Just Back From Samoa

You can’t help but be on ‘island time’ when you are there. Driving through the island, all you can see is palm tree after palm tree. Samoa’s tourism infrastructure is not up to scratch, but this is a minor detail, as the islands natural beauty, stunning beaches & lush tropical vegetation throughout the island make up for all that.

Note to self: Try not to stand or walk directly under a Palm tree. Chance of being hit by a coconut on the head...

The people of Samoa are genuinely friendly & polite, always with a smile on their face and this is what captivated me. True Polynesian hospitality that makes you feel so welcome. Tradition & religion play a very important part in the life of the locals and you will find many churches along the way as you travel through the island’s villages (some villages have as many as 3 churches).

Another distinct feature are the open 'fales' you will see almost everywhere on the island either on the roadside or beachfront. Samoans meet in these fales to catch up, make their handcrafts or have a snooze.

Where to stay?

UPOLU

First up, the legendary Aggie Greys. A 3.5 star hotel centrally located in Apia and about 25 min from the airport. The rooms are nice & clean, air-conditioned, nice pool area and restaurant and is ideal for an overnight stay before you head out to your main resort, or for ‘the young at heart’, the budget conscious traveller & corporate clients.

Main resorts:

Coconuts Beach Club, a 4 star resort, located on the southern side of Upolu, with a beautiful beach & recently renovated rooms. Ideal for couples, honeymooners & even families. This resort has a range of accommodation options, starting with the Treehouse Rooms, offering nice views and feature my favourite - hammocks!

The Garden Suites are more spacious and are ideal for honeymooners or couples, with separate bedroom and living area. The bathrooms in the Garden Suites, have a sunken tub with a waterfall style shower. Other accommodation options are the Beach Fales, and the ultimate – Overwater Bungalows. Activities to choose from: kayak, snorkeling or relaxing by the pool. Maybe even hire a car to explore the island…

My favourite resort on Upolu island was the 4.5 star Sinalei Reef Resort. With only 27 rooms, a peaceful resort, perfect for those who just want to get away from it all and relax…

The resort is surrounded by spectacular lush tropical gardens and has a 9 hole golf course, 2 restaurants & 2 bars. Did I mention the natural rock pool – that is where I spent most of my time in. Ended up with wrinkly fingertips one too many times. Accommodation options are the Garden & Ocean View Fales, the Beachside Fales that open up on 3 sides overlooking the ocean & Ocean View Fale suites.. There is also one honeymoon suite, totally secluded offering the most romantic setting...

Enjoy a dinner on the restaurant by the pier - overlooking the ocean, snorkel, relax by the pool, play some golf, read a book, try your skills on fishing, go on a day cruise, do some kayaking or experience a Samoan massage & pamper yourself at the spa. From 01 Apr’05 the resort becomes ‘adults only’, so children under 12 will not be accepted.

At Coconuts & Sinalei usually once a week during dinner, you will experience the ‘Fiafia’, an amazing show of fire, song & dance!

Make sure you drink some traditional Samoan Kava. A soothing herbal drink, that looks like muddy water, doesn’t have much of a taste – but it just gives you this numby feeling…good for calming nerves and bringing you to a happy, tranquil state! I like that…oh yes I’m in Samoa!

The highlight of my trip would have to be staying in Polynesian style Fales at Litia Beach Fales on Upolu’s South Coast. The setting? Paradise. Crystal clear blue water, a long white sandy beach, swaying palm trees… Ok, so you are not staying in a 3 or 4 star resort (this one is a 1 star), but this is something you just have to do, even if it is for just one night, but I would recommend at least two, for a unique Samoan cultural experience.

Lydia the manager will make you feel most welcome and will attend to your every need. The fales are right on the beach, amenities include a mattress & linen, mosquito net and there are shades for privacy. There is also a small balcony on each fale so you can just sit back and relax reading a book or having a drink.

Bathroom & toilet facilities are shared and there is a restaurant & bar (with a pool table yaaayy!). Nothing beats listening to Mariah in the middle of the night, drinking some wine, while overlooking the beautiful ocean & hearing the waves crash onto the reef, right? (and hey, if you’re not into Mariah, Lydia will gladly change the CD for you)

SAVAII

A day trip or a few night stays over on Savaii island is a must do. This island has some stunning beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. Be aware that the accommodations available there are no more than 2.5 star. Still, I would definitely recommend staying at Suifaga Beach resort, a 2 star property, with Fale style accommodation most with ocean views, and all with private facilities.

The currency in Samoa is the Tala, and in terms of spending money, I found that it is not that expensive. ANZ & Westpac bank ATM’s & branches are available at the Airport, Apia and Savaii.

I would recommend spending most of your nights at either Coconuts or Sinalei, then head off to Savaii for a few nights and also experience the traditional ‘fale’ style accommodation.

I was sad to leave Samoa, cause I knew I would miss the smiling faces of the locals, their amazing hospitality & the islands natural beauty. If you would like to experience the Polynesian culture and see this undiscovered paradise, then don’t delay.

A trip I will never forget… Fa'afetai Samoa.