Matafonua Lodge

My second visit to Foa when there are a sea of tropical choices from New Zealand. Simplicity, beauty, choice. Matafonua Lodge is positioned in an idyllic lagoon spot with fantastic swimming, snorkeling and other water based options. You can have solitude, take in nature, head to a village, town, a neighboring island, they have games, puzzles, books, all day cafe/ restaurant with best food on island. You are made to feel so welcome. It's very safe. The sea breeze keeps you cool and there is always fresh rainwater for drinking. Beds are so comfortable and great shower toilet block an easy walk from fales. For me, the key is total relaxation. I don't require entertaining or have to do anything. But you can choose to. Tonga overall is a place to visit if you are flexible and don't have major dietary requirements. Produce is seasonal or requires to be brought in. Already planning for visit 3 in 2025. The Rice family are incredible - absolute superhosts! Was special to be there when new pup Mana arrived.

Breathtakingly beautiful spot. Literally every time you turn you’re gob smacked by the scenery and the colours of the water. Darren and Nina do an amazing job of providing an affordable retreat experience with the luxury of amazing meals and a beautiful sleep. We snorkelled, experienced whales, kayaked, ate, walked, swam in crystal clear waters and made friends. The communal dining brings everyone together at the end of a sun soaked day. Travelling in Tonga has its challenges but this place is worth the effort. Not for everyone but we found exactly what we were looking for.

A wonderful remote and very special place of our world to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. Matafonua is not for every one, it is remote, yet perfect for those who want to get away from all the crazy unnecessary choice in our lives. Darren and Nina run a very slick but so beautifully family feel lodge. The fale simple, the beds super comfortable, the bathrooms always spotless, the lounge area encouraged mingling and the stellar kitchen team wowed us with delicious meals every night. Variety is not easy to come by in Tonga, ingredients limited so we can easily say Matafonua served up the best food we had in Tonga. Thank you we loved our stay! And the secret best thing, being in the water! wonderful snorkelling and being given the opportunity, the privilege to swim with Humpback whales, what amazing majestic creatures. Our day in and on the water with humpbacks was made such a special experience due to the Matafonua team who took us, so knowledgeable and always treated the whales with utmost respect

I've been to hundreds of beaches around the world, and this is the best. White sands, turquoise water, it's paradise perfect. I spent three days here, which was about three weeks too short. Plenty to do from kayaking to horse riding, and I wan't even here for whale season. The owners and staff are friendly and attentive. Frosting on the cake was this was the best food in Tonga, not just Ha'apai, but all of Tonga. Manage your expectations with accommodations, it's not luxury, but who cares to be an stunning place like this.

Dream holiday in a million dollar location with a dedicated crew of staff. Darren, Nina, Lily and Tim were amazing. The snorkeling was epic, loved the fale with super comfortable beds, great food. Holidays any where else will struggle to compete with this one!

We stayed for 6 days in mid Feb which was simply sublime. There were only 1-3 other guests, so the experience was especially nice. Six dives in the clearest water I have ever experienced with abundant, healthy fish populations. Dive guide was knowledgeable and attentive, always seeking to provide an optimal experience based on winds and tides. Staff were just awesome, a real pleasure to be around. We will be bringing our family back for certification and freediving school at a unique, unspoiled, gorgeous, friendly setting.

You’d be hard pressed to find a better tropical location anywhere in the world - matched only by the amazing scenery are the fantastic hosts, Darrin Nina and family. The resort is reasonably basic but perfectly suited for the environment, it’s not trying to be the Hilton and in that sense I loved it so much. If you want a 5 star Honolulu type hotel this is’t the place for you the place for you , but it’s in a 5 star plus environment with 5 star plus delightful hosts and considering the remote location and difficultly of delivering even the simplest of foods , Motafonua far exceeds what could you reasonably expect for a remote resort nestled away in the most perfect of locations. The food is fresh and home cooked with love. The hosts actively participate with guests and are present around the resort to interact with guests and give that personal level of attention you’d never get at a large hotel chain. Come to Matafonua you won’t be disappointed.