Audley in Samoa
With a wealth of places to explore in an idyllic setting, Samoa is perfect for those looking for more than just an island getaway. From the airport on Upolu Island, the capital and principal port of Apia is just a short drive away and well worth a few nights’ stay. Upolu itself has some fantastic high quality properties and is easy to navigate by hire car, taking in the wonderful sights along the way. Savai’i, Upolu’s larger, but less populated sister island, is about an hour away by ferry. The accommodation here tends to be simpler but the beaches are superb and the experience well worth the trip.
Accommodation
Not particularly developed with regards to tourism, accommodation choices in Samoa range from the very basic beachside fales (open-sided beach bungalows) to a few top-end properties. The accommodation on Upolu tends to be of a higher standard than that on Savai’i although a few recent developments have started to raise standards. As Samoa is a great place to travel around and explore, the best plan is usually to stay in a mix of different accommodation styles through the course of your visit.
Getting Around
Travelling around in Samoa is relatively easy. As most flights arrive at unsociable times a private car transfer on arrival is usually a good idea, but with a simple road system and the odd chicken as the greatest road hazard, a hire car can give you the chance to really get to grips with the islands. Though you can fly between the islands, there is a ferry that is usually more convenient. If self-driving does not appeal then private transfers are available to all of the resorts and between the islands.