The Top Luxury Accommodations in Ha’apai
Luxury needs to be seen as being in a breathtaking destination and experiencing the island life, rather than retrofitting a five-star resort in a place where it doesn’t belong. Only a few of the Ha’apai islands are inhabited, making the destination relatively undiscovered. Yet, there are some premium experiences to be had, from private island day trips to swimming with beautiful humpback whales. Only one accommodation barely qualifies as a four-star resort, but the rest of the resorts we list in this best luxury accommodations in Ha’apai are well-presented and provide some modern comforts without sacrificing an authentic Pacific Island experience. Check out some of our recommendations in the list below.
On an extra note, Tonga is an ever-evolving country where services provided by accommodations can change with little notice. While we try to keep our accommodation listings up-to-date, feel free to reach out with any updates.
For more inspiration for a luxury getaway, see The Luxury Guide to Ha’apai.
1. Sandy Beach Resort
Arguably Ha’apai’s most upscale resort, Sandy Beach Resort is nestled away from the world at the top of Foa Island. Stay in one of the 12 exclusive bungalows, built by a German family and providing the comforts of the Western world with a few Tongan touches. Each bungalow is just a few steps from an unspoiled beach, where views can be enjoyed from your private terrace. The bungalows also have double beds, ensuites with hot high-pressure showers and use solar power. The resort offers an array of activities, from whale swimming to scuba diving, or you could simply enjoy doing nothing at all…
Check Sandy Beach Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com
2. Whale Discoveries Live-Aboard
For something a little more unique, how about spending your time island-hopping around the Ha’apai islands and swimming with whales every day on a liveaboard sailing yacht? During the whale season (July to October) Whale Discoveries offers eight-day packages, either starting in Tongatapu or Ha’apai and slowly making their way across Tonga, experiencing amazing wildlife encounters. You’ll be staying on the fast sailing catamaran, S.Y. Wildlife, in one of the three roomy double cabins. The vessel has a large saloon and deck area to relax in and enjoy your three meals a day all included. Learn more about Whale Discoveries’ whale experiences in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
3. Kitesurf Tonga
As you might have guessed, Kitesurf Tonga sure loves its kitesurfing, offering unforgettable kitesurfing safaris, instruction and gear rental. However, there’s so much more this resort on Uoleva Island has to offer. You’ll be one of the very few exclusive guests staying in the five traditionally inspired fales set among coconut trees and made with natural timber. You’ll get some luxurious comforts though, sleeping on memory foam mattress beds and having your own very spacious ensuite with hot solar showers. Aside from living the South Pacific life, you can also do snorkelling from the shores, make use of the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, help yourself to a drink from the honesty bar… Or you could simply relax on the beach with a good book… See more off-grid stays like this in the 5 Best Eco-Resorts in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
4. Sea Change Eco Retreat
A completely off-the-grid resort on the uninhabited Uoleva Island, Sea Change Eco Retreat is the place to disconnect with the world (solar electricity is only available at the bar) and reconnect with yourself and nature. The accommodation is known for its fantastic whale swimming tours, as well as yoga retreats and a few exclusive experiences, such as a private island day and fishing charters. As for accommodation, choose either glamping in safari tents with a comfortable double bed or staying in one of the large wooden bungalows with an outdoor shower. Each accommodation has a private pathway leading straight onto the beach, where you can get straight in for a snorkel or paddle with the watersports equipment provided. We also list this accommodation in the 5 Best Family Accommodations in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com
5. Serenity Beaches Resort
Run by an American author who is still rocking this resort in her 80s, Serenity Beaches Resort knows a thing or two about luxurious relaxation retreats. While fales (bungalows) are gorgeously private, each nestled in its own quiet section of tropical forest, note that luxuries like electricity are missed so you’ll need to charge devices in the dining fale. Regardless, you’ll be enjoying your time here doing yoga in the beachfront pavilion, dining on healthy meals made from fresh local ingredients, and making use of kayaks and snorkelling gear to explore the wonderful underwater world straight from the beach. While whale swimming is available from the resort, your most frequent encounter will most likely be seeing them from the beach! We also list this accommodation in the 5 Best Honeymoon Accommodations in Ha’apai.
Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com
6. Matafonua Lodge
The sister property of the Sandy Beach Resort (see above), Matafonua Lodge is your three-star option (thanks to their shared bathroom facilities), but guests still get all of the amazing activities available at Sandy Beach. After days swimming with whales, scuba diving, kitesurfing or horse riding, retreat to your attractive elevated wooden fale nestled in beach vegetation. Guests will use facilities like a shared bathroom with rainfall showers and attractive tiling. There is an on-site cafe open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while guests can also make use of the complimentary bikes to ride across Foa and Lifuka islands.
Check Matafonua Lodge out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com
More About Luxury Accommodations and Resorts in Ha’apai
That’s it for our top picks of the best luxury resorts and accommodations in Ha’apai. If you didn’t find “the one”, however, discover more stays in these listings:
- 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Tonga
- 10 Most Unique Accommodations in Tonga
- Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations
Finally, you might also be interested in The Complete Luxury Guide to Tonga in case there’s anything you’re missing in your vacation plan.
![5 BEST Luxury Accommodations on Tongatapu 🍸 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA2OTo0MDc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![20 BEST Luxury Accommodations in Tonga 🌺 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTA4MDozOTc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDYwMSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2MDEiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![Where to Stay in Vava'u: The BEST Accommodations 🐋 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTIyMDoxMzU0-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDY3NSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)