Samoa
Papapapaitai Waterfall
Explore Upolu Samoa’s main island of Upolu offers something for everyone, from the hustle and bustle of Apia to natural attractions like To Sua Ocean Trench and the idyllic Lalomanu Beach. The more adventurous can also get their fix on Upolu as it serves up some of the best fishing, diving and surf spots in the world. To take in the natural wonders of Upolu at a more leisurely pace, there are many tracks through rainforests to a number of rivers and impressive waterfalls. In the town of Apia, where a large proportion of Samoa’s population lives, clients can visit the colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Fugalei Street to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws and ladyfinger bananas. About a 10-minute walk from the food market is the flea market where clients will find everything from kava bowls to sarongs, baskets and jewellery. As for nightlife, clients will find a range of pubs, nightclubs, cultural shows and restaurants. Here’s a list of what to do and where to stay in Upolu.
Check out
Kidnapped, and the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, built this house at Vailima above Apia in 1891 and spent the last five years of his life here. He became a well respected figure to the locals that knew him. The house was restored back to its former glory in the early 90s and turned into a museum with some of the author’s work and family memorabilia on display to the public. For maintenance purpose, guests are not allowed to take shoes or eat inside the museum. Entrance fee for adults is ST$15, children ST$12.
and is located on a stretch of white sand beach with a turquoise lagoon. This was one of the first sites where the Polynesian migrants landed when they set foot on the Samoa Islands some 2000 years ago.
Le Vasa Resort Le Vasa is a secluded beachfront resort situated on the oceanfront, offering 13 waterfront oneand two-bedroom villas on eight acres with views of Manono and Savaii Islands.
Seabreeze Resort Samoa To Sua Ocean Trench To Sua Ocean Trench is one of the many idyllic spots located inside Lotofaga village. To Sua is otherwise translated as ‘big hole’ that has been converted into a large swimming area. A ladder has been installed onsite for visitor access to and from the 30m-deep seawater. The site is surrounded by colourful gardens, perfect for nature photography. There is a fee upon entrance. There are a few other sites situated in the same area, including blowholes and a small beach on the western side.
Stay High-end Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows
With the completion of an extensive rebuild and refurbishment, Seabreeze is now Samoa’s newest beachfront resort. Situated on the south east coast of Upolu in a small sandy bay directly on the beach, this new resort is designed for couples looking for a bit of privacy and relaxation.
Sinalei Reef Resort and Beauty Spa Surrounded by tropical gardens, this beachside resort offers fine cuisine, sporting facilities and famous bars. This resort also offers a pool, tennis courts, over water restaurant, and a spa that was recently completely refurbished.
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
A colonial hotel made famous by its founder, the late Aggie Grey, Aggie Grey’s Hotel is nestled amongst lush tropical gardens overlooking the harbour and shoreline of Apia.
Set amongst acres of native tropical gardens and just a hop, skip and a jump from the waterfront and Apia’s CBD, the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel has been refurbished to a 4.5-star international standard and will retain a look and feel reflecting key elements of Samoan architecture and culture.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa
Mid-range Orator Hotel
The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island,
Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa is nestled amongst 50 acres of tropical gardens
Orator Hotel is 10 minutes drive from central Apia. With a focus on food, this property also
Papapapaitai Falls One of the longest waterfalls in Samoa, Papapapaitai Waterfall cascades into a deep gorge and can be viewed from a lookout point just off the Cross Island Road. A sunny and clear day will reveal the majestic falls and its surroundings. No fee required.
The Canopy Walkway
offers impressive conference facilities and was recently refurbished under new management. Orator also caters for weddings and offers a private garden for other functions.
Sa’Moana Resort Sa’Moana Resort is located at Salamumu on the south coast of Upolu. It caters for up to 26 guests in fales (bungalows) with private ensuite facilities. The saltwater pool was constructed in a natural depression in the lava rock land formations at the eastern side of the resort. Equipment for activities such as snorkeling, canoeing, sea kayaking, football, volleyball, golf practice nets, table tennis and snooker are provided free of charge to live-in guests.
Salani Surf Resort Operated by surfers for surfers, Salani is situated on the south east coast of Upolu and is made up of eight ventilated and elevated fales, all with lagoon and river views. This property officially re-opened its doors recently after undergoing an extensive rebuild following the devastating tsunami.
Budget Faofao Beach Fales The Faofao Beach Fales has eight beachside fales available. Located in Saleapaga, Faofao is a family owned and run business which has been operating for over 10 years. It offers biking, bicycle hire and Samoan massage, and fale rates include breakfast and dinner.
Litia Sini Beach Resort Litia Sini Beach Resort is located on the south coast of Upolu, about an hour’s drive from Apia. It offers snorkeling, Fiafia night, day tours and airport transfers.
Experience the blowholes on Savai’i
Explore Savai’i Spectacular waterfalls, caves, blowholes, beaches and rainforests make up the island of Savai’i, located a 90-minute ferry ride away from Upolu. The most unique feature of this island is the Saleaula lava fields, where Mt Matavanu erupted more than 100 years ago, leaving 50sq kms of lava in its wake. With a population of 42,000, the inhabitants of Savai’i live a very traditional Samoan life. One way to experience the culture is by attending a church service or indulge in a traditional Sunday meal cooked on an overground volcanic rock oven called umu, a game or two of kirikiti (the national version of cricket), or learn the art of tapa cloth making and painting. For those who would rather just chill out on the beach, Savai’i offers world-class snorkelling, diving and surfing, and even having a siesta Samoan-style in an open-air fale is an experience in itself. Here are some other must-dos when visiting the island of Savai’i.
