Mystic Sands

We stayed four nights and had the absolute best time. The highlight was undoubtedly the friendliness and 'customer-orientation' of Hjel (owner), Peta (house-manager/cook) and her husband Mau: Nothing was too much trouble for them to arrange for us. The room was spotlessly clean. The location is beautiful, right at the water's edge. It is some distance (about 15minutes drive) from the main township & harbour, but Mau can flexibly provide transfers to and fro. There was no actual 'resort' restaurant, but we could order ahead and Peta would prepare superb meals served either on the cabin deck or the gazebo beside the jetty. Understandibly, the amenities are not at the level of a large resort (eg: no lounges, bars, gym etc), but were perfect for us. Overall we found Mystic Sands to be a charming, small piece of paradise.

Wonderful place. These rooms often show as booked only because an American woman (who runs a whale tour company in Tonga) unfortunately books these rooms a year in advance for herself and her customers (with a significant up-charge). So, it's best to book directly with Mystic Sands more than a year in advance or else wait until the last minute when the chances are unlikely that she will be able to sell the rooms (so has to release them). FYI, do not book the tour, boat charters, hotels, or any activities through online searches; they are likely companies owned by either Americans or Australians. Instead, book directly with the locals. This way, you will help the Tongan economy and save money by eliminating the middle man. For the boat and the tours, we used and LOVED Vaka Vave Charters (also called Whale Watch Swim Tonga)! Captain Masi and Guide Muli are super smart guys with much respect for, and understanding of, the whales as well as safety. Highly recommend them. Vaka Vave picks up directly from Mystic Sands too, so you just have to walk outside of your room to the water where Masi and Muli will be waiting to help you in the boat. We felt so spoiled! The owner of Mystic Sands, Hjell, is very down to earth and takes very good care of his guests. Peta is the cook and manager who regularly checks on the guests and is so much fun but also very, very kind. She makes herself available around the clock to the guests. Her husband, Mau, is the driver and offers tours of the island as well. He's a sweetheart as well. All wonderful people! If Mystic Sands is full and you can't wait, some people from our group stayed at and recommend the Portwine Guesthouse and/or the Boathouse Apartments above Mango House.

Staff were very helpful and good snorkelling right out front. Pick up for whale swimming off the wharf was handy as it saved a trip to those operators

Nice small and simple resort in a quite area of Vava’u. The owners (a guy from Norway with his wife) are very helpful, nothing is impossible. Easy transportation organized by them (island hopping, return transfers for dinner in “downtown” - the best one in my opinion is KRAKEN). The rooms are very clean and well equipped. The breakfast is good (local style). The beach is not really good, but the sun chairs next to the pool are a good option for enjoying the beauty of the bay. Snorkeling ok, but without spectacular corals or fish. Anyway you will not stay in the resort during the day. I will recommend to go for whale watching (from July till September) so you can see the best of Tonga relaxing in the afternoon in Mystic Sands!

I was in Vava’u for a work trip and then had the weekend to rest and recharge. Mystic Sands was perfect for it. It was quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. It was just what I needed to finish writing a report, then relax. I asked for a snorkeling boat trip, but their contact was busy, which was fine because I ended up spending several hours snorkeling myself in the calm waters right in front of the hotel. I also went out in a kayak several times, one day paddling over an hour to Nieafu. Honestly, the best part was sitting in a chair or hammock staring out into the bay, enjoying the peaceful views. Other than kayaking and walking around the nearby neighborhood, for three days I didn’t leave. I had all my meals there, and they were all good (spicy spaghetti was my favorite). The service was great, everyone, including the owners, were friendly and attentive. I highly recommend and am honored to be the 300th positive review of Mystic Sands.

Such a beautiful and wonderful stay at Mystic Sands! I had such a great time during my stay. The rooms are well equipped with everything you need. Watching the sunrise and sunset each day was a special treat with an amazing view. The owners and staff are some of the nicest people you will ever meet!! I will definitely choose to stay at Mystic Sands when I visit Tonga again.