The Sails Lodge and Restaurant situated opposite the Queen Salote Wharf on the Nuku'alofa waterfront is the newest local dining place and accommodation facility to open in the capital.

Samuela Kava and his wife a Samoan business-woman Vaoese (Ese), have transformed a spacious waterfront home, owned by the family of the late Setefano Mafi, into a comfortable lodge.

The restaurant and bar is located in the front garden of the 18-year-old house overlooking Tu'imatamoana Market and boat harbour, with a dining area that extends into the Spanish style alcoves.

The restaurant currently features steaks, and the menu includes lobster, fish, and curries, with some local specialities such as raw fish, prepared by their two local cooks.

Ese said they are leasing the property for 10 years and have invested over $50,000 pa'anga for the renovations and furnishings.

The lodge has nine fully furnished bedrooms, offering deluxe suites and superior rooms, each with air conditioning and wireless internet connections.

"Since we opened we have been booked with business travellers and I am confident that by creating a nice product that is of top quality we will make it," said Ese.

The lodge is already fully-booked for the Coronation in August and Ese said they are working hard to prepare for it.

Ese established another business the Market Tonga Real Estate and their office was in one of the buildings destroyed during the riots of November 16, 2006.

"I am confident to be investing again in the local economy because I know the riots will never happen again," she said.