Just Back From Samoa

by Linda Ualesi

Talofa Lava,

Welcome to the heart of Polynesia where you will find the friendliest people in the Pacific.

We started our amazing trip flying with Polynesian Blue - the sister carrier of Virgin blue. The aircraft has a seating configuration of 3 by 3, giving you enough room to stretch your legs, relax and enjoy the 5 and a half hour flight to Samoa. After the flight, you will be rewound back from a busy lifestyle to a relaxing and exciting time in the pacific as you touch down at Faleolo Airport located in Apia the Capital City of Samoa.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the warm breeze of the pacific along with the gushing sound of the ocean. Making us feel at home with the beautiful smiles of the Samoan people and the laid back Samoan lifestyle which takes only seconds to absorb. Passing through the many tall palm trees and the lively green trees of the pacific, smelling the beautiful essence of the Hibiscus, loitered with the warm baby blue coloured oceans and enjoying the warm breeze blowing across the pacific is one step closer to paradise.

We began our stay at one of Samoa's leading hotel accommodation, Aggie Gray's Lagoon resort which is about a 30 minute drive from the Airport. This resort is equipped with the many facilities you have at your very own home. Aggie Gray's resort accommodates almost everyone including families, honeymooners and couples who just want time to themselves. Give yourself some time to experience the deep blue seas by taking up some of their great activities. There are many to choose from like diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and much more.

Aggies resort is family orientated, it has a Kids Club where the children will find fun and exciting games to play inside and out (don't forget the hat, sun cream and a long sleeve shirt to protect you from the sun).

Enjoy the sun and oceanview, or taking yourself down to the beach which is 2 minutes from the hotel, cool down by taking a swim and drinking a refreshing cocktail at Aggies famous swim up bar.

Plus enjoy the traditional Samoan dances and fire dancing at Aggie Gray's Lagoon that take place every Friday Night.

Looking for something more traditional and opened ended in UPOLU?

Take a bus or catch a taxi to Sinalei Resort or Coconut's Beach Resort about a 45 minute drive from town. These resorts provide traditional Samoan Fale's (Hutt) and are surrounded with the pacific feel of palm trees, the bread fruit tree and the banana tree.

My absolute favourite would be Sinalei Resort. It has 2 bars (one being on the waterfront) and 2 restaurants. Here you will discover the cool gusty winds of the pacific a place where you can unwind from a crazy working year. With various sporting activities and luscious dinners with a touch of their upper class wines and cocktails, your stay will be like a dream come true. Their traditional Fale's accommodate 2 adults and 1 child or 3 adults. A small resort with only 27 Fale's, some fitted with outside rock showers.

The honeymooner's suite is the place to stay if you are on your honeymoon! You will have your own space about 5 minute walk from the resort with a beach front view and your very own spa and balcony. Your time here is more private and romantic... Don't walk away from your romantic scene, if you need anything, room service is provided (you will have to request at check in).

Feel like having dinner in town?

Catch the bus or take a taxi to town and experience some of the great restaurants. Make your way to Sail's, one of Samoa's famous restaurants for all those seafood lovers where you will be greeted by the friendly staff and directed to your seat. Here you can try the traditional Samoan fish with coconut cream sauce platter called the Oka, or you could try their 'catch of the day' coupled with side dishes of salad or freshly baked potatoes. You can water this all down with their famous Mai Tai cocktail drink or a cold drink of Vailima - Samoa's very own beer (other beverages are provided for the non alcoholics) and to finish the fine dinning don't forget their mouth watering desserts. You will walk away very satisfied!

SAVAII

A must not miss island in Samoa, Savaii is a 1 hour and 15 minute ferry ride from the Upolu Wharf. You will arrive at Salelologa Wharf and from here you can catch the bus or hire a car. Strongly suggest you hire a car as it would be the ideal asset if you want to see the best of Savaii at your own leisure. In Savaii you will come across a lot of Samoan traditional Fale's. Savaii is the biggest island in Samoa.

Head down to the Blow holes which is about a 45 min drive from the wharf and from here you can take another 10 minute drive and experience the beautiful feel of rainforest by taking a walk through the Canopy walk way.

Take another 35 minute drive to Tanu Beach Fale's. Here you will experience the Fa'a Samoa (Samoan way). Tanu Beach Fale's is family owned, with very friendly people and an exiting feel to your stay. Made up of 36 traditional Samoan Fale's. In the afternoons you can sit back relax and watch the sunset, take a dip in the ocean and be ready for a big Samoan feast/ The food here is traditional Samoan food where you will try the Luau (traditional Samoan spinach) and the all time Samoan special of Taro and Bread Fruit.

Give yourself enough time to fit in their fia fia night which takes place every Wednesday night. You will experience all kinds of dances and if your lucky they might throw in a party (the Samoan way of course). There are internet facilities available, only a 5 minute walk away from Tanu Beach Fale's. This will help you stay in touch with family and friends, or if you want to send a post card to your family, facilities are also provided. Snorkelling gear and much more activities are also available.

Overall our holiday in Samoa was the most memorable, a place where summertime is happening throughout the year. This is the place to go if you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. The people are very friendly, traditional and put God and Family first. Everyone who visits Samoa enters as a Tourist and leaves as a family, friend & one of the locals to the Samoan people. An enjoyable experience not to missed. I will never think twice about going to Samoa again.

Thank you Samoa

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