Budget or Boujee? Royal Sunset Island Resort, Tonga

Ticking off my 26th country, in September I finally managed to visit a place that’s been a dream of mine: Tonga. Not only did I realise my ultimate bucket-list moment of swimming with HUMPBACK WHALES (which you can read about here), but I also managed to stay on a paradise island. Welcome to the second instalment of Budget or Boujee: Tropical Edition.

Nestled in between Samoa and New Zealand is the minute collection of islands known as the Kingdom of Tonga. Also known as the Friendly Islands, Tonga is made up on 170 little tropical islands all ready to be explored. While it’s smack bang in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s easily accessed by flights from Auckland with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia.

So here is my overview of staying on one of the hundreds of tiny islands in Tonga, and it’s only hotel Royal Sunset Island Resort.

Royal Sunset Island Resort

Royal Sunset Island Resort is based on Atata Island, which is easily accessible by small boat from Nuku’alofa Wharf, Nuku’alofa. The boat ride is TOP60 (around $40 NZD) for a return. Boats run twice a day from Nuku’alofa Wharf, and then from the Atata Island pier.

This four-star hotel on a private island features a pool which looks out over the ocean, a bar, restaurant, kayak/paddleboard hire, wifi, cultural shows, game fishing, whale watching tours, and island tours of the local village and plantations. However, the star of the show at Royal Sunset Island Resort is the absolutely AMAZING scenery.

The Rooms

We stayed in the most beautiful beachside bungalow, which was literally a 4-second walk to the ocean. In Tonga (and a few other Pacific nations), these beachside bungalows are called fales. Although our room was deemed a “budget” fale, the room came with a netted double bed, two single beds, a fridge, free tea and coffee, huge bathroom (with hot water), and free mosquito coils (of which we used them all!). All of their fales are surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens (hellooooo palm trees!), which all lead out to the glistening turquoise water.

The most beautiful (and relaxing) part, though, was the wooden decking outside which had two chairs and looked out over the ocean. I spent a lot of time just outside reading on the deck drinking coffee, or writing in my journal taking in the marvellous view. Upgraded versions of the bungalows also had hammocks and beach loungers out on their decking.

Food and Drink

Each morning and lunch there was a small menu available at their Open Air Polynesian Restaurant, the food was pretty basic but I wouldn’t expect too much from a remote island. It’s obvious that the locals live within their means and take advantage of the resources that are on offer to them. Because of this, there was a ton of fresh fish on the menu (which I was pretty happy about). Basic western food is also available; things like ham sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, pizza etc.

As we stayed over a Sunday, we got the best slice of Tongan culture at the Royal Sunset Island Resort. Sundays are a day of worship and family, and the family who runs the resort is more than happy to take you to the village church with them to join in with the locals. Afterwards, the buffet was open! I’m talking freshly caught fish, tons of local fruits and veggies, and salads.

Activities and Things to do

Staying at Royal Sunset Island Resort may well mean you’re on a remote tropical island, but fear not there is plenty to do! Swimming and snorkelling are encouraged in the clear water and reefs surrounding the island. The resort also offers free kayak hire for guests, where you can paddle right up to your fale if you want to.

If you’re more of a land lover, there’s a volleyball court, tennis (island style), pool tables, and a massage centre. Even just taking a walk around the island was an activity in itself, as we saw breaching whales out to sea, families of pigs roaming the beaches, and made friends with many island dogs who wanted our attention.

Verdict

As much as Royal Sunset Island Resort looks boujee, with its white-sand beaches and beach fales, the stay itself was surprisingly BUDGET. For a 4* hotel, on a private island, the rates were budget-friendly. We also brought our own beers and snacks from the mainland, drank all the free tea and coffee in the room, and only really “splashed out” on the Sunday buffet. The food was quite pricey, so I recommend buying your essentials from the mainland if you are budgeting. If this isn’t an issue, prepare to treat yo’self girl!

Even after some of the gorgeous resorts and stays I’ve had around the world, Royal Sunset Island Resort is one of the more picturesque and chilled out places I’ve ever stayed. We stayed for one night and had the most gorgeous weather, which included a beautiful sunset!

You can book to stay at Royal Sunset Island Resort here.