Destination Guide

Samoa, Pacific

Samoa is a beautiful island perfectly situated between New Zealand and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The culture of Samoa is rich in history and tradition. Samoans are famous for their friendly and welcoming nature, lively dances, art and intricate ceremonial tattoos. Visitors to Samoa get to see what it's like to live on an island as opposed to just visiting one.

Samoa consists of several islands but is divided into two regions, Samoa and American Samoa. Samoa is more widely travelled to but American Samoa is known for its untouched natural beauty.

Samoa also boasts a dream-like natural landscape. The volcanic hillsides are lush and green and rainforests are plentiful. Sea life, including sea turtles, coral and fish, makes snorkelling a must while in Samoa, and colourful exotic wildlife is abundant. There is no shortage of exquisite waterfalls, inactive volcanoes and white sand beaches in Samoa. It's a nature lover's paradise.

Like many islands, Samoa has a wet season and a dry season. Dry season, the best time to visit Samoa, is during the months of May to October.

Getting in and around Samoa

Samoa Airport

Samoa has one international airport, Faleolo Airport, and it is located about one hour away from Apia, Samoa's capital city. You should be able to find numerous flights out of Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane. You also have the option to sail into Samoa via cruise liners.

Samoa Transport

Getting around Samoa can be done by catching a taxi or bus, however these options can take longer than simply hiring a car, as buses run on island time and taxis tend to drive slower over uneven surfaces. Car hire is available at the airport or in town. You can also rent a bike and take time to see the island.

Samoa Car Hire

To hire a car, you will need to obtain a temporary license from the Transport Control Board. Some car hire companies also offer temporary licenses.

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Samoa accommodation

Samoa has a variety of resorts and hotels for you to choose from. All establishments - no matter what price point they are in - have that breezy island feeling that everyone looks for in an island vacation.

Luxury

  • Seabreeze Resort is an adult only resort and offers outstanding service and villas with amazing views.
  • Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows is the picture of luxury and the choice accommodation among travellers to Samoa.
  • Aggie Grey's Hotel and Bungalow is a fixture in Samoa and a picture of history and tradition. The Samoan style hotel is a choice accommodation among travellers to Samoa.Seabreeze Resort at Paradise Cove is the newest addition to Samoa's hotel scene and offers romantic, beach front rooms and easy access to beaches, snorkelling and other great activities.

    Mid-range

  • Amoa Resort. You will enjoy sleeping seaside on Savaii Island. Villas and bungalows are fringed by a stunning blue lagoon.
  • Hotel Elisa puts you in walking distance from the city of Apia and you will enjoy a luxurious, beautiful room during your stay.
  • Hotel Elisa puts you walking distance from the city of Apia and you will enjoy a luxurious, beautiful room during your stay.Siufaga Beach Resort and Restaurant You will enjoy sleeping seaside at the Siufaga Beach Resort and Restaurant. The beautiful Mediterranean-style restaurant ensures you a luxurious stay.

    Budget

  • Hotel Millenia is a great beach front property that offers all of the amenities and a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
  • Tivoli Aparthotel offers fully serviced apartments at a great price.
  • Hotel Milennia is a great beach front property that offers all of the amenities and a comfortable stay at an affordable price.Tatiana Motel You will have everything you need in a suite at the Tatiana Hotel at a price anyone can afford. ^ Back to top

    Things to do in Samoa

    Samoa promises a beautiful island vacation full of typical island activities and some that are a little more unique. Samoa's traditions, culture and history have so much character - which makes Samoa one of the richest islands in the Pacific.

  • Samoan Tattoo Ceremony. Tattoos are an important part of Samoan social structure and culture. If proper measures are taken, you can witness a sacred tattoo ceremony while in Samoa.
  • Cultural Tour. Visit the Cultural Village and get insight into Samoa's culture and traditions.
  • Spend a day in the water. Go snorkelling, diving, surfing and fishing on gorgeous Samoan beaches.
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    Day trips in and around Samoa

  • Uafato Conservation Area. This breathtaking rainforest is home to local artists and wood carvers. Artists of Uafato village can demonstrate wood carving to visitors.
  • Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The great author, Robert Louis Stevenson, had a house in Samoa and is buried on the island. His former residence is an exciting and unique attraction.
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