In the heart of Polynesia, the islands of Samoa are a perfect location for the tropical escape of your dreams. The pristine South Pacific country that’s situated about one-half of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand boasts incredible deep-sea fishing, fascinating native culture, gorgeous beaches, shimmering rainforests, and much more. Go beyond the typical South Pacific tourist locations and explore this alluring and undiscovered country. Samoa is a friendly destination that drew Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, to settle here in the 1890s. Samoa is made up of 10 relaxed islands - the two main ones being Upolu and Savai'i. Samoa's 180,000 residents live on Samoa's five inhabited islands, with the largest concentration on friendly Upolu, which contains the capital, Apia, a bustling South Seas town. All of Samoa’s islands are covered by lush vegetation, with a wild interior and sun-baked shorelines. See the true beauty of the South Pacific.
Ancient and Traditional Culture Samoa is considered to be the birthplace of the Polynesian culture with a traditional society governed by "Fa’a Samoa" (the Samoan Way) - where devotion to family is paramount and respect of elders is strictly adhered to. Their traditional culture is largely untouched and fascinating cultural events are worth checking out. Attend a Fiafia Night and see a celebration of Samoan culture. You’ll witness a traditional buffet and show, featuring beautiful songs, graceful dances, and a spectacular fire knife performance. Samoans love to eat, and you will too once you see the fresh and inspired cuisine on the islands. Some favourite dishes include fire-roasted coconut cream and taro leaves, breadfruit, and cooked green bananas. No trip to Samoa is complete without visiting the colourful markets. Visit Apia markets, which offer a dazzling array of exotic fruits and vegetables, and nibble on some cooked Samoan favourites. Many visitors to Samoa see the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The Scottish author’s lovely one-time mansion has been beautifully restored and turned into a museum full of period pieces and artifacts.
Lush Rainforests and Glistening Beaches Samoa is an adventurer's paradise. Pristine rainforests, awesome waterfalls, and sparkling lagoons make a wonderful setting for tropical outdoor exploration. Take to lush trails for beautiful hikes, stare into extinct volcanoes, and swim with turtles in sparkling tropical waters.
Samoa has exceptional caves that are excellent for spelunking, and spectacular lagoons for diving. Both Upolu and Savai'i have great dive spots, with around 900 fish species and 200 types of coral. Dive below the surface and explore Samoa’s underwater beauty, where you’ll see a kaleidoscope of colourful marine life. Walk or cycle through picturesque interior villages and squeeze in a round of golf at one of Samoa’s popular golf courses. Take in a Samoan surfing experience, which combines the perfection of Indonesia with the raw power of Hawaii. After all this active adventure, it’s time to laze in the sand. The buttery warm waters of the South Pacific sea meet sparkling white sands around Samoa’s incredible coastlines. Samoa's sparkling white sand beaches offer breathtaking views, and in some places, stretches for miles.
Get off the beaten path and book a Samoa trip now - beautiful adventure awaits!
By Bronwyn Hodge
Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.
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