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Royal Sunset Island Resort

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Traveller (296)
Room & Suite (108)
Pool & Beach (58)

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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Other miscellaneous taxes and hotel fees which are not fixed or due at time of booking may be payable at the property at time of stay. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 1 resort in Atata Island
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Royal Sunset Island Resort is located on 'Atata Island. The resort features 18 beachfront fales, Polynesian Style Restaurant and Cocktail Bar with amazing views. It borders a fishing village where guests are welcome to experience the traditional culture. Scuba Diving, Game Fishing, Kayaks, Snorkeling boat trips are just some of what the activities the resort has to offer or do absolutely nothing. Come and enjoy the sun in this little bit of paradise. Resort has undergone Renovations with New Management and Service Upgrades.
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Property amenities
Free internet
Free breakfast
Beach
Canoeing
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Massage
Public wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Diving
Snorkelling
Tennis court
Billiards
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Walking tours
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Chapel / shrine
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Private bathrooms
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
English
207Reviews21Q+A48Room tips
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WPM wrote a review Jan 2022
1 contribution1 helpful vote
We stayed several nights at the Royal Sunset Island Resort in Tonga back in 1991, 30+ years ago. I was just looking over old photos of our enjoyable time there and also reading (much) more current reviews on this site. Thankfully, not much has changed in all that time: (1) Modest but very comfortable and clean rooms and other facilities (2) Very friendly and helpful staff (3) Good fishing (we took an organized fishing tour on a small boat and caught several of those silver ones shaped like torpedoes, which the staff then cooked up for us for our dinners and also for the other guests! Where else does that happen?! Certainly not on Waikiki), (3) Beautiful sand and swimming beaches (we are sorry to read about the trash on the beaches on the opposite side of the island these days; apparently that was not a problem in 1991. Glad that trash is not on the resort's beach). (4) Very interesting local tour with visit to elementary school room with students present and a "jungle tour" concentrating on local vegetation (5) Very good if not spectacular dining. (5) And perfect weather! So, it appears that you still cannot go wrong at the Royal Sunset Island Resort as long as you are looking for a true island adventure but not looking for 5 stars. But following the huge volcanic explosion of three days ago, we fear for those wonderful Tongan people and their magnificent islands. Our prayers are with you all. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Bill & Carol in Boise, Idaho, USA -- 1/18/21
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Date of stay: February 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Susanna L wrote a review Feb 2020
Wellington, New Zealand37 contributions26 helpful votes
We had fantastic time at the resort! This business is run by people in the village. The team works hard together to keep the resort running better. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Frankly the beach and the resort are not the best I have been. The fale we stayed was basic but comfy. No TV and high-speed Wifi in the room but we wouldn't be bored to explore on the beach and surroundings.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from 58_traveller, General Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 Feb 2020
Thank you very much, Your TripAdvisor review is greatly appreciated and delighted that you had an enjoyable visit. This is the whole purpose of hospitality. Malo and Hopefully we will see you again one day
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Lynley T wrote a review Nov 2019
6 contributions4 helpful votes
The room was right on the beach and in this respect it was awesome. The location makes this place simply beautiful. Facilities are adequate and clean. The resort is looking a little tired and the pool was not clean and could not be used. But there is an amazing beach to swim in. The staff are friendly and accommodating and so their best to make your stay enjoyable. If you are after five star resort experience then this is not the place to go. But if you are happy to chill out and relax without all the frills etc then I would recommend this resort. The only thing that really upset me was the rubbish on the other side of the island. A massive beach clean up needs to be organised as this is polluting the ocean and damaging the reefs. Upsetting to take a walk around the island and see a tiny dead pup on the shore, numerous heaps of plastic and other rubbish items all over the beach. I am not sure if this rubbish washes in or is dumped there. Unclear where the resort rubbish goes.
