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Mala Island Resort

Property class: 3

Photo gallery for Mala Island Resort

A wooden deck with a white chair, overlooking a turquoise sea and palm trees.
A tropical resort with a view of a calm lake and a mountain in the background.
A beach with clear turquoise water, a boat on the shore, and a lush green hill in the background.
An indoor bar area with a wooden ceiling, a bar counter, and seating.
A room with two beds, a large window with curtains, a nightstand, and a lamp.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
  • Laundry room
  • Room service

Explore the area

View map
Mala island, Mala, Vava'u
  • Place, Vava'u Harbor
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, St. Joseph's Cathedral
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Mt. Talau National Park
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Airport, Vava'u (VAV)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Romantic Double

A bed with a canopy, pillows, and a headboard.

Romantic Double

  • Ocean view
  • 27 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Panoramic Quad Room

A room with two beds, a large window with curtains, a nightstand, and a lamp.

Panoramic Quad Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

Mala

At Mala Island Resort, you'll be 10.8 km (6.7 mi) from Vava'u Harbor and 10.9 km (6.8 mi) from St. Joseph's Cathedral. Highlights at this lodge include a restaurant and in-room balconies. .This pet-friendly lodge offers free WiFi in public areas, a free food/drink shopping service and a terrace. Additionally, you'll find a free manager's reception, coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Each morning full breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 30-minute drive of this 3-property class Mala lodge include Mt. Talau National Park and Ene'io Botanical Garden.
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What's nearby

  • Vava'u Harbor - 20 min drive - 13.4 km
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral - 20 min drive - 13.8 km
  • Mt. Talau National Park - 25 min drive - 16.6 km

Getting around

  • Vava'u (VAV) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coffee & Tees - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Basque Tavern - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bellavista - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Tropicana Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Falaleu Deli - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Mala Island Resort

There's a restaurant on site. A free manager's reception is offered daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. A terrace, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at Mala Island Resort. The lodge can provide a complimentary food/drink shopping service and tour/ticket assistance.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Mala lodge.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Food/drink service (free)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Dining venue
Mala Island Resort offers 10 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and a ceiling fan. Rooms open to balconies. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Fridges, microwaves and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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  • Free Wi-Fi
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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 23 reviews
The price is AU$162
includes taxes & fees
11 Sept - 12 Sept
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on request

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: TOP 40 for adults and TOP 20 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Free daily manager's reception

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Free grocery shopping service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in room

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 7 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 4 per cent for credit card payments
There is no front desk at this property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately TOP 40 for adults and from TOP 20 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: TOP 150.00 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 4 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash.

Property is also known as

Mala Island
Mala Island Resort Mala
Mala Island Resort Lodge
Mala Island Resort Lodge Mala

Frequently asked questions

Does Mala Island Resort serve breakfast?

Sure does, full breakfast is on offer daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Mala Island Resort?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Mala Island Resort?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Mala Island Resort's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Mala Island Resort?

Check-in begins at noon. Check-out time is noon.

Mala Island Resort Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay at this quiet, friendly, rustic retreat at a family-run eco-resort. Good food as well!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing views, superb local kitchen.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Salvatore Flavio

Liked: Staff & service
A little resort in a wonderful location managed by an amazing family we had the pleasure to spend some time with! Great experience overall and … thank you to our hosts!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Temika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing 3 night stay at Mala resort. This family run accommodation is a great location within the Vava’u island group. The rooms are comfortable with spectacular views. With wifi in the common areas, it’s a great space to digitally detox while still being connected :) The hosts are so friendly and welcoming, happy to help with any request. We would recommend this property to anyone staying in Vava’u.
View from our room
A beach on the island
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Most beautiful place I have ever seen. Cool refreshing water. I was well cared for. I was treated like a family member. The food was fantastic. So peaceful. “Off the grid” experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a sweet stay this was. It’s on its own little island. The family is just delightful, the food was great and I would totally stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing 5 days at Mala Island Resort. Our host family were very hospitable and friendly and went out of their way to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. The snorkelling 100m off the island is incredible
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

maarten J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Little peace of paradise! Facilities a bit run down so don't expect anything fancy but compensated by lovely caretaker family and good value for money for Tongan standards. Ideal place for digital detox. Great meals. Would stay here again as an island retreat.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Chill place on a remote island :-)

