In Samoa, you can while away your holiday snorkelling, diving, surfing or having a siesta Samoan-style in an open-air fale. But don't forget to get to know the local people, their fascinating history and culture, taste the local fare, and browse for some Samoan souvenirs! Read more
Be sure to take photos of the impressive lava fields and powerful blow holes, capture the bold colours of markets, hear the story of how a grand colonial mansion overlooking Apia was once home to the author of a swash-buckling classic, and don't be shy to join the final dance at a Fiafia night.Read more
Be sure to take photos of the impressive lava fields and powerful blow holes, capture the bold colours of markets, hear the story of how a grand colonial mansion overlooking Apia was once home to the author of a swash-buckling classic, and don't be shy to join the final dance at a Fiafia night.Read more
With its lush jungle trails, inland waterholes and waterfalls, rugged mountainous interiors and lagoons teeming with marine life, Samoa has a wealth of activities for the active traveller, and certainly plenty for those who just want to take things easy.
WELCOME TO SAMOA. FOUND IN THE HEART OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN BELOW THE EQUATOR, OUR ISLANDS ARE HALF WAY BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND HAWAII.
Talofa lava and welcome to Samoa, the treasured islands of the South Pacific.
Samoa is considered the heart of Polynesia. It has a 3000 year-old way of life called Fa'a Samoa that underpins a memorable visitor experience.
Samoa is a postcard of natural beauty consisting of ten islands, each offering very distinct and different environments to explore. Blessed with stunning land and seascapes, and friendly people who are proud of their country, there are many versions of paradise to discover. Drive around around in a day, or take a leisurely trip over a few days, or even tour by cycle over a week, or just base yourself at a resort and let
From the rainforest covered rugged volcanic mountain peaks of Savai'i, to the vast valleys leading down to Upolu's coastline ringed with a necklace of white sandy beaches.
Explore Samoa's lush green fertile valleys where banyan trees tower above the tropical rainforest canopy. Take time to cool down at a watering hole next to one of Samoa's many cascading waterfalls that drop into rivers cutting jagged lines through the valley floor as they make their way to the ocean.
WHEN VISITING ANY DESTINATION IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY.
Samoa is one of the safest destinations to visit with a low crime rate, however it’s recommended that you take out travel insurance for peace of mind. Like travelling anywhere, lock away valuables.
The islands are free of major tropical diseases and no vaccinations are required, unless you are arriving from, or transiting through an area infected with yellow fever within 6 days of arrival.
It’s also recommended to purchase bottled water for drinking and if you going to drink the tap water in your hotel room (which is generally safe), boil it first and chill in the fridge.
Just like any tropical destination, Samoa has mosquitos. There is no risk of catching malaria in Samoa, but dengue fever outbreaks have occurred on odd occasions and to keep the mosquitos at bay, it’s recommended you use a good insect branded repellant.
THERE'S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT "GOING HOME". ESPECIALLY WHEN HOME IS IN BEAUTIFUL SAMOA.
Nothing quite compares to the joy of reconnecting with family and friends who still live in our island paradise – and there’s no better place to go to recharge, refresh and remind us of what truly is important in life: family and friends.
Those of us who have left the ancestral ‘nest’ to immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the modern world know the importance of going home and going back to basics – the need to remind us of our roots and our Fa’a Samoa way of life.
Look around you and see that this way of life works in Samoa. You see this in the smile on the faces of the people, the warm welcome you receive from the moment you step off the plane to the beauty of the pristine environment that surrounds you.
If you really think about it, it’s amazing how little time we actually spend with our families. Work, after school activities and social obligations all contribute to the time we spend away from those that matter most to us.
Annual cultural festivals such as the Teuila Festival showcase Samoa's vibrant culture, whereas sporting tournaments and swim series events bring people from all over the world to enjoy Samoa's hospitality and pristine waters.
White Sunday is a celebration of childhood that iincludes special events such as drama, recitations and dance performances. On this much celebrated day in Samoa, children are allowed privileges including being served first during meal time. Everyone – including the adults – dresses in white, and on the day everyone including visitors to Samoa are welcome to join a church service (generally held between 8–10am). Please note, the Monday after White Sunday is the observed public holiday.
The Palolo Rise is a mysterious thing, with no exact date, but if you are in Samoa for this event, count yourself very lucky! Every year in October or November, a week after the full moon, the palolo sea worm that lives in coral rises to the sea’s surface for one or two nights. Many Samoans eagerly await this night and scoop up large amounts of this ‘Pacific caviar’ along the shoreline with hand nets. The worm is an important delicacy – sometimes eaten straight from the sea, and sometimes fried, similar to whitebait.
The Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) hosts a big annual international fishing tournament from the end of April to the begiining of May.
Samoa Independence Celebrations are held on 1 June annually. In 1962, Samoa became the first South Pacific island to gain independence. The celebrations and festivities include singing and dance performances.
From sunrise or sunsets over sparkling white sandy beaches, stunning waterfalls, lush tropical rainforests, perfectly manicured gardens and the sweet harmonies floating out of colonial churches from the local village choirs, one might ask, “why Samoa for our next conference or event?”
Old world hospitality, the friendliest people in Earth and excellent modern infrastructure, Samoa offers the perfect 'home away from home' for the discerning business traveller.
While Samoan values are timeless, their conferences and events facilities are up to date and can accommodate groups of all sizes – from a board meeting for a dozen to a conference for three hundred.
Conference and event experiences can be made more memorable by incorporating traditional Samoan cultural experiences as part of the programme.
