Sandy Beach Resort
Tonga Hotel Reviews
Beautiful South Pacific Holidays

Independent review for Sandy Beach Resort in the Ha'apai Group, Tonga Islands

Sandy Beach Resort is a secluded upmarket boutique resort in Ha’apai fronting a deep white sandy beach, probably the nicest beach in Tonga. With just twelve beachfront cottages aimed primarily at couples, excellent swimming and snorkelling in a protected lagoon, a laid back South Seas atmosphere and efficiently managed, this is one of the premier holiday beach resorts in Tonga.

Room Information

Accommodation is in twelve cottages set back twenty metres from the beachfront and well spaced apart for privacy. Cottages are identical in design with high ceilings and large open windows for optimum sea breezes and ventilation. Interiors are spacious with whitewashed walls decorated in Tongan artworks, King size bed (two single beds joined), wardrobe and writing desk with a view to the ocean. The en-suite bathroom has a good size shower although water pressure can be low. All cottages have a covered veranda at the front with beach views and path leading down to the beach with sun loungers and small thatch hut for shade.

Hotel Amenities

The beach at Sandy Beach Resort extends beyond the resort for a few hundred metres to a sandy point – the northern end of Foa Island – and along a meandering rocky limestone coast to the south, accessible only at low tide and with several small cove beaches making it great for exploring. The sand directly in front of the resort is deep with at least ten metres of beach remaining at high tide, backed by light scrub and coconut trees strung with hammocks. The lagoon has a sandy bottom and making it great for swimming at all tides and there’s good snorkelling a short swim from the beach.

The fully licensed restaurant is for House Guests only and serves first class cuisine, specializing in fresh Fish and Lobster dishes.

Snorkelling trips to the outer reef are available with onsite operator Ha'apai Divers who also offer first class scuba diving and Whale Watching tours in season – dolphins and humpback whales can sometimes be seen directly from the beach. There are nice views to several outer islands which can be reached by sea kayak available for hire with walkie talkie, dry bag and life jacket from Ha'apai Divers. The nearest of the islands is only five minutes across the channel and is uninhabited with a pristine beach and several archaeological sites to visit. Village visits are also a great way to spend the day with complimentary bicycles available for exploring Foa Island.

Accommodation is in twelve cottages set back twenty metres from the beachfront and well spaced apart for privacy. Cottages are identical in design with high ceilings and large open windows for optimum sea breezes and ventilation. Interiors are spacious with whitewashed walls decorated in Tongan artworks, King size bed (two single beds joined), wardrobe and writing desk with a view to the ocean. The en-suite bathroom has a good size shower although water pressure can be low. The furthest bungalow has an additional bedroom with two single beds accessed from the bathroom (children over 12yrs ONLY). All cottages have a covered veranda at the front with beach views and path leading down to the beach with sun loungers and small thatch hut for shade.