The Top Resorts and Accommodations in Vava’u for Families
A great base is essential for the enjoyment of a family holiday. Having a place for the kids to roam, plenty of space to sleep, and some sort of entertainment are all on the priority list for families heading to the islands of Vava’u! So whether you’re looking for a beachfront holiday resort or an affordable base close to restaurants, shops and activities, we listed a range of options in this list of family accommodations in Vava’u! While you’re here, be sure to check out The Guide to Vava’u for Families.
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. Boathouse Apartments
Conveniently (and ideally) located in an elevated position in Neiafu, the Boathouse Apartments are a top choice for families seeking a self-sufficient holiday. The apartments boast spectacular views of the yachts in the harbour and sit adjacent to a variety of boating and diving operators. Enjoy a home-away-from-home experience in either a one- or two-bedroom apartment or one of the two studios with a modern kitchen and designer bathrooms with walk-in showers. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Vava’u.
Check Boathouse Apartments out:
2. Tongan Beach Resort
A relaxing beachfront retreat that doesn’t involve the hassle and expense of overwater travel, Tongan Beach Resort is an easy choice for families. The resort is easy to access from Neiafu, located on the causeway-connected ‘Utungake Island with its own stretch of sandy paradise and a private jetty. Relax in the open-air restaurant with an a la carte menu and a wealth of cocktails, or lounge in the day beds soaking in the Tongan sun. There’s an amazing snorkelling spot just off the beach where you might meet the resident turtle, while complimentary use of kayaks is also available. The Tongan Beach Resort caters to couples, families and groups with double and family rooms available – all metres away from the water’s edge. See more resort-style stays in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
Check Tongan Beach Resort out:
3. The Harbourview
Far enough away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough for convenience, The Harbourview is well worth considering for families. The quiet location in the village of Toula provides a retreat in tropical gardens with glorious views of the Port of Refuge and access to the water with SUP and snorkelling gear available to make the most of it. The accommodation has a self-contained two-bedroom family bungalow and a bungalow with interconnecting rooms and a kitchenette. There’s free WiFi in the communal area where you can also play pool and darts or order food at their very popular restaurant. A light breakfast is included in your stay. Otherwise, there are plenty of meals to entice on the menu, as listed in the 10 Best Restaurants in Vava’u.
Check The Harbourview out:
4. Mystic Sands
A boutique resort also on the waterfront of ‘Utungake Island, Mystic Sands is easy to get to from Neiafu yet provides a tranquil retreat. Stay in one of the modernly-furnished family rooms with ocean views and the beach just steps away. Each room has kitchenette facilities for self-catering (including a coffee plunger – woohoo!) but you might just feel that the included breakfast is enough, while you may also want to take the opportunity to order the meals available or even try an umu. The hosts can also organise a number of activities around the island for you or you can just make do with the complimentary use of the kayaks, swimming pool and beach games.
Check Mystic Sands out:
5. Billfish Holiday Apartments
Two modern apartments await on the foreshore of the Port of Refuge at Billfish Holiday Apartments. The downstairs self-contained units are close enough to Neiafu for convenience (a 3-minute drive or taxi), yet far enough away to feel like you’re in a world of your own, especially with the breathtaking views enjoyed from the elevated garden and walkway leading to a private jetty. Each apartment has a king-sized bed and a full kitchen/dining area in an attractive open-plan layout leading to a shared deck outside. There’s also room to add two single beds into the apartment. Families enjoy their time here relaxing in the outdoor area with a barbecue or taking your hosts up on the offer of their fishing charter, as listed in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Tonga.
6. Hakula Lodge
Enjoy your own piece of paradise overlooking the Port of Refuge at Hakula Lodge. The lodge has two self-contained units available with a master bedroom and a fold-out sofabed that can sleep one or two kids. What’s more, children under 12 years old stay for free! Enjoy family time from your balcony with a barbecue and cook meals with the kitchen facilities. Hakula Lodge offers their own sports fishing and boat cruises, while other features of the lodge include free kayak hire and snorkelling gear. See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.
7. Blue Lagoon Resort
Retreat to the remote Foeata Island in the heart of the whale swimming areas at the Blue Lagoon Resort. Whales can be seen breaching from the resort, which also offers its own reputable whale swimming tours. As for accommodation, the Blue Lagoon Resort offers four types of beach huts elevated above the water – one of the very few overwater bungalows in Tonga! The “Reef” fale is the best option for families with a split-level design and two separate bedrooms. There’s ample room to enjoy between the indoor lounge and the outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon.
8. Pineapple Bungalows
This one is ideal for large families or two families travelling together on a budget. Despite the name, Pineapple Bungalows rents out just one “bungalow” ironically the entire upper floor of their family home. Located in the village of Toula, a short drive from Neiafu (luckily, they also operate Coconut Rentals), the top-floor space includes five bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette but no kitchen. Your hosts can arrange breakfast and dinner for you to enjoy meals with a sea view from the verandahs. Other features include WiFi access for a flat fee, hot water and mosquito screens on the windows. See more stays with your own private space in the 5 Best Holiday Homes in Vava’u.
9. Vaimalo Fales
Stay in one of three beautiful fales (bungalows) on the shores of a traditional Vava’uan village, Vaimalo. Vaimalo Fales offers two fully self-contained overwater fales with a kitchen; one facing the sunset and the other facing the sunrise. It’s the ultimate destination to relax and make use of the kayaks and snorkelling gear provided to explore the sheltered waters. There’s also a traditional fale at the back of the property with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Although out of town, Vaimalo offers rental vehicles for a very reasonable price and can arrange a taxi for airport and town transfers. Laundry facilities are also available for a fair fee.
10. Lucky’s Beach Houses
Last but certainly not least, Lucky’s Beach Houses offers an excellent base for a family holiday on the tip of ‘Utungake Island. Getting there is a breeze with your hosts offering airport/wharf pick-up, stopping in town to get supplies on the way so you can make use of the self-catering facilities available in each beach house and duplex. The two houses are the best option for families of three or four. Enjoy family barbecues in the barbecue area and get out on the water on the kayaks available!
More About Family Accommodations in Vava’u
That’s it for the best family accommodations in Vava’u. For more tips to help plan the perfect family getaway, take a look at the following:
- 10 Things to Do in Vava’u with Kids
- The Food Guide to Vava’u: Places to Eat & Food Tours
- Vava’u Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u
Finally, get even more inspiration for your family getaway with The Travel Guide to Tonga for Families and the 10 Things to Do in Tonga with Kids.
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.