Are There Villas in Tonga?
When looking for idyllic holiday accommodation, we all have our usual go-to: resorts, apartments, hotels or villas. But are there villas in Tonga? If you’re from New Zealand or Australia, you might expect a villa to be a large colonial building, while those from Europe might be more looking for a private holiday home with a pool. We’ll help you choose the right one for you with this guide to finding a villa in Tonga.
And what do villas in Tonga look like? Take a look at the 10 Best Villas in Tonga to get a good idea.
5 Tips for Staying in a Villa in Tonga
- A “villa” in Tonga refers to accommodation in a colonial-style building, most of which can be found on the shores of Nuku’alofa
- The closest things to a private holiday home villa are the holiday homes that we list in the 20 Best Holiday Homes in Tonga
- Accommodations in Tonga are known to change services and facilities without updating their listings on websites and brochures. If there are any essential amenities you require, it’s best to inquire first to avoid disappointment
- Accommodation standards are a little lower than what you might be used to, as Tonga is a developing country
- See examples of villas in Tonga in our 10 Best Villas in Tonga.
What are Villas in Tonga?
Large colonial-style buildings are usually what the term “villa” refers to in Tonga. Most of which can be found on the waterfront of the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa.
The tourist villas found in Nuku’alofa have been modernly renovated into guesthouses, which include individual guest rooms, some with shared bathrooms and some with ensuites, as well as communal areas such as a lounge and kitchen. Examples of this are the Tonga Holiday Villa and Villa Ishadora. For more on what to expect from these accommodations, check out How to Choose the Best Guesthouse in Tonga for You.
If you’re looking for a “villa” in the sense of a more upmarket holiday home, some of your best options include Fale Tonga Guesthouse (Tongatapu), Oceansong House (Vava’u) and The Tropical Villa (Tongatapu). For more on what to expect from these types of accommodation, check out How to Choose the Best Holiday Home in Tonga for You.
Villa Standards in Tonga
It’s important to set a few expectations straight before checking into your villa 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, such as towels, toiletries, tea/coffee or even hot water. Tonga is more basic, so it is best to keep an open mind (and bring a travel towel).
Location, What is Nearby and How to Get There?
So far, the only villas found in Tonga are in Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu) and Vava’u. First, we recommend deciding on which of the two island groups appeals to you the most by comparing them with the following guides:
Another consideration is how to get to these destinations, which we go over in:
Finally, you should also consider the location of the villa within Nuku’alofa or Vava’u. Some villas are a long walk from town, while you may also want to see if there are grocery stores, restaurants or tours nearby that you would like to make use of. Check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby:
And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and the 10 Best Villas in Tonga.
Prices and What is Included in Your Stay?
Choosing a villa in Tonga also means picking the right villa with the best value for you, both in terms of price and in terms of facilities.
The cost of a private room in a villa in Nuku’alofa ranges from TOP$200 to $350 per night, while a private villa costs from TOP$450 to $730 in Nuku’alofa and from TOP$550 to $1,020 in Vava’u.
As for inclusions, some of the facilities and services to compare include:
- Free breakfast
- WiFi
- Airport transfers
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Kitchen facilities
- Gardens
- In-house activities and tours
- Watersports gear rental
- Car parking
- Vehicle hire
- TV
- Tea/coffee-making facilities
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Balcony/patio
- Swimming pool.
More About Choosing a Villa in Tonga
That’s it for how to choose a villa in Tonga. If you need more advice, how about tips from our other accommodation selection guides?
- 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
- How to Pick the Best Resort in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Lodge in Tonga
Now with a bit of research behind you, you can start selecting the perfect villa for you with Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in 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.