Tonga’s Most Luxurious Resorts
If your idea of luxury is connecting with nature and living the island life, then you’ll love Tonga. Although Tonga is no place for five-star resorts, the country boasts some of the most authentic boutique stays on private islands, off-the-grid experiences, and incredible activities such as uncrowded scuba diving and unique whale swimming. Think of it more as “luxury” meeting “adventure”. Below, we’ve listed the four- and three-star resorts in Tonga that offer the most upscale stays – where accommodations have modern comforts, delectable dining and memorable experiences in even more memorable locations.
If you were looking for the best resorts across Tonga (yes, we know Google shows this article for the best resorts in Tonga), then head over to The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga.
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. The Reef Resort (Vava’u)
Miles ahead of any other resort in Tonga when it comes to luxury, The Reef Resort is a top choice for those looking for modern comforts and sensational cuisine. Five bungalows are scattered among the gardens and directly on the beach of Kapa Island in Vava’u, providing a tranquil retreat for guests. Bungalows feature a king canopy bed and an extra single or two bedrooms with a king and a queen. Dining is easily the main event here as European Polynesian cuisine is prepared by decorated German or Swiss chefs. Such dining experiences are welcome, especially after hiking over the island to the breathtaking bay of Port Mourelle or making use of the kayaks, a clear-bottom kayak, SUP boards and a Hobie cat to explore the surrounding waters and nearby Japanese Coral Garden – see the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Vava’u. For more of the island groups’ most upscale stays, check out the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.
Check The Reef Resort out:
2. Sandy Beach Resort (Ha’apai)
Ha’apai’s only four-star resort, Sandy Beach Resort is tucked away from the world at the top of the blissfully sandy shores 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… See more stays for the discerning traveller in the 5 Best Luxury Resorts in Ha’apai.
Check Sandy Beach Resort out:
3. Katea Retreat (Tongatapu)
A boutique beach resort on the southern corner of Tongatapu, Katea Retreat offers a blissful stay for couples and groups of up to four – that is, until it’s Wednesday or Friday night or Sunday afternoon when its restaurant comes to life with cultural dancing and a traditional Tongan umu – see the 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga. But back to the accommodation, each of the five contemporary bungalows features a queen bed or two queens, a kitchenette with a gas stove, an ensuite bathroom and a balcony overlooking the breathtaking beach and reef below. The latter you’ll love to explore with its golden sands and arching rock formations – as featured in the 20 Best Beaches in Tonga. Free airport shuttles are available, while cultural medicine walks are also on offer. For more lavish stays, take a look at the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Tongatapu.
4. Kitesurf Tonga (Ha’apai)
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 10 Best Eco-Resorts in Tonga.
5. Mandala Resort (Vava’u)
Mandala Resort is exclusively available as a seven-day all-inclusive package through TradeWinds. Either stay on Fetoko Island for the complete seven days or mix it up with a sailing catamaran excursion through Vava’u. Either way, the resort offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, from making use of the water toys available to yoga sessions on the beach. Your stay will be in one of the six hand-crafted fales, including two luxurious treehouses. The resort also offers an upmarket dining experience with all meals and drinks included, including a Tongan cultural feast and entertainment on the neighbouring island. The resort is open from the end of February to the beginning of January. Note that the resort is for 16+ years only unless exclusively hiring. Learn more about adults-only escapes in 5 Best Adults-Only Resorts in Tonga.
6. Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses (Tongatapu)
If your idea of luxury is something utterly unique, then check out the lodges suspended in the trees at Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses. This handbuilt wonderland among the forests of Tongatapu‘s eastern side consists of two queen ensuite treehouses and one family treehouse, each distinctive and artistically finished. The property is a joy to explore between the communal lodge, fire pit, carved sculptures and suspended bridges leading to your fairy-light-lit abode. Watch the forest come to life at night with a fire show! While a light breakfast is included in the rate, breakfast and dinner are available to purchase should you not want to venture the 35 minutes it takes to get into Nuku’alofa. Note that there are children and dogs on the property. See more stays like (or more “unlike”) this in the 10 Most Unique Accommodations in Tonga.
Check Tukulolo Treehouses out:
7. Treasure Island Eco Resort (Vava’u)
Treasure Island Eco Resort offers a real island experience in its eight traditionally thatched fales. The resort on Eueiki Island in Vava’u has 48 acres (19 ha) of private island for its guests, offering an off-the-grid experience with solar power and a rainwater filtration system. Enjoy unique whale swimming experiences from the resort’s outrigger or enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, snorkelling gear and volleyball equipment. Meals are available as part of a meal plan at the on-site restaurant, and note that children under 12 are only allowed under special arrangements. The resort is open for the whale season until November. For more options in the same island group, check out Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.
8. Sea Change Eco Retreat (Ha’apai)
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. Discover more stays nearby in Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations.
9. Serenity Beaches Resort (Ha’apai)
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!
Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:
10. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)
The closest thing to a resort on ‘Eua, Blue Water Retreat offers a basic but small selection of ocean-view ensuite bungalows. But for something more “glamourous”, be sure to book one of their glamping tents. These elegant tents are set atop an elevated private deck and kitted out with tasteful furniture, truly setting the scene for a unique getaway. Ferry/airport transfers are included in the accommodation rates, while whale watching, spearfishing and island tours, as well as creative buffet-style meals at the onsite restaurant, can all be organised with the resort for an effortless stay. Intrigued by Tonga’s ancient island? Be sure to check out Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.
More About Luxury Resorts in Tonga
That’s it for the best luxury resorts in Tonga. For more tips to plan a special stay on the islands, take a look at more of our tips:
- Tonga Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days
- 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You
Finally, see more amazing stays in Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Luxury Travel Guide to Tonga.
Author
Laura (Lola) 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.