Samoa – where to stay and what to do on your family vacay

Samoa is a stunning location with a wonderful climate, gorgeous locals, relaxtion for parents and chilled-out fun for kids, and after the COVID years, it’s back in business and open to travellers.

Here’s what you need to know for your Samoa vacay, from visas and COVID restrictions to how to get there where to stay and what to do.

Planning your holiday in Samoa

Visa and health COVID restrictions for Australians travelling to Samoa

No visas are required to enter Samoa, which is great news for Aussie families.

All COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted and passengers and crew are no longer required to take a pre-departure RAT test or show proof of vaccination. However, always check with your travel agent prior to booking.

According to the latest situational report from the Ministry of Health issued on 11th September, case numbers continue to trend lower and between 92% and 94% of the target population are fully vaccinated.

Getting to Samoa

In terms of available flights, Qantas’ Northern Winter schedule from November 2022 to March 2023 will see an increase in direct weekly flights between Australia’s eastern seaboard and Samoa’s gateway Faleolo Internationa Airport, with additional services scheduled for both weekdays and weekends.

Online travel platforms are now displaying expanded schedules from November that enable connectivity with the airline’s domestic and international networks. Multiple flights with Virgin Australia across the country have also commenced, with more of these to come over the next few months.

Where to stay in Samoa

Taumeasina Island Resort, Upolu

Located just 45 minutes from the Faleolo International Airport and five minutes from Samoa’s capital city, Apia, is the island nation’s newly renovated four-and-a-half star luxury resort.

Situated on its own private island, Taumeasina Island Resort offers secluded and exclusive accommodation in the heart of the South Pacific. Taumeasina has an impressive range of rooms to choose from with newly built luxury units boasting waterfront ocean views overlooking the lagoon and sprawling mountains.

Taumesina has daily activities for kids, a children’s pool area and playground, kids’ menu and babysitters.

You’re guaranteed to transport into serene tranquillity soaking up the superior, uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from your very own balcony. The resort also offers a wide selection of activities to keep you entertained, such as snorkelling, kayaking and two large swimming pools.

Engage in the rich Samoan culture with the resort’s Fia Fia evening, where you can immerse yourself in dance, song, music, food and a unique fire and knife display guaranteed to leave your jaws dropping.

Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Upolu

Located on the eastern side of Upolu is the four-star luxury resort of Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa. Boasting poolside verandas overlooking the azure blue lagoon and outdoor canopies shaded by palm trees, you can experience the lush Pacific Island landscape in all its glory.

Saletoga Sands features 15 incredible Exclusive Villas – including family villas – which are newly renovated and ready to be indulged in! Escape and relax with spacious beachfront villas and private outdoor showers only a few steps from the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Treat yourself to a cocktail and some fresh local seafood at the resort’s restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Fia Fia Buffet; with chefs providing local Samoan specialties as well as international cuisines.

Fun-filled activities

Slide down natural water slides

Slide, splash and enjoy the natural aquatic playground that is the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks.

Brave Mother Nature’s waterslides and slide down these naturally formed rock slides, worn down by thousands of years of running water, into blessedly cool waterholes beneath. The sliding rocks are divided into two – one for kids and one for adults. The longest slide is five metres long, but there are a couple of smaller ones at the bottom of the stairs.

To-Sua Ocean Trench, Upolu

The To-Sua Ocean Trench is Samoa’s most popular tourist attraction and for good reason. Said to be one of the world’s most spectacular natural swimming pools, To-Sua is an iconic Samoan landmark. The stunning 30-metre deep trench is accessible from a rustic ladder which leads you into a crystal clear grove that is perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Overlooking the ocean is a small beach known as Fagaoneone meaning ‘white sand’, while opposite you can find a lava field with blowholes, mini pools and good fishing spots. If you’re visiting during mid September to November you may even be lucky enough to see a few whales coasting by.

Quad bike through the lush jungle

For the ultimate adventure seekers, jumping on a quad bike to explore the picturesque bushlands of Leauva’a’s lush plantations should be on the top of your list. Samoa’s first ATV Quad Tours which are locally owned in Upolu are the way to go, showing travellers a new way to soak up Samoa’s natural beauty.

Savalalo Flea Market, Upolu

Find a special Samoan handicraft or monument to remember your travels at the Savalalo Flea Market. The fantastic outdoor bazaar features an abundance of traditional gifts to choose from, all made by local villages which helps to provide them with an income. Shop for stunning ava bowls, woven pandanus mats, hand crafted wood carvings and lavalavas (sarongs) printed in every colour imaginable. Savalalo is the perfect one-stop shop to find all your Samoan treasures.

FiaFia Nights

Sit back, relax and enjoy a night of traditional celebration at one of Samoa’s many FiaFia Nights, held at resorts and accommodation across the island nation. Since the first Samoan people arrived on these islands more than 3,000 years ago, traditional dancing, singing and cooking styles have been passed down from generation to generation.

Being able to watch a spectacular dance that has been performed for thousands of years, and taste food similar to how people ate centuries ago, is surely something to celebrate! The evening is filled with food, dancing, song and the famous knife-fire dance where the men perform using a large knife with burning flames at either end is twirled around their necks, through their legs, under their arms and over their bodies to the rhythmic beat of the music. Enjoy a traditional Samoan feast, cooked in Umu using hot volcanic rocks after you’ve danced with your new ‘aiga’ (family).

Traditional dining experience

Mika’s Restaurant at Coconuts Beach Club, Upolu No trip would be complete without tasting the local cuisine, and Mika’s Restaurant is the perfect place to try out some traditional Samoan favourites. Widely regarded as one of the finest dining experiences in Samoa, if not the entire South Pacific, Mika’s Restaurant uses the freshest ingredients possible. From dining under the stars on the sand or on the open-air Palm Terrace, you’ll surely enjoy your time at Mika’s.

As you make your way through Samoa, you might be lucky enough to pass a few roadside stalls. Run by local families, these are the perfect way to stretch your legs mid-journey and grab a tasty tropical snack. You’ll find anything from tropical fruits and veggies, to hot BBQ meals and even fresh caught fish at these stalls. Say hello to the friendly locals and make sure you bring cash… and your appetite.