What You Didn’t Know About Samoa

Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, you’ll find the South Pacific paradise of Samoa, ten islands of natural wonder with lush rainforests, sparkling waterfalls, and even a giant swimming hole. But this famous island group is more than just palm trees and fantastic beaches. Read on to discover what you might not have known about Samoa.

Samoa

 

Treasure Island, Waterfalls, and The Road of Loving Hearts

The weather is impeccable, welcoming families and couples to a tropical paradise that has temperatures in the mid-80s year round.

Samoa Watering HoleJump into the Sua Giant Swimming Hole, which features two giant holes joined by a lava tube cave. One of the holes is dry while the other is a 90-foot swimming hole, surrounded by a lush tropical garden. (No need to jump! The pool has a ladder.)

The author of Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson, spent his last years living in Samoa. He is so well known on the island that he is referred to locally as Tusitala, or “Teller of Tales,” and you can visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which occupies the mansion the famous author lived in during his time on the island.

Related: Worldwide Traveler Top 10 Experiences – South Pacific

Surrounding the museum are the Vailima Botanical Gardens with stunning views of Mount Vaea, a hiking trail known as the “The Road of Loving Hearts,” and a freshwater pool with a cascading waterfall that Stevenson once enjoyed. The gardens also house Stevenson’s tomb, a 30-minute walk from his mansion, as well as a 50-minute walking trail through the lavish rainforest.

You’ve heard of natural pools, but have you ever heard of natural slides? Less than 15 minutes from Apia, the capital of Samoa, is the Papse’ea Sliding Rock with a natural 32-foot glide for adults and three smaller slides for kids to enjoy.

Samoa WaterfallDiscover the Afu Aau Waterfall, also known as Olemoe Falls, on Savaii (Samoa’s largest island), with a large waterfall feeding three smaller ones, creating a stunning scene of natural beauty.

Don’t miss out on the traditional umu (earth-cooked) meals as well oka (raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lemon juice, chili, and onions), ulu (breadfruit), and palusami (baked coconut cream in taro leaves). Many hotels pair a Samoan meal with a traditional dance in what are called fiafai nights or “celebration” or “get-together.”

Samoa is governed by Fa’a Samoa or “the Samoan Way” through matai (chiefs), aiga (extended family), and the church. When visiting villages in the area, travelers must follow certain protocols, such as avoiding walking through villages during the evening prayer (usually between 6 and 7 p.m.). Sa (sacred) is approximately 10 to 20 minutes long, and begins and ends with bells or the blowing of a conch shell. Wait for the third bell before continuing on your visit.

 

Where to stay

Sinalei Reef Resort

Sinalei Reef Resort welcomes guests to a true Samoan paradise on the southern side of Upolu, Samoa’s main island. Tucked away in a tranquil garden, the intimate resort offers 29 garden, ocean view, and beachside villas, which feature luxurious amenities such as open-air showers, furnished terraces and decks, glass-ceiling bathrooms, and views of the Sinalei Lagoon. Garden walks, village visits, game fishing, and water sports (surfing and snorkeling) are some of the relaxing activities you can enjoy at this luxurious resort, but you’ll also want to savor the exquisite cuisine and romantic settings. Indulge in seafood and cocktails at Ava I Toga with natural springs bubbling through underground lava tubes next to the pier, or choose the Laumosooi Villa Restaurant with its weekly fiafia night, offering traditional food and dancing by Sinalei’s own staff and the famous knife dancing show from the Siumu district of Samoa. Saturdays are also special at this restaurant with a spectacular barbecue dinner.

For ultimate pampering and a truly unique experience, enjoy the Sinalei Spa’s candlelight treatment, offered seaside during the evening.

 

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