The family operating Fao Fao Beach Fales at Saleapaga have demonstrated an extreme willpower and determination to get their accommodation business up and running again, regardless of what have happened in the past.

When everyone left the village heading for higher ground to settle down, the Fao Fao family took what they had and started rebuilding shortly after the accident, not waiting for the government to support them.

After many years of operation they are known worldwide and have many supporters. Private people offered money to help to start-up again. Four new fales directly on the beach was quickly built and taken into use. Already at Christmas time the restaurant and bar was ready to welcome the first guests in the new Fao Fao Beach Fales.

At this time there is not much competition around as the closest resort would be The Virgin Cove Resort at Saanapu Village which is more than 1 hour drive from Saleapanga and Fao Fao Beach Fales.

Building up a new resort from scratch is a big challenge but it also gives the family the opportunity to do things in a new and better way. One of the changes planned is to go more up-market with self-contained bungalows close but not directly at the beach.

To begin with the family had to stay in tents during the building period before the first fale was ready. It will take some time before the nature has recovered and all the remaining debris has been cleared in the area.

The thankfulness of the family for everything people from other countries have done for them and their business is enormous.

Listen to what they have to say….

Mats Loefkvist      www.samoa-experience.com