While visitors to Samoa can – and should – stay in a traditional no-walled Fale on the beach as part of any authentic experience, there are also plenty of luxury options available for those looking to get pampered in paradise.
Samoa’s luxury resorts easily compete with other similar properties around the world. Many look out directly onto pristine white sand beaches in impossibly idyllic locations, with unforgettable sunsets, poolside bars, lush tropical gardens and innovative, world-class cuisine.
Whether you seek luxury city resorts in Apia, boutique beach retreats in Upolu or exotic hideaways in Savai’i; there are many high-end options on offer.
Close to Faleolo International Airport, Apia is Samoa’s only town, and it is home to both the Taumeasina Island Resort and the Tanoa Tusitala. Opened in 2016, the Taumeasina is Samoa’s newest resort.
It is situated on its own exclusive island, the first of its kind in Samoa, making it the ultimate unique travel experience.
Connected to Apia by a short causeway, the resort is one of the country’s largest, featuring 80 rooms and a mix of three to four-bed villas, various dining options, a cascading swimming pool, tennis courts, water-sports pavilion, cooking classes, weekly cultural shows and meeting space.
Tanoa Tusitala was built on Apia’s waterfront, in the middle of 6 hectares of lush tropical gardens and a few minutes’ walk from the central business district. The hotel reflects key elements of Samoan architecture and culture, such as its central courtyard dominated by hand-tied Fales (traditional Samoan houses), housing the hotel’s lobby, restaurant and bar.
On Upolu’s South Coast, discerning travellers will also find a choice of boutique luxury accommodation options, including Aga Reef Resort, Seabreeze Resort, Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Return to Paradise Resort and Coconuts Beach Club Resort.
As the only over-18s resort in the country, the Seabreeze Resort caters exclusively for adults with a total of a dozen bungalows. The property has accumulated World Travel Awards over the years, including Oceania’s Most Romantic Resort in 2019 and 2020.
Its Waterfront restaurant has also been the recipient of many Trip Advisor accolades. The intimate and exclusive beachside resort is currently refurbishing the main pool and spa pools as part of their full maintenance programme, ready for the reopening of the island to international travellers!
Located in a sheltered bay, the Saletoga Resort & Spa combines a relaxing vibe and luxury within the island’s natural splendour. Its white sandy beach is simply breathtaking, and its tranquil blue waters, coupled with the surrounding lush greenery and tropical flowers, pretty much guarantee memories to last a lifetime.
Guests can rejuvenate at its on-site spa whilst leaving the children to soak up the local culture at the kids’ entertainment programme. The resort is currently upgrading and making improvements on its gardens and hotel using recycled materials, proving why Beautiful Samoa is at the forefront of sustainable tourism.
On the island of Savai’i, travellers can live in the lap of luxury, surrounded by the lush wilderness, Le Lagoto Resort & Spa and Amoa Resort. The Amoa Resort is situated across from one of the most exquisite turquoise lagoons in magical Amoa.
With 11 contemporary Polynesian Deluxe Bungalows and Poolside Villas centred around a spectacular pool and bar, the resort also boasts an open-air restaurant featuring the best in Samoan nouveau cuisine. The menu is co-designed by award-winning chef Joe Lam which features delicious local Samoan flavours in a contemporary setting.
Samoa‘s COVID 19 vaccination programme entered into its next phase last week with the rollout of the 2nd dose. To date, more than 40,000 people have received the first jab of the vaccine, including many resorts’ staff who have been trained to follow health protocols designed to keep guests safe.
For the latest information on travelling to Samoa, visit www.samoa.travel, www.samoagovt.ws as well as the UK FCO website.