Dreaming of a seaside getaway filled with crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning waterholes, lush rainforest trails and pristine reefs abound with marine life? Then look no further than the beautiful island of Samoa.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, honeymooner or looking for family fun, Samoa has something for everyone. And whether you choose to visit Upolu or Savai’i (the two main islands), you’ll find some of the most beautiful spots in the world. A place to kick back, decompress and enjoy each other’s company, Samoa is one of the most beautiful beach settings in the South Pacific.

The natural landscape is most memorable for its contrast of lush tropical jungle, magical waterfalls, crystal-clear ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. The uniqueness and authenticity of Samoa will capture your heart and your imagination, and it is only four hours from Auckland!

More than just its natural landscape, it’s Samoa’s ‘aiga’ (family) friendly attitude that makes its culture unlike any other. Fa’a Samoa ‘The Samoan Way’ is the traditional code of behaviour and governance and is the backbone of Samoan society. At the heart of its meaning, it is all about sharing the load and helping one another. A Samoan holiday fulfils the desire for purposeful holidays and human connection, with friendly locals. Being one of the oldest cultures in Polynesia, there is so much to learn from Samoa’s rich culture. Think traditional Siva and fire knife dancing, tattooing and carving demonstrations, traditional umu underground Samoan oven cooking and iconic fautasi boat races. The Samoa Cultural Village in Apia offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in these rich traditions in a fun and interactive environment.

There are many landscapes to explore in Samoa, but being a tropical island it certainly offers a wide range of beautiful beaches on Upolu and Savai’i for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and relaxing.

In fact, Samoa is home to some of the world’s best surf breaks, attracting surf chasers from all around the world. Savai’i also has plenty of stunning spots for swimming and snorkelling, and kids can explore a new white-sand-blue-ocean paradise every day. Lano, Manase, Asau, Vaisala, Faleaupo and Satuiatua are all very popular and you can expect to see tropical sea life, colourful coral reefs and turtles.

For the foodies amongst us, there is much to discover. Whether you’re searching for the best traditional cuisine, street food, fine dining or simply want to take in the breathtaking views while you dine, Samoa has it all. Indulge in some of the island nations’ fresh produce at the local markets, or taste delicious island cuisine at Mika’s Restaurant or Scalini’s in Upolu.

While the friendly locals love a slower, relaxed way of life, don’t be fooled – Samoa is home to plenty of action-packed opportunities to get your heart rate pumping and adrenaline skyrocketing. Here are some of our picks: 

Quad bike through the lush jungle

For the ultimate adventure seekers, jumping on a quad bike to explore the picturesque bushlands of Le’auva’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.

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.

Scuba-dive through a diverse marine ecosystem

Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Apia, find Palolo Deep Marine Reserve – home to a marine diversity area with an array of vibrant coral and tropical fish. Perfect for diving and snorkelling, discover the nation’s underwater wonderland and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Samoa’s pristine shores.

Explore ancient caves steeped in legend

Paia Dwarfs Cave is found in the northern part of Savai’i Island in the village of Paia. According to local legend, dwarfs still inhabit this intriguing lava tube cave where their footprints can still be seen today! Exploring these caves can take up an entire day, and local guides from the village of Paia are recommended to get the full experience.

Our Picks - the Most Beautiful Spots in spectacular Samoa 

1. Tanu Beach Fales

Tanu Beach is home to traditional Samoan Fales (a simple thatched beach hut to relax and lounge in), which offer postcard-worthy oceanfront views. The Tanu Beach Fales are family owned and operated, and each booking is inclusive of traditional and fresh breakfast and dinner, while you laze by the beach. What’s extra special about the Tanu Beach Fales is that every staff member is related – brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunties, nieces and nephews – and they will make you feel like a part of the family from the moment you arrive. Shared meals and mind-blowing fire performances or fiafias add to this heart-warming, authentic experience.

2. Fuipisia Waterfall

If you’re a confident traveller looking for a bit of adrenaline or adventure with breathtaking views, then Fuipisia Waterfall should be your first stop. The spectacular 55-metre-high jungle waterfall is the perfect place to take unforgettable photos while you swim with a panoramic view from the falling point.

3. Piula Cave Pool

Crystal-clear waters more your thing? Look no further than the Piula Cave Pool – a beautiful freshwater spring pool and cave which originated from an old lava tube. Pack your snorkelling gear to get a picture-perfect glimpse of the fish and underwater life in the pool. On a hot day, the cool water is perfect for a refreshing dip. This spot is one of the top natural experiences in Samoa and can’t be beaten. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

4. To Sua Ocean Trench

The To Sua Ocean Trench is a popular tourist attraction for good reason. 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.

To plan your visit, head to www.samoa.travel