How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism
How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You

How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Advice on Choosing Luxury Accommodation in Tonga

Looking for somewhere special to stay in Tonga? Whether you’re seeking a hint of luxury for a special occasion or “just because”, this guide to choosing luxury accommodation in Tonga will guide you through the factors to consider for a luxury stay in The Kingdom, while also making sure you have the right expectations.

Quick Things You Need to Know About Staying in Luxury Accommodation in Tonga

  • Five-star accommodation is not available in Tonga. Four-star and three-star resorts, hotels and lodges are the closest things you’ll find to luxury available in Tonga
  • Getting to some of the remote island resorts requires boat travel on small boats, which can be a rough journey in some sea conditions
  • Amenities, such as WiFi, are only available at accommodations near towns such as Nuku’alofa and Neiafu
  • Activities like kayak and snorkelling gear hire are usually complimentary, while activities like whale swimming and scuba diving are for an extra fee, so bear this in mind when budgeting
  • Check out some examples of luxury stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga.
How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You(c) tongapocketguide.com

Types of Luxury Accommodation in Tonga

As mentioned, there are no five-star accommodations in Tonga. However, there are some upscale resorts, lodges and holiday homes that provide a comfortable stay in beautifully decorated and constructed accommodation in idyllic locations.

Four-Star and Three-Star Resorts

More upscale resorts can be found at some of the more remote islands or even private islands across Tonga. They consist of attractive fales with ensuite facilities and typically other luxurious like private beach access or gardens. For dining, there will be a restaurant or perhaps a meal plan for guests but no self-catering facilities. These resorts often have all you need for entertainment and activities, often providing whale swimming, scuba diving and complimentary use of watersports gear. Check out some examples in 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Tonga.

Four-Star Lodges

Some four-star boutique lodges can be found in the capital of Tonga, Nuku’alofa. These upscale lodges are luxuriously furnished and have amenities in the rooms similar to a hotel, such as an ensuite and tea/coffee-making facilities. They may also feature a private deck/balcony and have a restaurant on-site. Check out some examples in the 7 Best Luxury Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.

Apartments and Holiday Homes

Tonga has a small but good range of more upscale apartments and holiday homes, especially in Nuku’alofa in Tongatapu and near Neiafu in Vava’u. Luxury apartments and holiday homes feature modern decor and furniture with self-catering facilities and bathrooms. They may also feature private decks, gardens or balconies with ocean views. Many of the holiday homes in Vava’u also have access to the water via a private pier. Check out some examples in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Tonga.

How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You(c) tongapocketguide.com

Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

Luxury accommodations are located in the island groups of Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u. We first recommend getting an idea for what each island group offers luxury travellers by using the following guides:

Once you’ve chosen an island group, you might want to consider what activities, attractions and services you can access from your chosen accommodation. Island resorts often are the only development on the island, so services and facilities are limited to what is available at the resort. Other accommodations, like lodges and holiday homes, are typically located within driving distance and sometimes walking distance of shops and a variety of restaurants, but they are likely far from the beach.

Finally, consider how to get to your chosen accommodation. Tongatapu is the main island that visitors arrive in Tonga, so getting to Ha’apai and Vava’u requires an additional flight. Most offer airport/wharf transfers for a fee. Learn more about getting to your chosen accommodation in the following:

How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You(c) Pixabay

Luxurious Inclusions

It’s the little extras that can turn a good holiday into a great one, so be sure to compare the inclusions and activities available from each accommodation.

Activities and Inclusions at Resorts

Resorts differ from other luxury accommodation in Tonga in that they offer their own activities and entertainment, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, whale swimming, cultural tours, island-hopping tours, etc. Check out the activities offered by resorts to see if they appeal to you.

You may also want to compare the dining available at Tonga’s resorts, as some resorts will have restaurants while others will have set meal plans for guests.

Inclusions at Lodges, Apartments and Holiday Homes

Inclusions at other types of luxury accommodations may include luxurious extras such as coffee machines, private balconies, on-site restaurants, pool tables, private dock, complimentary snorkelling gear and kayaks and more. Be sure to compare these inclusions to make sure you’re getting the value you want.

More on How to Choose the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga

That’s it for how to choose luxury accommodation in Tonga. See more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Luxury Travel Guide to 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.

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