Advice on Choosing Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
Some of us like to experience a new country and a new culture through its flavours. In Tonga, that’s an intriguing mix of what the ocean provides and tropical land crops from the islands. A great way to experience Tonga’s flavours is simply by choosing an accommodation that allows you to, whether it’s through a resort’s restaurant or through the self-catering facilities of a holiday home located near a local market. Let us help you choose the right foodie accommodation in Tonga for you in the guide below.
Quick Things You Need to Know About Staying in Accommodation for Foodies in Tonga
- Many resorts in Tonga have restaurants or set meal plans for guests, which is often the only option for food in Tonga’s more remote islands
- Look for lodges, guesthouses and holiday homes for self-catering accommodation
- If staying on some of the less developed islands, like ‘Eua, take breakfast food with you if staying at a place that doesn’t serve breakfast – other meals are often available to purchase
- If you want to stay close to a variety of restaurants, stay near Nuku’alofa, Neiafu or Ha’atafu Beach
- For examples of foodie accommodation, take a look at the 10 Best Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismTypes of Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies
When your stay in Tonga revolves around food, it could mean a few things: staying in an accommodation with an amazing restaurant, staying at a resort that serves a set plan of meals, or accommodation with self-catering facilities.
Resorts, Hotels and Lodges with Restaurants
The most obvious accommodations for foodies are accommodations with restaurants. Resorts across the islands and hotels and lodges in Nuku’alofa can be found with their own restaurants on-site. Check out some examples of this in the 10 Best Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies.
Resorts with Meal Plans
Some of the more remote resorts with fewer facilities, such as the resorts on Uoleva Island in Ha’apai, have set meal plans for guests. This typically includes three meals a day, one being a three-course meal for dinner. Check out some of these accommodations in the 10 Best Accommodation in Ha’apai for Foodies.
Self-Catering Accommodations
Finally, self-catering accommodation is a good option for the foodie on a budget or who want to experiment with the local produce. Self-catering accommodation in Tonga comes in the form of apartments and holiday homes, while accommodations like guest houses and lodges have a communal kitchen for guests. These accommodations are typically located near to where you can purchase groceries, such as Nuku’alofa, Neiafu, Pangai (Ha’apai) and Pangai (‘Eua).
(c) tongapocketguide.comLocation, How to Get There and What is Nearby?
It’s easy to narrow down which accommodation to stay in once you have picked a destination. There are four main destinations in Tonga for foodies: Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u. Compare what each island group has to offer foodies in the following guides:
Once you’ve chosen an island group that appeals to you, you’ll need to weigh up the time and budget needed to get there. Figure out how you’re going to get around using the following articles:
- 10 Ways to Get to Tongatapu (& Around Tongatapu)
- 5 Ways to Get to Ha’apai (& Around Ha’apai)
- 10 Ways to Get to Vava’u (& Around Vava’u)
Finally, be sure to compare what is nearby, especially if you choose to stay in self-catering accommodation. If you don’t have a rental car, then you’re going to want to make sure that you can buy groceries within walking distance. Alternatively, if you want to try a few different restaurants, make sure you’re in one of the few limited places to do so. Learn more in Where to Buy Food in Tonga.
(c) Pxhere.comPrice and Inclusions
Finally, when comparing accommodations, be sure to compare the value of your stay. This doesn’t just mean comparing prices on Booking.com, but making sure your accommodation provides all the facilities that you want/need.
Some of the inclusions you might want to compare include:
- Car parking (if on an island with roads)
- Hot water (usually solar-heated)
- Fans or air-conditioning
- Insect screens on the windows or mosquito nets
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Beds with linen provided
- Towels
- Bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink
- Fully furnished lounge and dining area
- Ocean views or a lookout
- WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Outside deck or verandah
- Tea and coffee
- Toiletries
- Iron
- Portacot
- Washing machine
- In-house tours or cultural activities for guests
- Kayaks
- Car rental (for a fee)
- Airport transfers.
The Cost of Foodie Accommodation
The cost of accommodation varies considerably depending on what type of accommodation you choose. Some ballpark figures are:
- Guest house single room/night – TOP$50-$70
- Guest house double room/night – TOP$60-$90
- Guest house double ensuite/night – TOP$100-$120
- Hotel double ensuite/night – TOP$200-$350
- Resort fale (bungalow)/night – TOP$280-$400
- Family room or villa/night – TOP$180-$550
As for the cost of food provided by your accommodation, some figures include:
- Breakfast – TOP$0-$15
- Lunch or Dinner – TOP$15-$20
- Meal plan/day – TOP$90-$150
For more prices, check out What is the Cost of Accommodation in Tonga?
More on How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
That’s it for how to pick the best foodie accommodation in Tonga. See more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Foodie Guide to Tonga.