Check out Afu Aau Falls Afu Aau Falls is located in the rainforest in south-eastern Savai’i and creates a fresh-water swimming pool. Clients can access the falls via a dirt road by foot (20 minutes) or drive right up to the pool. The entrance fee of ST$5 per person is collected at the main entrance fale. The site is closed on Sundays and alcohol is prohibited at all times. A toilet block is located 80 metres from the falls.
Alofaaga Blowholes In the village of Taga on south-west Savai’i lie a set of blowholes that shoot water hundreds of feet into the air. Locals throw coconuts into the holes, creating a bit of a show for visitors. There is an entrance fee of ST$5 per person. A parking fee is also charged when using the private car park and fale on site. A coastal track can be followed west for several hours to the ancient village of Fagaloa.
Canopy Walkway The Canopy Walkway showcases the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve and is a must-do activity for visitors exploring Savai’i. Clients walk up several sets of stairs and then walk across a hanging bridge crossing a 30-metre gap between two trees. Once across, they can continue climbing for an amazing view of the treetops. Visitors to the Falealupo sites pay the entrance fee here at the Canopy Walkway where the Information Centre is also located, and can present the receipt for admission to the other sites which include Moso’s Footprint and the House of Rock.
Saleaula Lava Field Molten lava from the Mt Matavanu eruption buried five villages and half buried churches and a grave, making it a fascinating geological exploration for visitors. The site is managed by the Saleaula Women’s Committee on behalf of the village with its committee house which also serves as the information fale situated at the entrance. Entrance fee is ST$5 per adult and ST$3 per child.
Swimming with turtles This turtle sanctuary in Sato’alepai Village offers clients a chance to swim with and feed turtles in a large rock pool. The site also offers overnight accommodation with meals. An entrance fee of ST$5 per adult and ST$3 per child is charged.
Stay High-end Le Lagoto Beach Resort Le Lagoto is a small boutique resort offering Samoan-style fales on the beach front. Le Lagoto is Samoan for sunsets, named because of the location of this accommodation. It is situated at the westernmost point in the world, which makes it the last place on earth to farewell the sun each day. It offers a restaurant, bar, beauty spa and swimming pool.
Savaii Lagoon Resort
Siufaga Beach Resort is located across the road from a blue lagoons and white sand beaches. The air-conditioned villas offer terraces and views of the hillside gardens. The Italian restaurant and bar is specialises in fish, seafood and pizzas. The swimming pool area was recently renovated and offers a pool bar.
This eco-friendly resort is situated right on the lagoon and offers modern beachfront and garden bungalows. All bungalows are selfcatered but the recently renovated bar and restaurant sits right on the beach and offers delicious food. The menu changes each day with fresh produce sourced locally from the nearby village wherever possible. A Dive Charter (Padi) also operates from the lagoon for beginners to masters.
Mid-range Jet Over Hotel
Budget Va-I-Moana Seaside Lodge
Only minutes from the wharf and central to Salelologa, Jet Over Hotel offers an ocean view lounge room, restaurant, bar and pool, as well as a mall and internet centre.
Va-I-Moana is nestled within a small cove on two acres and offers open-air and closed fales, as well as a small private beach. The property offers a range of activities from snorkelling,
Siufaga Beach Resort
Feel the love Samoa provides a unique backdrop for any wedding, whether it be an old church, a tropical garden, a cascading waterfall or a secluded beach on a deserted island. All the services your clients require can be found in Samoa and there are a number of hotels, resorts and tour operators who can organise everything for you. Marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide and application forms for a marriage licence must be filed 14 days prior to the wedding day with the Justice Department in Apia. Here is a list of top wedding facilities in Samoa. • Coconuts Beach Club, Resort and Spa • Le Spa Lelalelei o Samoa • Manumea Hotel • Seabreeze Resort • Le Vasa Resort Samoa also prides itself on having world class spas and beauty salons. Make sure brides-to-be know about the quality services these spas offer. • Aggie Grey’s Lagoon, Beach Resort and Spa • Le Spa Lelalelei o Samoa • Mapu-Mai Spa • Misiluki Day Spa • RoseBerg Beauty Clinic
kayaking and fishing to paddling a paopao (traditional canoe). It also has a basketball court and restaurant and bar.
Vacations Beach Fales Vacations Beach Fales is located in the village of Manase and offers six traditional beachfront fales which are nestled in close to palm trees giving them privacy from passers-by. Four garden fales are located in the courtyard. All fales are open-air thatched huts with shared facilities. There are also a limited number of enclosed units, with ensuite bathroom facilities. Vacations features a restaurant and bar with a veranda overlooking the ocean. There is also an on-site internet cafe and coffee lounge. Every Sunday, Vacations serves an elaborate To’ona’i, a traditional Samoan Sunday feast.