How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga for You

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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.

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.

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 luxuries like private beach access or gardens. On the other hand, there may be a few amenities missing, such as in-room electricity and WiFi, for example.

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, providing whale swimming, cultural shows and complimentary use of watersports gear. Check out some examples in the 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Tonga and check out typical facilities in How to Choose the Best Resort in Tonga for You.

Four-Star Lodges and Hotels

Some four-star boutique lodges and hotels can be found in the capital of Tonga, Nuku’alofa. These upscale lodges and hotels are luxuriously furnished and have amenities expected from an international-standard hotel, such as an ensuite, towels, toiletries 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 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tonga and what facilities to expect in How to Choose the Best Lodge in Tonga for You and How to Choose the Best Hotel in Tonga for You.

Upscale 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 20 Best Holiday Homes in Tonga and 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Tonga, as well as what facilities to expect in How to Choose the Best Holiday Home in Tonga for You.

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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 of what each island group offers luxury travellers by using the following guides:

• The Luxury Guide to Tongatapu
• The Luxury Guide to Ha’apai
• The Luxury Guide to Vava’u

What is Nearby

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 or walking distance of shops and a variety of restaurants, but they are likely far from the beach.

Check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby, as well as a compilation of luxury accommodations based on location:

• Where to Stay on Tongatapu and 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Tongatapu
• Where to Stay in Ha’apai and 5 Best Luxury Resorts in Ha’apai
• Where to Stay in Vava’u and 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.

And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tonga.

How to Get There

Finally, consider how to get to your chosen accommodation. Tongatapu is the main island where most visitors arrive in Tonga, so getting to Ha’apai and Vava’u typically requires an additional flight (alternatively, limited international flights arrive at Vava’u Airport). Most offer airport/wharf transfers for a fee. Learn more about getting to your chosen accommodation in the following:

• 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tongatapu
• 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Ha’apai
• 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u.

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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 accommodations in Tonga in that many offer their own activities and entertainment, such as kayaking, snorkelling, whale swimming, cultural tours, cultural shows, 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. Learn more about the latter in Should You Buy a Resort Meal Plan in Tonga?

Inclusions at Lodges, Apartments and Holiday Homes

Inclusions at other types of luxury accommodations may include luxurious extras such as 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.