Accommodations with Cooking Facilities in Vava’u
Do you want to stay in an accommodation where you can make your own meals, save money on the food budget, and be in control of your own diet? We aren’t blaming you – whale swimming isn’t cheap! Whatever your reason for choosing a place to stay with kitchen facilities, we go through your options in this list of the best self-catering accommodations in Vava’u.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, especially when it comes to accommodation. With that in mind, some of the services accommodations provide are known to change without notice. If there is any information needing an update in the listings below, feel free to reach out!
1. Billfish Holiday Apartments
Two modern apartments await on the foreshore of the Port of Refuge at Billfish Holiday Apartments. The downstairs self-contained units are close enough to Neiafu for convenience (a 3-minute drive or taxi), yet far enough away to feel like you’re in a world of your own, especially with the breathtaking views enjoyed from the elevated garden and walkway leading to a private jetty. Each apartment has a king-sized bed and a full kitchen/dining area in an attractive open-plan layout leading to a shared deck outside. There’s also room to add two single beds into the apartment if you’re a slightly larger group. Either way, guests enjoy their time here relaxing in the outdoor area with a barbecue or taking your hosts up on the offer of their fishing charter, as listed in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Tonga.
2. Boathouse Apartments
Conveniently (and ideally) located in an elevated position in Neiafu, the Boathouse Apartments are a top choice for those seeking a self-sufficient holiday. The apartments boast spectacular views of the yachts in the harbour and sit adjacent to a variety of boating and diving operators. Enjoy a home-away-from-home experience in either a one- or two-bedroom apartment or one of the two studios with a modern kitchen and designer bathrooms with walk-in showers. See more stays suitable for families like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Vava’u.
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3. Vaimalo Fales
Stay in one of three beautiful fales (bungalows) on the shores of a traditional Vava’uan village, Vaimalo. Vaimalo Fales offers two fully self-contained overwater fales with a kitchen; one facing the sunset and the other facing the sunrise. It’s the ultimate destination to relax and make use of the kayaks and snorkelling gear provided to explore the sheltered waters. There’s also a traditional fale at the back of the property with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Although out of town, Vaimalo offers rental vehicles for a very reasonable price and can arrange a taxi for airport and town transfers. Laundry facilities are also available for a fair fee.
4. Marlene’s Motel
Another option for your own self-contained space in Vava’u is Marlene’s Motel set on the old harbour of Neiafu, known as Neiafu Tahi. This peaceful location is amplified by the attractive grounds the property is set on, including expansive gardens with a pond. The timber-lined walls of each fale give off a rustic ’70s vibe complete with cosy furniture and most of your home-away-from-home essentials including a kitchen, fans and even an iron! Sleeping arrangements consist of a single and double bed. All in all, it’s really not bad considering the price!
5. Lucky’s Beach Houses
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Neiafu and experience a more laid-back side of Vava’u at Lucky’s Beach Houses. The boutique accommodation boasts affordable rooms in their duplex units with a double bed or twin bed, screened window and a ceiling fan. There is also a shared bathroom block. Make use of the shared kitchen facilities including a barbecue, or upgrade to one of the fully self-contained bungalows. The beachfront accommodation in Talihau village has complimentary kayaks and snorkelling spots (bring your own gear) and offers airport transfers, which include stopping in town for supplies, for a fee.
6. Hilltop Hotel
Stay close to the town centre of Neiafu at the Hilltop Hotel! The open-air communal dining and lounge area boasts great views of the town and harbour, as well as a place to meet the hotel’s pet cat. Stay in one of the eight rooms available, some with a harbour view and some with a garden view. The budget hotel has electric fans (on a timer), as well as ensuite bathrooms with limited hot water. There’s a communal kitchen with gas hobs, fridge and cooking utensils. Otherwise, restaurants are a short walk away. For more hotels, head to the 5 Best Hotels in Vava’u.
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7. Vava’u Lahi Backpackers
Another one with a communal kitchen, 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.
8. 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 guest house 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.
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. See more ultra-affordable stays like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Vava’u.
10. Hakula Lodge
Enjoy your own piece of paradise overlooking the Port of Refuge at Hakula Lodge. The lodge has two self-contained units available with a master bedroom and a fold-out sofabed that can sleep one extra adult or two kids. Enjoy time on your balcony with a barbecue and cook meals with the kitchen facilities. Hakula Lodge offers their own sports fishing and boat cruises, while other features of the lodge include free kayak hire and snorkelling gear hire. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.
More About Self-Catering Accommodations in Vava’u
That’s it for our list of the best self-catering accommodations in Vava’u. For more self-catering tips, check out the following:
- Information, Shops & Services in Vava’u
- The Guide to Food Shopping in Tonga
- What is the Cost of Food in Tonga?
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.
Author
Robin (Lopini) C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.