Advice on Choosing Adults-Only Accommodation in Tonga
The only way to top a dreamy island getaway full of sun, sea and sand is an island getaway full of sun, sea and sand without kids! Tonga can certainly provide this experience with its fantastic albeit limited range of adults-only resorts or even an alternative adults-only holiday staying in an adults-only lodge in the “Big Smoke”, Nuku’alofa. We’ll help you choose your adults-only accommodation in Tonga in the guide below.
5 Things You Need to Know About Staying in Adults-Only Accommodation in Tonga
- There is only one resort with an adults-only policy for guests over the age of 16. All other accommodations in Tonga that have a similar child policy have a low age threshold of either 10 or 12 years old
- The type of adults-only accommodation in Tonga isn’t just resorts, other adults-only accommodation includes lodges
- Although Sandy Beach Resort (Ha’apai) and Treasure Island Resort (Vava’u) are not exclusively adults-only (families have to request to stay there), almost all guests are adults
- If you’re looking for alternative places to stay for an adults-only getaway, consider a holiday home in Tonga
- Accommodation standards are a little lower than what you might be used to, as Tonga is a developing country.
Types of Adults-Only Accommodation in Tonga
Tonga not only has adults-only resorts, but an adults-only lodge in Nuku’alofa. Although they don’t necessarily advertise themselves as “adults-only” they do have age policies for guests; either no younger than 10, 12 or 16 years old. Here’s more about your options:
Adults-Only Resorts
Tonga has a small selection of adults-only resorts across Ha’apai and Vava’u. They offer a range of activities both in-house and organised with external operators, as well as provide either a la carte or set meals at their on-site restaurants. Accommodation is in fales (beach bungalows) with a bed and ensuite bathroom. Learn more about resort facilities in How to Choose the Best Resort in Tonga for You.
Adults-Only Lodge
The Waterfront Lodge is a boutique hotel with guest rooms for couples featuring ensuite bathrooms and balconies/patios. The site also has a restaurant. Learn more about what to expect at this style of accommodation in How to Choose the Best Lodge in Tonga for You.
Learn more about these accommodations in the 5 Best Adults-Only Accommodations in Tonga.
Accommodation Standards in Tonga
It’s important to set a few expectations straight before checking into your accommodation in Tonga. Tonga is a developing country with a younger tourism industry and, in turn, less expertise than some of the more developed tourist hubs of the South Pacific. Some accommodations can be pretty basic, and not all of your usual facilities are provided. Tonga is more basic, so it is best to keep an open mind.
Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?
You only have a choice of three destinations in Tonga when it comes to adults-only accommodation: Nuku’alofa in Tongatapu, the islands of Ha’apai and the islands of Vava’u. Each provides a dramatically different experience.
Nuku’alofa is the capital of Tonga, which is located on the main island and the arrival island for most travellers, Tongatapu. It is the easiest and therefore the cheapest island to get to in Tonga, so is often a preferred choice if on a budget. Most of Tonga’s top activities can be done from here, like whale swimming, snorkelling/scuba diving, etc. while the island is home to famous attractions like the Ha’amonga a’ Maui. Learn more in The Adult-Only Guide to Tongatapu.
On the island group of Ha’apai, adults-only resorts are located on the islands connected to the main island by road, which allows for independent exploration of the islands. They also boast beaches and in-house activities, such as snorkelling tours and whale swimming. Learn more in The Adults-Only Travel Guide to Ha’apai.
Vava’u’s adults-only resorts are located on either private or otherwise uninhabited islands, sandy landmasses amidst the archipelago. These resorts are mostly about relaxation as you will be far from any other service or civilisation. Learn more in The Adults-Only Guide to Vava’u.
Prices and Inclusions
Inclusions at your adults-only accommodation can make the difference between simply a bed for the night and a complete holiday experience. Of course, a remote resort that provides all of the entertainment and meals is more expensive than a lodge in the capital of Tonga, so all of this needs to be weighed up when determining the value of accommodation.
How Much Do Adults-Only Accommodations Cost?
The nightly rates of adults-only accommodations vary depending on what type of accommodation it is, its location and its inclusions.
An adults-only resort in Ha’apai and Vava’u costs between TOP$180 and $560 for a couple per night for a fale/room – not including the meal plan.
A lodge in Nuku’alofa costs between TOP$280 and TOP$300 for a couple per night.
What’s Included?
Any savvy traveller knows that you can’t just go off price alone when considering your budget. You need to also consider the inclusions. A few inclusions to compare are:
- Airport transfers
- Car parking if on an island with roads
- Self-catering facilities
- Restaurant
- Meals provided
- Breakfast included
- Tea/coffee-making facilities
- Complimentary activities like kayaking, snorkelling, etc.
- Can other activities be arranged?
- Washing machine or laundry service
- WiFi
- Fan or air-conditioning
- Insect-screened windows or mosquito nets
- Gardens
- Bike rental
- TV
- Washing machine/laundry service.
More on How to Pick the Best Adults-Only Accommodation in Tonga
That’s it for how to pick adults-only accommodation in Tonga. If you need more advice, how about tips from our other accommodation selection guides?
- How to Pick the Best Resort in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Lodge in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Villa in Tonga for You
- How to Pick the Best Budget Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Guesthouse in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Tonga
Now with a bit of research behind you, you can start selecting the perfect adults-only accommodation for you with Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga.
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.