Very native bungalows made us very happy. The island has many many beautiful flowers and you can enjoy snorkeling and canoeing. Only 10-15 minutes to walk around the whole island, and only about 10-30 tourists are staying. You can enjoy very comfortable days.
Located just over the ocean and it has private beach( natural pool).There exist only several cottages,so you can stay as if you were in your own house. This resort is run by an Italian lady--who will receive you warmly. and shi has several cute dogs there.
Directions: On the main island 'Tongatapu'. It's about 30 minutes by car from the airport and it's located on the small cliff-from which you can enjoy beautiful ocean view.
There was a gift shop, a hair salon and a bar lounge and pool. Maybe a 4 story hotel, very clean. Electrical outlets are differnt then american outlets but the hotel had adapters to purchase. We asked the hotel to do our laundry, and if I remember right it took 3 days to get it back, they are very laid back in Tonga, nothing is done quick. The cheese for grilled cheese sandwichs was goat cheese, white not orange in color. People drank Austrailian and New Zealand beer there. When in the lounge, each of us had our own waiter to cater to our every need, and I believe they don't tip there.
...I experienced myself, are on islands, more or less far from the main Island of Tongatapu, and far away from any kind of noise or trouble. They can be viewed on the respective pages, as Tonga is formed from three groups of islands:
The Lagoon Lodge. Brand new full size apartments, bedroom and bath are upstairs. Full kitchen and living room downstairs. Phones in each apartment. No T.V. in the units. Full laundry facilities. Pretty quiet location, except for a near by bar that goes full speed most of the night. But if you are a good sleeper, it won't bother you. There are many other lodging choices. Some are thatched huts to the Internationl Dateline Hotel with a restaurant, full bar and pool. We paid $40.00 per night U.S. dollars
The great thing about the Lagoon Lodge is that it is on the lagoon with a great view from any room. No restaurant there, yet. They were planning one in June of this year, 2001. Price is a bit more than staying downtown or on the ocean front. No pool, but the lagoon is great for swimming and fishing. There is a beautiful dock with picnic tables near by. The view is to die for.
Directions: On the lagoon. Any taxi driver will know where it is. Some of the locals didn't know about it. If you visit the Visitor's Center on Vuna Rd., they should know where it is. Also any travel place in tow
Keleti Beach Resort: My favorite place to stay in...
My favorite place to stay in Tonga when I go on a prayer retreat is the Keleti Beach Resort. Maria (from Italy) is the sweetest lady. It's not much more thatn T$25-35 for a nite, and you are about 7 miles outside of Tonga facing West for those incredible South Pacific sunsets. When I've stayed there there's usually just 2 or 3 people at the whole resort- a whole beach to yourself!
The guesthouse is in a really quiet part of town and is right on the waterfront so it has a nice outlook. It is only 5 minutes easy stroll to the main Post Office and Friends Cafe in the town centre. The proprietor, Ms Fashimi, is really friendly and welcoming. The Fijian housekeeper (whose name I regretably have forgotten) is also a real angel. The rooms are simple but clean and you have your own bathroom - with hot water (something you are grateful for after a week without it on the other islands of Tonga).
B&B is about T$50 a night, however I paid T$25 a night without breakfast.
Immaculately tidy inside. Lavishly furnished. Right on the waterfront and rooms on the west side of the building get a nice view. A large deck overlooking the harbour and all the yachts, is a nice place to sit and read or write postcards.