We arrived at 07-00 and were met at the airport by the islands contracted driver who transported us to the harbour, where we transferred to a launch for our 45 minute journey to Fafa Island, all of which went without a hitch. On arrival at the island we went ashore, leaving our luggage on the boat. As we stepped onto the white sand beach around 08-30 we were warmly greeted and invited to the dining area where some guests were still enjoying breakfast. We were quickly shown to our Fale to find our luggage waiting for us. We were invited to freshen up and return to the dining area to have some breakfast.

Our Fale was exquisite with every possible attention to detail having been attended too. Well appointed with appropriate furniture both inside the Fale, on the deck and in the grounds, everything being spotlessly clean.

With our own area of the grounds and beach to relax in, we quickly started to unwind, which was assisted by no television, e.mail, mobile phone signal, and just the noise of the waves lapping on the shore and the local birds.

The food at Fafa was superb with a good selection of dishes at every meal. The staff were attentive but not intrusive. Daily return trips to the main island are available as are trips to small uninhabited local islands. Snorkelling gear, and kyacks are available for guests to use free of charge.

If you are looking to get away from it all and enjoy peace and tranquility on a small south pacific island, we would recommend Fafa Island without hesitation.

Just a word of advice, I love Fafa and have visited as a daytripper and as a paying guest. As a paying guest you are treated like royalty. As a daytripper you may be treated as a nuisance and can't use any water gear. Unfortunately I've heard this observation from others too. I guess you get what you pay for, but considering that it has the most expensive island day trip, the service is the comparateively not as good. I'd go to Pangaimotu on four different days for the price of one Fafa... and Pangaimotu's swimming is much better IMHO

We were surprised with this resort. The website makes the rooms, particularly, but the island as a whole seem fairly basic and worn. Reality is different. The fales are well appointed, comfortable and clean. The website does not represent how pleasant this place is. The rooms are basic, however, in that they contain no modern devices (no phone, TV etc) and are open to the elements and the local wildlife. If you want widescreen TV and marble bathrooms, then this place is not for you. If you want peace, quiet and space, then it is.

The beach and surrounding reef is picture postcard stuff. It is as you would hope it to be.

We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the staff who were kind and friendly. Food was good (grilled lobster, excellent steaks) and reasonably priced.

As for value, not bad. I'm sure you can find cheaper in Tonga(!) but whether you can find as good, I doubt - certainly not within a short boat ride from Nuku'Alofa. The scores reflect the competition (local, not global!).

FaFa Island Resort is a simply wonderful place for a holiday.

The island itself is very beautiful and very relaxing. There are beaches, warm water, fish, coral, birdlife and lots of coconuts. All wonderful.

It is an easy 30 minute transfer from Nukualofa. No need to stay on the mainland as it is very easy to go across for a day of shopping or siteseeing.

The superior fales are very convenient and comfortable and yet they retain the traditional Tongan architecture and style. Tha main bedroom and combined lounge room is a spacious room with a lovely king sized bed at one end and a couch, table, chairs and bar fridge at the other.

There is a second bedroom separated by a useful walk-through wardrobe and storage area. Off to one side is a most gorgeous indoor/outdoor bathroom. Tropical plants surround the outside shower which is completely private. Showering under the stars with solar heated rainwater is really special. I shall never forget the experience.

When we arrived our fale was decked out with beautiful flowers from the surrounding gardens. The reception area, the restaurant and bar were always adorned with fresh flower displays. Tongan artifacts were used throughout and greatly enhanced the resort.

Other unforgetable touches were the oil lamps brought around at dusk and the flask of hot water at dawn on the front porch ready for tea or coffee.

The food was an excellent mixture of Tongan and European quisine. We couldn't wait to see what delights were on the menu each evening. The highlight was the Thursday Tongan feast followed by the cultural show. The singing and dancing by the staff was wholehearted and absolutely delightful.

Everything was done with elegance and pride. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. It was a joy to stay in the atmosphere that was created. We dream of a return visit.

Highly recommended.