Dear friends,

Here is a nice report from one of our visitors from the USA.

Written by Michelle Strashoon, Daily Sound 

Receiving only 3,000 American tourists per year, Samoa is still unchartered territory in the touristic landscape of the world.

The country is perfect for experiencing the raw Polynesia of yesteryear, one that has yet to be covered in over-priced over-water bungalows and Western-style food.

Samoa is made up of two large islands, Upolu and Savaii, and eight smaller islets; all together the country is still smaller than the state of Rhode Island.
The airport and the capital, Apia, are both located on Upolu, along with three quarters of the population.

Although life throughout the whole country is serenely laid back, locals say that Savaii is where you go when you really want to relax.
Nature lovers will love the unspoiled beauty that Savaii has to offer. The island is lush and densely covered, with an array of natural wonders worth experiencing first hand.

The Alofaaga Blowholes, just a short walk from Taga Village allows you to feel the raw force of the ocean as water rushes into the blowholes and shoots up to 100 feet in the air. Unlike in the US, there are no safety bars or rails holding you back from being one with Mother Nature.

Located a few miles into the rainforest is the Afu Aau Waterfalls.
The falls are formed by a natural river that weaves through the jungle and comes crashing down into a crystal clear swimming hole.
With year-round temperatures staying in the 80’s, coupled with high humidity, the crisp cool waters of the waterfalls are a welcoming respite from the heat.

BUDGET TRAVEL
Budget travel is one area where Samoa shines above the rest of the Polynesian islands. Generally, all beautiful beachfront properties on most islands in this region are gobbled up by high-end resorts, leaving only less scenic inland properties for budget accommodations.

Since Samoa has yet to see a tourism boom, breathtaking beaches still exist aplenty with budget accommodations at jaw-dropping prices.
The most enticing part of the budget properties on the islands is that they give you a first hand glimpse into everyday life, as they usually consist of fales, the open air traditional Samoan style homes.

For about $25 you get your own private fale on the beach with a mattress, sheets, mosquito net, and a traditional homemade breakfast and dinner.
Meals at most fales are outstanding displays of traditional food and even if sleeping in a hut on the beach is not your thing, it is still worth dining at one.
My favorite fale property was Namu’a Beach Fales.

Located on a private island off the coast of Up

olu, in a lagoon filled with sea turtles, Namua Island is worth experiencing, even if it is just as a day trip. 

Guests are free to roam the island as they please, and with only 10 fales available it is easy to find a private corner to call your own. 

LUXURY TRAVEL

Although five star hotel regulars might not find their needs met in Samoa, those that are looking to stretch their dollar far will be happy with what they find.

Suites at many hotels run under $300, and consist of a free standing fale with louver windows on all sides, allowing privacy when needed but the calming sea breeze in as well. If there is one characteristic of a luxury suite that is unique to Samoa, it is the outdoor restrooms. Most suites on the island feature dramatic walled-in private restrooms set in a garden, that make taking a shower a surreal experience.

Dining at the luxury resorts is also a welcoming surprise, as three course meals at even the most expensive resorts rarely goes over $30 per person. Breakfast is also generally included in the nightly rate at most properties.

Beautiful spas can often be found at many resorts and prices are about half of what they are in the U.S. Most spas use lotions and scrubs of natural ingredients found on the island, and outdoor massages in private courtyards are common.

As many amenities, like kayaks and snorkeling gear, are often complimentary to hotel guests, those that are used to checking out of a hotel and receiving a bill that reads more like a novel will be pleasantly surprised.