Travel and Tourism Awards 2025 | 21 Customer service is of the highest priority at The Harbourview; the hotel strives to provide a bespoke service that would be expected from a five-star hotel, but delivered in the authentic environment of a relaxed, tiny island in the South Pacific. Each aspect of the resort’s operations has been meticulously selected to enhance the guest experience, from carefully curating music to suit the clientele and time of day, to serving simple, yet innovative food and cocktails that are widely acclaimed to be the best on the island. Their ethos is ‘chill vibes, done properly’. To maintain this reputation, The Harbourview employs award-winning chefs with decades of professional experience. Its fully licensed restaurant is open seven days a week and serves a transformative menu that is seasonal, simple, fresh, and delicious, catering to all dietary types. Most of the menu staples, such as breads, burgers, sauces, chutneys, and desserts are all made fresh in-house, and the kitchen uses only the best cuts of meat and the freshest fish in its dishes, served on modern, yet simple bamboo boards. The restaurant/bar of The Harbourview, Vava’u is now the favoured destination and ‘local spot’ of visiting cruisers, tourists, and locals alike. “The Harbourview, Vava’u is the epitome of ‘chill vibes, done properly’. We will pair your wine with your food, we will find the best activity providers, and we will do our best to curate the best accommodation, food, drinks, and activities to suit your experience, all in a relaxed environment.” For adventure seekers, The Harbourview offers a variety of recreational activities for its guests. Whether it’s using SUPs and mountain bikes free of charge, enjoying the pool table, darts board, and games selection, or lounging on Thai cushions on the lawn or the waterfront pontoon the sun sets, there is certainly something for everyone. Additionally, the team is ready to recommend and arrange whale swims, island tours, diving, and fishing experiences for those looking to venture further. “Our core values are to be the best at what we do, have a bit of fun doing it, and make sure that our guests have the best experience possible”, a spokesperson for The Harbourview tells us. “Alongside this, we also want to help the local community as much as we can. All of our staff are local Tongans, and we take great pride in reinvesting into the Vava’u community through sponsorships, purchasing from local suppliers, and providing training, employment, and career progression opportunities.” Opting to promote ‘up’ The Harbourview maintains an exceptional team of employees from the local community and takes immense pride in their team and their determination to succeed. Their commitment to The Harbourview shines through the resort in every aspect, from the calibre of client-centricity in its services to the meticulous attention to detail displayed when arranging bespoke experiences and amenities. This dedication to excellence, delivering unparalleled five-star services whilst celebrating the rich and vibrant culture of Vava’u, has earned The Harbourview the well-deserved title of Most Welcoming Boutique Resort 2025 – Tonga. To find out more about the vibrancy of Vava’u and the outstanding offerings waiting for you at The Harbourview, visit the resort’s website now. Contact: The Harbourview Vava’u Company: The Harbourview Vava’u Web Address: www.harbourviewresort.com Situated in one the most northern islands of the archipelago of the Kingdom of Tonga, the islands of Vava’u are often described to possess some of the best sailing and game fishing grounds in the South Pacific. With sheltered waters and opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, and world-famous for being one of the only places one can swim alongside humpback whales, Vava’u is the ideal vacation destination for those seeking adventure and variety. We take a look at The Harbourview, Vava’u below, a stunning boutique resort and bar/restaurant set in tranquil tropical gardens overlooking the Port of Refuge harbour, with direct waterfront beach and jetty access, that offers its guests an unparalleled, authentic taste of life in Vava’u. Most Welcoming Boutique Resort 2025 – Tonga verlooking the scenic Port of Refuge harbour, The Harbourview is a remarkable resort hotel with a history of serving as the community hub of Vava’u. Built in the 1980’s, the resort was originally named Marcella’s and was one of the most popular prominent venues on the island; the place to go to for Sunday brunch for locals, tourists, and expats alike. The establishment had changed hands in the years since and, though its strong foundations remained intact, it was in need of some love and fresh ideas. That is, until 2017, when the current owners purchased the hotel. The eternal dreamer and his supportive wife undertook the project of bringing the hotel back to its former glory and began the continuing task of rebuilding the establishment in their own, distinctive style. Now, The Harbourview stands as a powerful icon of Vava’u, symbolising decades of the Island’s rich history and heritage in one communal space that fosters connection and community. The Harbourview is a boutique-style accommodation, boasting ten spacious fales - or bungalows – spread out amongst approximately one acre of exquisite tropical gardens. Each fale provides guests with their own private balcony, a day bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and sitting area. The resort is located close to town but is still a short distance away that provides tranquillity and serenity, and is the ideal size to accommodate for large tour groups yet intimate enough for the team to learn each guest’s name and food or drink preference, with direct waterfront harbour access through a newly installed jetty for access for cruisers and tour operators alike. O
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