A great stay on this small private island. It is remote, so make sue that is good for you. Has a small beach with good snorkeling. There is a bit of current. This place is great for whale watching…sometimes you can see the humpbacks from the island! Room was excellent and comfortable, good hot water. Great meals. Owner arranged for whale swim tours to come and pick me up from the island..a bonus! Thanks so much for a wonderful, relaxing stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The family running the resort were very friendly and ready and willing to do all they could to fulfill your requests. Transport to and from the airport were arranged with no hassle. When we needed to change dates they were very easy to work with. This was a great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We really enjoyed our time there and it was an opportunity to really get off the grid. Beautiful location. Nisha and his family treated us like royalty. He helped us arrange a great boat tour around the islands along with a scuba dive and swim with the whales at the last minute. They cooked our food to order which was excellent. We have already recommended him to friends
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is truly a mom-and-pop resort. Their teenage children help and are always happy and smiling. This is not a luxury resort but has comfortable nice lodgings with million-dollar views of the gorgeous water, surrounding islands, and stunning sunsets and starry skies. Each room has its own full bathroom comfortable bed, refrigerator, and balcony. The owners cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for an additional reasonable charge and the food is excellent, we had a Tongan traditional pig roast which was fantastic. Excellent place to stay, they have wifi in the main dining room/deck and the snorkeling is amazing. Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sophie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an incredible slice of paradise! Nesha, Oli and family were so incredibly welcoming and friendly. The island is so tranquil and relaxing and has the most amazing private beach. Oli prepared the most delicious meals. Breakfast was fit for a champion (toast, eggs, bacon and fresh fruit) and the dinners which were mostly fresh fish were super tasty and fresh and all meals were good value. The resort itself is a little tired but amazing by Tongan standards (we have stayed at many other places in Tonga). The resort also has hot water which is a rarity in Tonga. The resort is next to the Japanese Gardens which can be snorkelled from the island with relative ease, the reef had a large range of different fish and we saw a turtle (the best snorkelling we have had in Tonga)! We also used Mala Resort’s kayak and kayaked to Swallows Cave which was quite a challenge but very doable from the resort. The transport to and from the resort was also well arranged. Thanks very much for our stay.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Laureline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Mala island resort is not a flash resort but this is largely compensated by the environment. The cabins have great views on the sea and sunset, the island is quiet,and the marine life next door is incredible. Our hosts organised the transport from and to the airport, plus our whale swim day. The room we were had mosquito nets around each bed, but there was not many mosquitos when we were there in September. Meals are cooked by our hosts at a reasonable cost. However, I recommend to buy some snacks before heading to the island at Neiafu during the transfer, as we were a bit hungry after snorkeling and couldn't wait until diner time. The menu includes several options so my child who doesn't like fish could always have the option of a salad or chicken. Snorkeling is great from the beach. The so called "Japanese gardens" are next door with plenty of colourful fish. The coral reef suffered from the last cyclone and there is a big part damaged or dead, but there are still some live reefs that will satisfy any snorkeler. We saw some bigger animals too: a couple of reef sharks and turtles. We didn't have snorkel.equipment for everyone as I thought the resort will have some spares. They don't. So bring all snorkel gear. In September, the water temperature was around 25 degrees. I didn't put any wetsuit but I was a bit cold after 2 hours snorkeling. My family wore wet suits. The reef had enough diversity that we consider coming outside the whale season.
The beach with in front the Japanese gardens
The deck where we have our meals with Daisy, very friendly dog
Sunset from our cabin
The island from the boat when we left
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wir waren 4 Nächte hier u es hat uns sehr gefallen. Die Gastgeberfamilie ist überaus bemüht u sehr freundlich/hilfsbereit. Bei Bedarf können Dinge aus dem Supermarkt bestellt werden. Vor Ort wird gekocht u es gibt vom frischen Tuna oder Mahi Mahi über Pasta u Sandwiches alles was das Herz begehrt. Die Zimmer selbst haben einen fantastischen Ausblick über die Bucht u wir haben aus nächster Nähe mehrmals Buckelwale vorbeischwimmen sehen. Das Gesamtpaket stimmt u lässt somit über den ein oder anderen Punkt was die Zimmer angeht hinwegsehen (etwas abgewohnt). Kühlschrank im Zimmer vorhanden :-) Wir würden wiederkommen.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great island experience; a real opportunity to disconnect
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
On an island, private trail (920 metres), could walk around island at low tide. Staff tried to be helpful, with limited resources. Did a great job of organizing transit to and from the resort.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Des Essen war fantastisch, die Eigentümer superhilfsbereit und freundlich, die Lage der Bungalows ist sehr schön, man schaut aufs Meer und Palmen, der Garten ist schön, der Strand ist ok, leider ist die Anlage in die Jahre gekommen, daher auch schwer sauber zu halten, alles müsste grundüberholt werden. Das Internet ist wie überall langsam oder nicht da, wenn viele eingeloggt sind. Die Korallen vor Ort (Japanese Garden?) kann man vergessen. Aber man kann schöne Bootsausflüge machen und auch die Waltouren sind super von dort aus zu machen.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wow, where do we even start with Mala Island resort, Neesha, Olivia and the girls were amazing. The location is out of this world incredible, situated on a secluded island, it’s the perfect sanctuary to unwind and relax. We bought food over but mostly ate Olivia and the girls cooking because it’s was always so tasty and fresh. We had the most amazing tuna! I would highly recommend this island for anyone who wants to truly experience a relaxing holiday. This has to be one of my favourite holiday destinations in the world, we will 100% be back next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Vega

I booked but didn’t stay there as the communication with them was less than reliable. Since they are several miles off shore and require a water shuttle it did not look like I would make an 8AM flight departure.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This island is very back to basics and great if you want to get away from everything. The food offered is wonderful and Neisha and Oli are very accomodating. Remember to bring games to keep you amused and snacks and drinks, as you can only get to the shops by boat.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Olga

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023