Must-see hotels in Samoa

  • Namu’a Island Beach Fale

    'Upolu

    Namu’a is only a short boat ride from Mutiatele, but once you’re on this tiny private island, Upolu seems light years away (though it’s clearly visible…

  • Dave Parker's Eco Lodge

    Apia

    Surrounded by rainforest and boasting jaw-dropping views of the coast, this delightful hilltop spot is an excellent escape from the heat of the big smoke…

  • Lupe Sina Treesort

    'Upolu

    If you're looking for a (literal) love-nest, grab your bags – and your beloved – and head up the hill to Lupe Sina, home to two extraordinary treehouses…

  • Bayview Resort

    Savai'i

    First you'll be taken by its dramatic location on a solid river of black lava, then you'll be knocked for six by the dazzling turquoise bay it's named for…

  • Ifiele'ele Plantation

    'Upolu

    Set on a six-hectare working tropical fruit plantation, this self-catering retreat is the definition of intimate, with just one villa and a studio (both…

  • Coconuts Beach Club Resort

    'Upolu

    This the hippest resort in the country. Samoa's only overwater fale are found here, and what a find they are, with huge, luxuriously-appointed bedrooms,…

  • Joelan Beach Fales

    Savai'i

    Long, languid Lano Beach easily rates as one of the best strips of sand on Savai’i, and Joelan’s simple but well-kept thatched fale nab the best bit –…

  • Samoa Tradition Resort

    Apia

    Gorgeous grounds, divine digs and five-star service make this resort an absolute stand-out. Accommodation ranges from spanking new hotel rooms all the way…

  • Seabreeze Resort

    'Upolu

    Set in a black-lava-rock bay lined with palm trees and dotted with tiny islands, this exclusive resort has beautifully built bungalows decorated in…

  • Sheraton Aggie Grey's Lagoon Resort

    'Upolu

    The best things about this sprawling resort are its large pool, spacious grounds, proximity to the airport and wharf, and long list of facilities,…

  • Satuiatua Beach Fales

    Savai'i

    Run by a family of women, this spotless place is loaded with simple and effective touches. Open fale have proper beds and are well maintained, while…

  • Le Uaina Beach Resort

    'Upolu

    Located on a sweet stretch of coast just before the turn off leading to Aleipata (it's right next door to the Piula Cave Pool), friendly Le Uaina makes…

  • Airport Lodge

    'Upolu

    As uninspiring as its name may be, Airport Lodge actually has a lot going for it. It's close to the airport and wharf, the hotel rooms are huge and clean …

  • Aganoa Lodge

    Savai'i

    Recently rebranded and given a high-end makeover, this all-inclusive surf resort exploits the beauty of an exquisite little beach and its proximity to…

  • Taufua Beach Fales

    'Upolu

    Yellow and mint-green fale are as bright as the smiles of the owner and staff, and the spectacular Lalomanu beach is steps away. Basic open fale have…

  • Aga Reef Resort

    'Upolu

    This posh boutique resort, perched over a stunning stretch of water, is one for the luxury lovers: it's stylish, spotless and the staff is exceptional…

  • Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets

    Savai'i

    Fall asleep to the lullaby of lapping waves at this charming, slightly ramshackle place. Accommodation varies dramatically: the cheapest fale teeter on…

  • Salani Surf Resort

    'Upolu

    Located at the mouth of the Fupisia River with excellent left- and right-hand breaks in view, Salani caters primarily to experienced surfers with packages…

  • Le Vasa Resort

    'Upolu

    A millennium ago the Tongans were booted out of Samoa at this grassy headland, but you can expect a warmer welcome at this personable little resort. It's…

  • Su Accommodation

    Apia

    This friendly, family-run spot is an excellent choice for self-caterers and families. While there are clean motel-like rooms on-site, the spacious, fully…

  • Jet Over Hotel

    Savai'i

    Just off the main road behind a cluster of shops, this is a surprisingly stylish place: the pool and grounds are impeccable, the restaurant serves up…

  • Return to Paradise Resort

    'Upolu

    Sitting smack on the beach that starred in the 1953 Gary Cooper film Return to Paradise, this sparkling, upmarket resort is a destination unto itself:…

  • Savaiian Hotel

    Savai'i

    The large enclosed fale here are many steps above your average beach hut, with balconies, fans and private bathrooms. The units have amenities including…

  • Lynn's Getaway Hotel

    Apia

    This eccentric, social little spot attracts return visitors and long-term guests by the boatload. The two comfy common rooms, shared kitchen, poolside…

  • Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa

    'Upolu

    This new resort is more akin to one you'd find in Fiji than far-less-touristed Samoa: it's big, shiny, and draws everyone from honeymooners to families …

  • Savai’i Lagoon Resort

    Savai'i

    Taking the plum spot on one of Savai’i’s best and most protected beaches, these large self-contained units are clean and inviting, but overpriced for…

  • Litia Sini’s Beach Resort

    'Upolu

    It’s well worth shelling out for the enclosed beachfront fale, which have terraces right over the outrageous Lalomanu beach and are decorated in bright…

  • Sinalei Reef Resort

    'Upolu

    If you like lazing around the pool and being handed cocktails by charming waiters, Sinalei’s the place to do it. This beautifully landscaped plot by the…

  • Sa’moana Resort

    'Upolu

    Sa'moana has a divine location on a white-sand beach that tumbles past black lava formations into a stunning lagoon. Upscale bungalows sit directly on the…

  • Vaisala Beach Hotel

    Savai'i

    Quirky Vaisala has a distinct retro charm, with mismatched furnishings and a dated, barracks-like main building. Rooms are slightly oddball but…

  • Anita’s Beach Bungalows

    'Upolu

    Unmissable in pink and green, Anita's is a longtime Lalomanu favourite: it's fun, friendly and its location can't be beaten. The open fale offer the usual…

  • Manusina Beach Fales

    'Upolu

    This place may be simple, but if you're after a warm welcome, gorgeous views, fresh food and cleanliness (even the shared toilets are spotless, a fale…

  • Stevenson's at Manase

    Savai'i

    This is the most upmarket place in Manase, with accommodation ranging from enormous, super-modern suites and posh beach villas to boutique fale, complete…

  • Insel Fehmarn Hotel

    Apia

    Blocky and nondescript from the outside, this large hotel is surprisingly welcoming and well equipped. All rooms have plenty of space (families should…

  • Faofao Beach Fales

    'Upolu

    Faofao treats guests like family, and their charming, all-natural thatched fale make for a wonderful home away from home (the air-conditioned rooms are…

  • Tanoa Tusitala

    Apia

    One of the swankiest and most professionally run places in town, this hotel – instantly recognisable by its huge, traditional-roofed lobby – is nestled in…

  • Offshore Adventures

    'Upolu

    The enclosed fale here are reserved for those on Offshore Adventures' 'surfari' expeditions, personalised surf tours (maximum five) that take in the best…

  • Amanaki Hotel & Restaurant

    Apia

    This popular, two-storey hotel enjoys an excellent location – and equally excellent ocean breezes – across from the sea wall. The huge, comfortable rooms…

  • Samoan Outrigger Hotel

    Apia

    Set in a high-ceilinged, century-old timber building, this charming place is a bit out of town, but worth the short drive. Accommodation ranges from fale…

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