Samoa is situated in the Pacific between the leis of Hawai'i and the sheep of New Zealand, offering its own brand of laid-back island life. Time will move slowly on a Samoa holiday, and you'll need those extra hours to view every metre of sandy beach. The country comprises 10 islands (two big, eight small), with crystal-blue ocean and steep cliffs that overwhelm the senses until you forget the clock.
Pick up one of Wotif’s Samoa car hire options in Apia and drive 47 km to the To Sua Ocean Trench. This is no mere swimming hole with a sharp descent into a 30-metre deep pool, it will feel like an athletic achievement. After you climb down the wooden staircase, gaze up from the turquoise water to the sheer rock cliffs overhead or backstroke through the lava tube cave. Remember to pack a lunch to replenish your electrolytes when you dry off on land. If you want your Samoa holidays to include a little bit of Fa'a Samoa "The Samoan Way," head to the Samoa Cultural Village. Here you'll learn traditional cloth making, cooking and printmaking. You'll fill your belly with food after weaving your own plate. When you get home, you can "enhance" the tale and say you encountered a wise man in a remote village who taught you the ancient art of plate making--no need to mention you were in central Apia. Love literature? Check out the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The author came to Samoa to better his health, but he passed away a few short years after arrival. The museum memorialises Stevenson, but also has rainforest trails and gardens. The scenic reserve of Mount Vaea is adjacent to the site.
There may be no fashion district in Apia, but your Samoa package can include finds from local artisans who make baskets, mats and fans. Old Apia Market is crowded with locals and visitors seeking everything from handicrafts to produce. As you’ll see in the markets, root vegetables and tropical fruits are staples of the Samoan diet. A traditional dish is oka, raw fish marinated in coconut cream. Palusami, another favourite, is taro leaves baked in--you guessed it--coconut cream. You can head to Main Beach Road in Apia for a sit-down dining experience. Traditional Samoan dance is at the core of the fiafia, or feast night. Appreciate the subtle hand gestures of the dance while you fill your belly with buffet food. If you're in Apia over the weekend, you can get a little "island happy" by visiting the pubs along Main Beach Road. There are a handful of big clubs with DJs, but you’re more likely find mellow pubs with live music and pool tables.
Samoa holiday packages are easy to land with Wotif, and you'll never lose your coconuts over the price. Wotif offers a wide selection of flights, hotels, and car hire options for Apia holidays. So pull your snorkel gear out of the closet and start planning your island getaway today!
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.co.nz from , as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