Hotels and resorts offer traditional Samoan food, usually at their Fiafia nights with traditional buffets and entertainment. Fiafia nights are a celebration of Samoan culture through song and dance. A highlight is the Siva Afi or Fire Knife dance and the graceful Siva dance. Demonstrations and performances can easily be arranged by the venue coordinator and Samoans are more than happy to have audience participation in their performances!
Fa’a Samoa has a strong focus on welcoming visitors making Samoans friendly and hospitable hosts. A number of hotels in Samoa are ideally suited to meet the needs and expectations of different markets including business travel.
With conference, display and banqueting facilities, Samoa is an ideal venue to host international conferences, product launches, seminars and receptions.
WHEN VISITING ANY DESTINATION IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY.
Samoa is one of the safest destinations to visit with a low crime rate, however it’s recommended that you take out travel insurance for peace of mind. Like travelling anywhere, lock away valuables.
The islands are free of major tropical diseases and no vaccinations are required, unless you are arriving from, or transiting through an area infected with yellow fever within 6 days of arrival.
It’s also recommended to purchase bottled water for drinking and if you going to drink the tap water in your hotel room (which is generally safe), boil it first and chill in the fridge.
Just like any tropical destination, Samoa has mosquitos. There is no risk of catching malaria in Samoa, but dengue fever outbreaks have occurred on odd occasions and to keep the mosquitos at bay, it’s recommended you use a good insect branded repellant.
Don't miss out on a chance to see the true beauty of the South Pacific, make sure you tick off some of these must-see attractions of Samoa.
In Upolu, must-see sites within easy reach of Apia include Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve, Piula Cave Pools and the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks.
The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, famed for classic books such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, spent his final years in Samoa. He was known by the local people as Tusitala – Samoan for ‘teller of tales'. His beautiful mansion Vailima has been converted into a museum set within lush gardens and is open to the public. Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top of Mt Vaea, along a trail named by the locals as “The Road of the Loving Heart”.
For those more adventurous, take a trip to the village of Lotofaga on the south coast and experience the To Sua Trench. This idyllic spot is what South Pacific dreams are made of! The hero-shot of many brochures and travel articles about Samoa, this 30-metre deep crater is filled with sea water and to reach its clear waters you must scramble down a long step ladder. An underwater tunnel – only diveable at low and calm tide – connects the trench with the sea and is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that are a popular picnic spot for Samoans.
The ideal tropical holiday involves a mixture of laid-back relaxation and activities catering to your adventurous spirit.
In Samoa, you can while away your holiday snorkelling, diving, surfing or having a siesta Samoan-style in an open-air fale. But don't forget to get to know the local people, their fascinating history and culture, taste the local fare, and browse for some Samoan souvenirs!
Be sure to take photos of the impressive lava fields and powerful blow holes, capture the bold colours of markets, hear the story of how a grand colonial mansion overlooking Apia was once home to the author of a swash-buckling classic, and don't be shy to join the final dance at a Fiafia night.
With its lush jungle trails, inland waterholes and waterfalls, rugged mountainous interiors and lagoons teeming with marine life, Samoa has a wealth of activities for the active traveller, and certainly plenty for those who just want to take things easy.
Alofa is the Samoan word for love, and you will fall in love with Samoa as a wedding or honeymoon destination
Weddings
The scent of frangipani wafts through the air, the ocean laps onto the beach and the sun is setting over the horizon. You have come to these beautiful islands to marry, and beside you is your soul mate and true love, saying the words ‘I do’.
Samoa's stunning natural features provide numerous magical settings for your ceremony; from a secluded beach to a cascading waterfall or even a lush tropical rainforest or garden. You can enjoy your special day on a private, uninhabited island or experience a traditional-style wedding in a century-old church as a Samoan choir sings.
Honeymoons
Your honeymoon is the start of your new life together, so take some precious time with your loved one and make some memories to treasure in the treasured islands.
Treat yourselves to a honeymoon suite at a resort by the beach and lie poolside or beachside and watch the day go by while sipping on a tropical cocktail. There are many dreamy superior hotels and deluxe resorts to choose from.
If you prefer the nightlife, take a suite at one of the hotels in Apia and pamper yourselves with a spa or traditional massage.
Take a sunset cruise on a boat and enjoy the refreshing sea air or simply lie on the beach and be waited upon by the friendly resort staff.
For the more adventurous, hire a car and explore the islands and stay at atraditional beach fale.
FIND AN ACTIVITY ON OR UNDER SAMOA'S PRISTINE WATERS THAT SUITS YOUR STYLE AND SPEED
Want that dream tropical holiday that includes an under-sea adventure in glorious turquoise and warm waters, where you can admire tropical fish and maybe even swim with turtles? Pack your fins and your snorkel mask, because Samoa is that perfect holiday destination!
Samoa has some wonderful diving with warm clear waters and great visibility. The reefs are home to beautiful coral gardens and multi-coloured tropical fish, and those who don't want to dive won't miss out on the fun, snorkelling in Samoa is easy and accessible – even from the capital city of Apia.
Divers, snorkellers, surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders may even spot turtles near the edge of the fringing coral reef.
Beautiful lush coral means well-fed fish, which means great fishing in South Pacific waters. Samoa has some fantastic game-fishing charters, so let the ones who know show you where the big catch is.
Samoa is increasingly becoming a popular surfing destination, surf in Samoa and stay at one of the excellent surf resorts with beachfront accommodation options.
