yet very basic reflecting some of the cheapest rates in Vava’u. Guests are free to use the spacious and homely lounge, as well as the kitchen.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
10. Port of Refuge Villas
In the need (and process) of a major renovation, this collection of villas on a hill offers guesthouse-style single rooms and double rooms across a two-bedroom and four-bedroom villa, which you can also hire out privately. Port of Refuge Villas is set among 2 acres (0.8 ha) of tropical gardens, boasting amazing views of the Port of Refuge yet a short stroll up the hill from Neiafu town (however, it’s on a route with some dogs so if that makes you nervous, it’s best to hire a vehicle). Services include airport transfers, laundry and a kitchen for guest use. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
More About Guesthouses in Vava’u
That’s it for our list of the best guesthouses in Vava’u! For more styles of accommodation to choose from, take a look at the following:
- 5 Best Eco-Resorts in Vava’u
- 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u
- 10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations in Vava’u
Finally, if you’re still struggling to find the perfect place to stay, start from scratch with Where to Stay in Vava’u: The BEST Accommodations.
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