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Date of stay: November 2019
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Room Tip: Book a room on the beach
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 Feb 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write the review for the resort & Atata island. We always appreciate the feedback Good & Bad so we can improve. Please accept our apology for the swimming pool. For the Rubbish - Yes It has been a major problem and issue for us. With the Tides we get the rubbish coming over on the eastern side from the Mainland. And this is a Non Stop Battle. We are also trying to work with the Village of Atata and make a commitment to environment and keep areas clean. Thank you once again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Big Kiwi wrote a review Oct 2019
9 contributions24 helpful votes
This was a 5 night stay with the family (two teenage boys). Had done a lot of research on the resort and had realistic expectations; this wasn't going to be a 5 star resort but we weren't looking for one anyway. Overall a very relaxing, chilled out 5 days for us all. It is a small island with the resort at one end and the village approx 200 meters away. More suited towards those looking for a "do nothing" holiday but still have the ability to get out on the water for some snorkeling or fishing. If you are expecting large full service Fijian resort standards you will be disappointed. What the resort lacks in 'quality', it well and truly makes up in the laid back relaxed quirkiness. Our overall 'average' rating for the resort still makes this one of the best places to stay in Tonga and a place we would definitely go back to. Accommodation is basic and from the comments of other guests the quality can vary better fales, including a resident mouse in one unit. We had a two bedroom fale; perfect for a family of four. Ask for a room facing west; more sheltered from the wind and facing the amazing sunsets. The highlights: - The daily free snorkeling trips out near the reefs. One of the resort staff take you only 500+ metres offshore in one of the resort boats. Take your own snorkeling gear as the resorts gear is limited. - Kayaking trips. There is a good selection of kayaks and the water is very safe for all ages. Added bonus = we could drag the kayaks right up to the deck of our room. - The bar. Cold beer, great cocktails (according to Mrs Kiwi), and good selection of drinks for the kids. Being an island they occasionally ran out of some drinks so you need to be flexible with your selections. But with at least 50 cocktails on the menu, Mrs Kiwi and the other guests we made friends had no issues - Attending the local church service on Sunday. The singing was absolutely amazing, everyone was so welcoming; a must do if on the island. I'm not religious but I found it a very moving experience. Take some cash; while their is no expectation of you making a donation, after being part of such an amazing experience a donation seems highly appropriate. The service was less than one hour so easy for the kids to attend as well. - Village tour. Good to see how the islanders actually live, learn about their daily way of life etc. If you are with kids, it is a good lesson in life for them. - The resort staff. So friendly, great with the kids, happy to help. Their chilled out nature rubs off on you after a day or two. The OK: - Dinner menu becomes a bit uninspiring after a few nights; typically choice of three entrees, three mains, and three deserts on rotation across the days, although they do make alternatives (subject to ingredients) if you ask nicely. - Breakfasts - typical Tongan resort breakfast e.g. cereal, fruit, toast, plus selection of cooked options. - Cultural night. Some of the local villagers/ resort staff put on a cultural show for guests. Very relaxed and not as 'cheesy' as these things can be in big resorts. Take some small dollar notes to stick on the dancers (it will all make sense when you experience it!!) - The pool. A very basic but fully adequate pool; more suited for the kids or for a quick splash after being in the ocean snorkeling. The low lights: - We had booked a airport to island transfer but they forgot to pick us up from the airport. They did reimburse us for the shuttle we ended up taking to the wharf so all good but be prepared to be flexible with arrangements you think you have made. Island time!! Tips: - Pick up some supplies before taking the boat to the island e.g. large bottles of water, snacks etc, especially if you have kids. There are a couple of typical Tongan 'stalls' in the village if you need basics but the selection is very limited. - Take your own gear if intending to do some fishing. - Take plenty of mosquito repellent. Nice touch - the rooms come with mozzie coils to burn. - If you have an early flight off the island, it might pay to stay your last night on the mainland. If the weather is bad the short 30 minute boat ride back could get a bit marginal. Would I go back? - yes, definitely if I was looking to escape the real world for a few days.
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Date of stay: October 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 Feb 2020
Thank you Very Much for your Extensive and Objective Review. It means a great deal to the resort team which they all appreciate and we will talk about your comments among us so we can improve on the standards and what our guests expectations. Your review will be very helpful to future guests. Thank you once again and Hopefully we can welcome you again in the future, Malo
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Arthur wrote a review Sept 2019
Australia6 contributions1 helpful vote
I visited Atata with a group of 21 volunteers from Australia today. Everyone enjoyed the resort: the staff are friendly and there's plenty to do during the day. Snorkeling at the reef is definitely a highlight. If you like smoothies, the banana zinger is worth trying. If only we could have watched the sunset from the beach, it would have been the perfect day! I'll be very happy to go back.
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 Feb 2020
Thank you for your review for the Day Trip. We are delighted that you enjoyed your day with us and especially the Bar and its Smoothies/Cocktails. Hopefully we can welcome you back as an overnight guest. Malo
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Greg F wrote a review Aug 2019
Auckland Central, New Zealand997 contributions177 helpful votes
+1
A great place to stay for a couple of days, especially if its a Sunday (as most things are shut in Nukualofa and Tonga in general). The price is also good for an off-shore resort island. Plenty of stuff to do, snorkelling can be arranged. We took one of the many kayaks lying on the beach and paddles around. On the sunday we walked to the village on Atata Island for the church service as it was Easter Sunday. A good experience and a great chance to meet te people and get out of the resort. The food at the resort was good, and was more elaborate on Island Night with the cultural dances. The rooms are good and basic. No TVs or WiFi here. But about 50 metres to the beach :) Overall a nice place to stay in Tonga.
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Date of stay: April 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 Feb 2020
Thank you for Taking the Time to Write a Review for the Resort. It is Very Important for us to get Feedback We will pass onto our Team your appreciation and comments. Thank you once again and Hopefully we can welcome you back one day. Malo
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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piggi68 wrote a review Aug 2019
26 contributions12 helpful votes
The structure is positioned in a corner of paradise. The sea and the beaches are its strong point. Surely it is a bit old and in some places badly maintained but one thing is certain, to all the shortcomings of the resort an efficiency was always answered by the always very kind staff always able to make you feel at home. One of the things that is certainly positive was the kitchen's willingness to satisfy all our requests. Also for our wedding anniversary they organized a special event. To close: if you expect the 5-star resort to be perfectly efficient and new, this is not your place, but if like me you have a spirit of adaptation you can fully enjoy what this special place offers. If you are traveling with children ages 8 to 15, remember to bring something with you to engage them. It is more a place for couples with friends than for family. If you can't do without wifi, get yourself a local sim that offers jig. Unfortunately the resort's wifi travels very slowly.
