Independent review for Fafa Island Resort in Tongatapu Lagoon, Tonga Islands

fafa island hotel location picture

Fafa Island Resort is a small upmarket boutique resort on an idyllic uninhabited coral island just fifteen minutes off the coast of Nuku'alofa. Boasting absolute seclusion yet in a prime location for international travellers, a picturesque beach, turquoise swimming lagoon and the most beautiful accommodation in Tonga, Fafa surprisingly offers one of the best value romantic escapes in the entire South Pacific.

Recommended For:
  • Couples & Families
  • Beautiful Beach on Private Island
  • Exploring Uninhabited Islands
Quick Facts
  • 13 Bungalows
  • Mainland Offshore- Beachfront Location
  • Restaurant & Bar, Snorkelling, Cruises

Fafa Island Resort Information & Facts

  • Hotel Location:   Uninhabited coral island in Tongatapu Lagoon, off from Nuku'alofa
  • Getting There:    50 minutes by road PLUS boat from Tonga International Airport
  • Unique Qualities:    Gorgeous beach, good base for sightseeing and island hopping
  • Ideal for:    Couples
  • Hotel Features:    13 traditional style deluxe bungalows
  • Dining:    Restaurant & bar - no independent restaurants close by
  • Children Policy:    All ages welcome
  • Local Attractions / Tours:    Snorkel reefs, uninhabited islands, sightseeing on Tongatapu
  • The Beach:    Excellent, coral island surrounded by fine white sand
  • The Ocean:    Excellent, sandy bottom, protected with no waves
  • Snorkelling:    Excellent off from beach - outer reef snorkel trips
  • Other Activities:    Scuba diving, game fishing, island hopping boat excursions

Room Information

Superior Fales are hand crafted bungalows using a variety of local materials including tropical timber, coconut thatch, bamboo poles and woven pandanus leaves. Interiors are exceptionally well appointed and designed for tropical living with a King size bed, a day bed, open air outdoor bathroom in a screened tropical garden and a small sun deck with loungers.

Deluxe Fales are larger than Superior Fales. Interiors are exceptionally well appointed and designed for tropical living with a King size bed, a day bed, open air outdoor bathroom in a screened tropical garden and a small sun deck with loungers. Deluxe fales have more spacious interiors than Superior Fales with King size bed, large living area and outdoor bathroom in a private courtyard and are fronted by a large wooden sun deck with loungers. Three of the fales have a second room for children or couples travelling together.

The two Honeymoon fales offer absolute seclusion being located along private pathways meandering through tropical vegetation. These fales have slightly different designs, both having a King size bed raised slightly on a wooden platform as the main living space and both with an outdoor bathroom in private screened garden plus an indoor changing room. One of the Honeymoon Fales has a mezzanine room accessed via a ladder with a second King size day bed for lounging and ocean views. The other fale has a King size day bed in an outdoor gazebo. Both Fales have a large wooden sun deck, sun loungers, table and chairs for private dining, hammocks and private gardens leading down to the beach.

Hotel Amenities

Fafa Island is a full service resort with all rooms serviced daily, a fine dining restaurant set overlooking the water, a fun cocktail bar and a communal lounge with internet access, games and library for rainy days. Kayaks and snorkel equipment are complimentary with decent snorkelling off the beach, although swimming in the lagoon is practical only at mid to high tide. Paid activities include snorkelling trips to the even smaller Maninoa coral atoll (ten minutes off Fafa) which offer exceptional snorkelling reefs. There are also island hopping trips to visit other uninhabited islets and sand bars, a sailing cruise around the lagoon and whale watching (in season – July to Oct) – whales can sometimes be seen from the restaurant or fales breaching in the channel just off Fafa. Guests can catch the twice daily boat shuttle to Nuku'alofa Town free of charge for shopping and sightseeing.

Accommodation is in one of thirteen traditionally designed fales (bungalows) hand crafted from a variety of local materials including tropical timber, coconut thatch, bamboo poles and woven pandanus leaves. Interiors are exceptionally well appointed, spacious and with breezy interiors designed for tropical living. Rooms are free air-conditioning, TVs, sound systems and telephones to maximise the peaceful environment. All fales offer optimum privacy with access via the back of each fale leaving private lawn areas leading to the beachfront.