Feature I wrote on Samoa for the February 2008 issue of Travel Digest. I travelled to this Pacific Island as part of my assignment.

1. samoa
outstanding accommodation, day spas and
excellent views of the crystal clear waters
along the reef. The Sinalei Reef Resort is
set in 33 acres of lush tropical gardens and
offers 27 fales with a range of water sports to
choose from.
Samoa’s newest beachfront resort,
Seabreeze Resort, has a point of difference in
that it is the only mid range air-conditioned
accommodation on the beach in Upolu Island.
We stop here for lunch with Australian-
born owners Chris and Wendy Booth and
enjoy a delicious Waloo (fresh fish) meal,
smothered in a gourmet chili garlic sauce
out on the gorgeous 50-seat restaurant deck
overlooking the reef. All ocean view queen
rooms and reef family rooms overlook the
private beach.
Taufua Beach Fales along the way are
the perfect place to stay if you are sticking
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
to a tight budget. Their prices are very
reasonable and include both breakfast and
dinner and the fales are literally right on the
beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and
diving! There’s a distinct, friendly backpacker-style atmosphere in the The hotel has a large swimming pool and all the facilities one would
common area, full of the chatter of travellers around the world telling expect from a five-star property.
their own stories. Some good company, a van and a mattress are all you The next morning we catch a one hour 15 minute ferry ride to Savaii
really need to have a good time here. Island, the larger main island of Samoa. The island is home to an active
Our next stop is Piula Cave pool, a crystal clear freshwater pool volcano, which last erupted in 1911. The Saleaula lava fields, caused
that follows deep into a cave and out through the other side of the by eruptions in the early 20th century, are extensive and run for miles
rocky outcrop. A quick dip in here is all I need to freshen myself up, along the coastline.
although I’m a bit hesitant to make the dive through to the other side Our next stop is by far my favourite activity to do in Samoa -
of the cave. swimming with the turtles at Satoalepai Wetlands. There are about 20
My accommodation for the night is Aggie Grey’s Hotel and turtles raised here in a fresh-water pool. The local village look after
Bungalows, a place rich in history and tradition, which was started in them and at about $4 per entry, this is definitely great value. You can
1933 by the late Aggie Grey, as a resting spot for American troops in bring your own snorkelling gear and gracefully float amongst this great
the Pacific. My room is a deluxe garden bungalow which very roomy. creatures who are more than friendly and don’t seem to mind the extra
attention. The attraction has been set up to
raise awareness of these supreme creatures
and help safeguard their future in Samoa.
At Savaii at Le Lagoto Beach Resort
(Samoan for sunsets and pronounced La-
no-to) I enjoy one night’s stay. Located
on a white sandy, secluded beach, this
boutique resort offers five beachfront fales,
five Oceanside fales and a beachhouse
apartment. This resort is obviously popular
with every room fully booked out, much to
the disappointment of my tour guide who
has made other arrangements at the beach
fales further down the coast. It’s the low
season in January so I’m sure their high
season (March - April) will be very fruitful.
A small infinity pool is located on the beach
and the kids seem to love playing here.
My beachfront fale is conveniently located
beside this pool and is not too far from the
bar either!
Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa The best way to make your way around
24 Travel Digest, February 2008