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Date of stay: July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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SuzieStew wrote a review Jun 2019
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand21 contributions4 helpful votes
+1
Hubby and I spent 5 nights at Royal Sunset and really enjoyed our time. Our fale was bigger than expected and we were pleased to find it had a fridge so we could store some of the snacks etc we bought with us from NZ. The front deck of the fale offered a number of sitting/lying options including a table with chairs, a hammock and an awesome double day bed with adjustable lie back positions and cushions. We were literally steps from a gorgeous beach and amazing view. The beach on the Western side (where our fale was positioned) had quite a vast amount of seagrass - however at high tide or a couple of hours either side I totally recommend swimming out (or doggypaddling) past the seagrass and you’ll be rewarded with great snorkelling over coral with a wide variety of tropical fish. You can always jump on the boat each day and the resort will take you to different spots to snorkel as well. Aside from snorkelling and swimming there is literally nothing else to do - so it is a great island of you are just keen to relax and read some books etc. Continental breakfast included, toast, cornflakes, weetbix, ricebubles and every couple of days fried bread. You can ourchase a cooked breakfast. Lunch menu stays the same and dinner menu changes every night with your choice of two entrees, two mains and two desserts. The food is okay. Happy hour at the bar between 6pm and 7pm with cocktails costing $11 Tongan. You can also buy beer/wine etc. There have been comments from others that the place is a little tired and others have replied that it is not a 5 star resort. We were perfectly comfortable and enjoyed the laid back environment. The ferry from the island (no cost) back to Tongatapu leaves at either 9am or 4pm - so just be mindful of this re your flight. We had a 2.15pm flight so had to leave on the 9am ferry - and just needed to find a couple of hours to fill back on the mainland. Left Atata feeling truely relaxed. Shame we missed the whale season - but actually it was such a great holiday that this was not an issue (and we knew we were a little early for the whale season anyway).
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
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Narelle S wrote a review May 2019
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions3 helpful votes
This was a fantastic place to stay. Not your typical up market resort but this gives it character, Lovely family run resort that is situated in the perfect place. Daily snorkelling trips to the reef surrounding the island were so good . So many fish and many different types of coral. Tasty food with 2 to 3 choices of main and dessert each night and each night the meal was accompanied by the boys singing. Highly recommend as a place to retreat from the world and relax. Tonga is a hidden gem. NOt yet too touristy and the people were so friendly. I can’t wait to go back.
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Date of stay: September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 26 May 2019
Thank you for taking the time to review The Royal Sunset Island Resort on Atata. Yes It is a Family affair and Community resort where all the staff are from the Village. Tonga is to be discovered and has kept the authenticity and genuine polynesian hospitality. We will share your review with our Staff as they are always eager to get feedback. Malo
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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B7172GHmatthewr wrote a review Apr 2019
Auckland, New Zealand10 contributions9 helpful votes
We had a lovely 4 days at the Resort. I would really recommend it if you re looking for somewhere to escape, kick back and relax. We have walked away so relaxed we feel we are walking on air. The Resort itself is very rustic and basic, but it’s in a beautiful settings and really well looked after grounds. It most definitely isn’t a luxury resort - so if you are looking for a 4,5 or even 3 Star Resort you will be disappointed. However I think this is part of its charm. The staff are very friendly. We spent our days either laying by the pool, reading outside our own beach front fale, snorkeling on the reefs that we were taken out to, and also Kayaking around the island. It was also really nice to be able to wander into the village and see how life was for villagers on the island. There are a few improvements that would maybe it amazing. I think it definitely could do with a bit of money spending on it as it is looking a little tired. In particular some of the equipment could do with replacing - the pool table has seen better days, the chess set had pieces missing, a lot of the snorkeling equipment needs replacing. Also I thought the food could be improved - the choice was very limited and it was quite often bland. It would have been nice to have some cooked options at breakfast - maybe some eggs. But overall a really great experience and we would definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from 58_traveller, Manager at Royal Sunset Island Resort
Responded 5 May 2019
Thank you for taking the time to give your feedback. It is very important and be assured we will address some of your comments. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and we will share your review with our staff team. Thank you and Malo.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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There are more places to choose from in the Atata Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
royal sunset island hotel tongatapu island, royal sunset island tongatapu
LOCATION
TongaAtata Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Other miscellaneous taxes and hotel fees which are not fixed or due at time of booking may be payable at the property at time of stay. Please see our partners for more details.
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ROYAL SUNSET ISLAND RESORT (Atata Island) - Resort Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Sunset Island Resort
What are some of the property amenities at Royal Sunset Island Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Royal Sunset Island Resort?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Does Royal Sunset Island Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Royal Sunset Island Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Royal Sunset Island Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.