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: with four pools, three restaurants and activities galore (including traditional spearfishing and kayaking lessons, turtle swimming and snorkelling over a giant clam reserve), there's no chance of tropical ennui setting in. Accommodation ranges from tidy hotel rooms to luxurious villas and suites.
Return to Paradise Resort
'Upolu
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
26.47 MILES
This outrageously photogenic spot is a Samoan icon; skip it to your everlasting regret. Though the first thing you'll see upon entering the grounds is To…
15.33 MILES
Abuzz with local merchants, shoppers, loiterers and men slamming it down over games of mu (Samoan checkers), this 24-hour market is a must-see shopping…
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Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Mt Vaea National Reserve
14.48 MILES
The Scottish author's former residence is an enchanting estate, with a centrepiece lawn and perfectly manicured gardens. Stevenson's mansion,…
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12.17 MILES
Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…
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15.75 MILES
Though this 'village' is open every weekday, it's the interactive sessions that are an absolute must. Knowledgable and extremely affable hosts take…
24.91 MILES
The 54m-high Sopo’aga Falls empty themselves into an enormous gorge close to where the Main South Coast Rd meets Le Mafa Pass Rd. The well-signposted…
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14.06 MILES
The name of this 29-sq-km national park means ‘from the coast to the mountaintop’. There are some superb (if rough) hikes to be had here. A trail (six…
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29.38 MILES
The 14 sq km of wild and rugged terrain that comprise the Uafato Conservation Area boast untouched rainforest that marches down from Upolu’s northeastern…
Nearby 'Upolu attractions
1.1 MILES
You'll find a series of delightful coves with shallow snorkelling areas and lots of rock pools.
2.56 MILES
This village is home to a beautiful set of beaches reached by a potholed 5.5km track.
3. Sataoa & Sa’anapu Conservation Area
5.04 MILES
Community-owned conservation area on Upolu's south coast.
11.88 MILES
This gorgeous beach is a beautiful spot for a paddle or a picnic. The water is deep enough for swimming but there’s no reef to protect you – the…
11.9 MILES
About 14km south of Apia is the lookout for Papapapai-tai Falls, a 100m waterfall that plunges into a forested gorge; they're one of the longest falls in…
12.17 MILES
Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…
12.27 MILES
About halfway between the international airport and Apia, this museum – run by the Congregational Christian Church – is Samoa's largest. While the…
12.3 MILES
The architecturally interesting Bahá’í House of Worship is one of only eight such structures in the world; all are different except for being domed – this…