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Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...

Seattle, Washington
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114 posts
8 reviews
3 helpful votes
Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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I would love some advice on where to go.

We will be going for our anniversary. We are looking for a resort with an awesome beach. All inclusive would be good but not a must. Also important is that the resort is nice and has great service. We are looking for great beach, quiet and relaxation.

Originally we were going to Turks and Caicos but have decided to change our minds because of the oil spill. So now I am starting from scratch.

We will be travelling in June 2011 so I am also thinking that most construction should/hopefully be done by then also from the tsunami.

Any help and advice would be great!

Thank you so much!

Woolgoolga...
Destination Expert
for Apia, Samoa
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4,886 posts
43 reviews
30 helpful votes
1. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Malo lava

This is a great place to spend your anniversary, Samoa is a very romantic country.

Depending on how long you are staying you might want to split your time between both of the major islands (Upolu and Savaii). You are right in thinking that the majority of work on tsunami devastated resorts will be complete.

The best beaches on Upolu are in the south/south east. At this stage the ones that are re-opened for business are the very beautiful and romantic Sinalei Reef Resort, Coconuts Beach Club and Sa'moana Resort. All are on beaches with pools as well, they have excellent service, staff and food and are set in a very idyllic and tropical location. There may be other resorts open by the time you arrive so keep checking back here for updates. On the north east coast there is Le Uaina and Galusina Resort as well. On the north west coast there is Aggie Greys Lagoon Beach Resort and Spa and Le Vasa Resort but the beach in the north west aren't that great, neverless the staff, service and location of Aggies provides a great example of Samoan hospitality. If you are looking for somewhere to spend a quiet night by yourselves then Namua Island would be fantastic, it has just re-opened after much effort from the locals to restore it to it's former self. You can spend a night without electricity, under the stars and looked after by the local staff who will see to your every need. Their website is not yet up and running but you can check the way it was prior to the tsunami and the rest of the accommodation I have mentioned can be googled.

On Savaii I would highly recommend Savaii Lagoon Resort, great people. fantastic food, a great white beach where you can swim and dive, large fales which are self contained and quite secluded and restful. Next door is Le Lagoto with traditional Samoan enclosed fales, a bar, wonderful food and again great staff. On the north coast of Savaii, if you wanted a fale experience there is Va-i-moana Seaside Lodge where Rosie and Sale will look after you fa'a Samoa (in the Samoan way).

I hope this helps with your plans.

Manuia le aso (have a great day)

Deb

Seattle, Washington
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114 posts
8 reviews
3 helpful votes
2. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Thank you for the info! I really appreciate. We were thiking also fiji but some say Samao is what Fiji was 20 years ago. Do you agree with this statement?

Out of the areas you mentioned which would have the softest, whitest sand and clear blue water? :) That's what we are looking for.

We are planning 7 nights or so.

Thank you and have a great day also :)

Kayla

Woolgoolga...
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for Apia, Samoa
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4,886 posts
43 reviews
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3. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Your welcome Kayla

Samoa would probably be what Fiji was more than 30 years ago and what western nations were probably like more than 60 years ago!!! It is relatively untouched by tourism and the environment still quite pristine, it's amazing natural beauty is just that - natural. I would seriously skip Fiji unless you want to jostle for space on a beach with other tourists or don't really care about peace and quiet. All the resorts in Samoa have their own sort of entertainment although a little more laid back with the exception of FiaFia night which is a wonderful, lively display of Samoan culture in food, song and dance.

Soft sand is a bit of a rarity in Samoa although it does exist. Because the coral reef is so close it is natural that the sand is a bit grainy, crystal clear blue water is everywhere though. If your budget stretches far enough I'd go with Sinalei Reef Resort, it has everything you want (incl the soft sand and clear water) plus more, you really couldn't look much further to find paradise. After that, on Upolu, I'd consider Sa'moana and then both Savaii Lagoon Resort and Le Lagoto on Savaii. Anywhere you go in Samoa you can be as far from the madding crowd as you like or part of a community should you prefer.

Have fun planning.

Fa soifua

Deb

Seattle, Washington
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114 posts
8 reviews
3 helpful votes
4. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Deb,

So if we stay at Sinalei Reef Resort.Do you eat at the resort or are there other restaurants nearby. We do not plan on renting a car. What is the average cost for a meal in that area?

Also is Samoa known to have good food? :) I ask because on another anniversery trip we were in Moorea and the food was horrible. We are not foodies but it was horrible.

Thank you :)

Kayla

Woolgoolga...
Destination Expert
for Apia, Samoa
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4,886 posts
43 reviews
30 helpful votes
5. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Malo Kayla

You can always go to nearby resort restaurants for a meal just for a bit of a change, this is quite an accepted practice in Samoa.

Unfortunately, any resorts that are on or near a beach are not close to Apia where there is a wider choice of places to eat. A taxi into town would cost around 120 tala + return.

Sinalei and Sa'moana resorts have excellent food and they both can incoporate a meal plan into the total price if that's what you'd prefer, otherwise they both have a la carte menus. They have both western and Samoan food, the FiaFia night has a huge buffet of mostly Samoan food for you to try - pork done in an umu, Samoan delicacies like palusamia and oka, lots of seafood, turkey, curries, salads, etc. Food prices at resorts are reasonable when you convert them back to your own currency.

As to whether Samoan food is good or not, you really have to try it for yourselves, it is quite unlike any other cuisine and is truly part of the culture. There are things I love and others hate so it really comes down to taste.

A really good source of info on Samoa is http://jasons.com/samoa - it has everything from accommodation, transport, nightlife, eating out to things to see and do, well worth a look.

Fa soifua

Deb

Seattle, Washington
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114 posts
8 reviews
3 helpful votes
6. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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If we stay at SRR would we fly into Apia?

I'm really looking also into Vima Island Resort because the sand looks so nice and the water is so clear.

Is Samoa and Vima Island similar except the sand texture.

Thanks for all your help :)

Kayla

New Zealand
Destination Expert
for Norfolk Island, Noosaville, Rarotonga
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268 reviews
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7. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Hi marc

We stayed at Coconuts a few years back which had good food and was not far from Sinalei, though I wouldn't walk at night.

I have sent you a PM

Vancouver, Canada
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24 posts
12 reviews
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8. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Samoana would be a great choice and since they cater to surfers the place is very quiet during the day, you will love the infinity pool and the free use of kyaks. However, they also offer excellent Island tours for the non-surfers (we have stayed there, see my review). Often they have a stay for 7 pay for 5 special. We also like the ultra quiet and peaceful of Virgin Cove Resort. They have made lots of improvements in food and service, which we noticed when we stayed in March.

You will love Samoa :o)

Woolgoolga...
Destination Expert
for Apia, Samoa
Level Contributor
4,886 posts
43 reviews
30 helpful votes
9. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...
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Malo lava Kayla

You actually fly into Faleolo Airport which is about 45 mins from Apia an 1.5 hours from Sinalei in a cab.

I don't know anything about Vima Island so really can't comment.

Manuia le aso

Deb

10. Re: Planning 1st trip to Samoa-Don't know where to start...

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