Recommendations on accommodation in Tongatapu

Hi there,

I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for accommodation while in Tongatapu. My partner and I are looking for a place away from the crowds/bars/nightclubs, ideally near the beach or lagoon. It doesn't need to be fancy by any means, just comfortable, we are happy to pay about $150T per night but if less then that is a bonus.

We are tossing up the idea of also going to Ha'apai and/or Eua. Can you get the relaxing island holiday on Tongatapu, or do you really need to head farther out?

Any ideas/info much appreciated

Cheers
Nikki

Tongatapu isn't in any way an attractive travel destination-it's hot flat dusty smoky smelling from garbage fires crowded and boring.

Ha'api would suit you much better-haven't been to Eua

Hi Nikki,
I agree with Harry: Tongatapu is good for maybe a day or two to do some sightseeing and shopping, but I am not sure about beach holiday. I haven´t been to 'Eua either, supposedly it´s beautiful for hiking, cave climbing etc. but I don´t believe they have many beaches.
If you´re after relaxing on almost deserted white sandy beaches, then Ha'apai would be an option. There are lots of inexpensive guesthouses on the main island Lifuka and beaches can be reached within a few minutes. There are also 3 resorts on the next island of Uoleva: Captain Cook´s and Diana´s are budget, Serenity Beaches is in the midrange. All of them are on picture-postcard white beaches with a great atmosphere and good food.

Have fun!

Nikki,

I also reccomend Ha'apai. One other option is to stay in the islet conected to the main island, close to the village of Faleloa. There is a nice place called Matafonua, check with them as well. It's pretty calm overthere and there are no discos or stuff like this, but if you wish you can socialize at the small restaurant (qhich is quite nice too, you meet really interesting people). http://www.matafonua.com/ Or you can go to the guesthouses too, which are simpler but will offer you an unique experience. They are mainly located at Lifuka. Ha'apai is pretty, pretty quiet!

On Tongatapu I always suggest the Nerima Lodge, but other places are good. A few are overrated.

If money is not an object, Fafa is very relaxing! ;-)

Hope I'm not too late to update you on my thoughts of Tonga. There isn't much beach on Tongatapu but definently stay there for a few days and check out the off shore islands for a day trip. We stayed at Heilala Holiday lodge and it was really nice. They even pick u up from the airport. We went to both Eua (good for walks and treks) and then went to the Ha'apai Group. Stayed at Matafonua which was a little expensive but well worth it. Beaches are great and lots of swimming and snorkelling a really great place to just relax and meet people. We also went the deserted island adventure and stayed at Captain Cook's on Uoleva bit basic but we expected worse so really enjoyed the time there too. The best advice I think is don't expect anywhere near 5 star and if you can be happy with 3 you will have a wonderful holiday away from it all. Tonga is in my opinion a well kept secret for holiday makers hope you enjoy your's. ellie.

Hi everyone - thanks very much for the information, It has been very helpful and much appreciated

Nikki

Even in Vavau up north there are no real beaches on the main island, nor on the islets attached to them, except at the Tongan Resort about a 20 minute drive from town. Haapai would be the best spot for nice beaches. There are a few on the west side of Tongatapu, but they are not that special, nor are the accommodations at those places.