Reasons to Visit Samoa
Samoans love their food and that is reflected in their restaurants. Menu's may well be limited by availability but everything they have will be freshly caught that day, often simply prepared the food is rarely gourmet but the ingredients are incredible. Weekends revolve around food with Saturday being almost entirely dedicated to the preparations for the enormous Sunday Umu which is often followed by a long sleep by the beach.
Samoa sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and there is evidence of this everywhere, with Savai'i still being active. A visit the village of Saleaula which was buried by a eruptions between 1905 and 1911 is a strange experience as you walk through buildings on a thick carpet of solid lava.
Few places in the world can be as laid back as Samoa. There is nowhere where you will feel rushed or pushed along and with that comes a wonderfully friendly approach to every aspect of life.
It does not take long to realise why this tiny island continues to produce such astounding rugby players. The average physique combined with the fact that they learn to play on incredibly hard pitches or the sharp black lava sand makes for some tough and very quick players!
Samoa is blessed with incredible natural beauty; the unspoilt islands are dominated by rugged mountain ranges, fringed with coral reefs and blue lagoons, stunning beaches, rainforests, lava fields and blow holes. This diverse landscape is the remnants of ancient volcanic activity, and one of the many things that make Samoa the wonderfully unique place it is.
Because the beaches around the Southern coasts of both Upolu and Savai’i have very little reef protecting them from the waves, Samoa is a surfers paradise. People travel from all over the world to surf here and there are lots of surf schools dotted along the coast.
Polynesian people are amongst some of the friendliest in the world and there is no better way to experience this first hand than to stroll amongst the flea markets and fresh food markets. Drink Kava with the local people and learn more about every day life in the Polynesian Islands.
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New Zealand & the South Pacific
Visit the home of Robert Louis Stevenson.
The largest of the islands in Independent Samoa, Savai’i has a remote and slightly wild feel about it. The coastline boasts some fantastic beaches but not all are protected by reefs so in places the waters can be quite fierce.
Upolu is Samoa's second largest but most populated island, home to the bustling capital of Apia. The gentle coastal road winds through sleepy little villages and around glorious bays, with tantalising turnings leading you out to sublime beaches or up into the mountainous interior.
Located on a stunning white sand beach this intimate property houses just ten spacious fales, tastefully decorated and all with air conditioning and private deck areas with hammocks.
With a variety of room types, ranging from tree house suites to the more traditional beach fales, and even a few overwater fales to choose from, Coconuts Beach Club is one of Samoa's leading resorts.
West of Upolu Island boasts an exciting journey through vibrant seaside villages, combined with steep mountainous terrain, mangroves, plantations and colourful tropical gardens of flowers...
Sinalei Reef Resort is a great place to take in the spirit of Samoa. Its fales are simply, but colourfully decorated, offering a choice of views from lush gardens to the beach and ocean.
25 1/4 hours (Apia, via Los Angeles)
Air New Zealand
UTC -11
The best time to travel.
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.
Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.
Travel is not recommended.
Snow or ski season.
Further reading:When to GoHighlightsPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout Samoa
Other countries in Australasia:AustraliaNew ZealandFrench PolynesiaThe Cook IslandsFiji
