Best Samoa accommodation for a stay in a Pacific paradise

This is the place to stay if you’re after a taste of the Maldives, without the Maldives price tag. Coconuts Beach Club is home to Samoa’s only overwater bungalows (or fales).

Each of the overwater fales embrace typical Samoan architecture, where the outdoors is bought indoors, in a seamless style. Guests at this luxe Samoa accommodation are encouraged to completely switch off from the world around them. Head to Coco’s Spa for a three-hour ‘Lazy Day Treatment’, where you’ll be treated to a scrub, massage, custom facial and pedicure.

Coconuts Beach Club is also home to one of Samoa’s best restaurants, Mika’s Restaurant. Guests can pre-book all-inclusive food and drink packages from the restaurant in advance of their stay. Highlights from Mika’s include fresh seafood and sashimi.

If you’re going to Samoa to surf, then stay at Sa’Moana. The four-star resort has established itself as Samoa’s premium surfing locale. Sign up for one of the resort’s surfing tours, where locals show you to the best breaks.

Four-star bungalows look out to the Lava Rock Coast from private decks. Facilities include outdoor bathrooms, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, a restaurant and a sports bar which is rumoured to have the only frozen cocktail machine in Samoa. The resort is also home to the only ocean-water filled infinity pool in Samoa, which is a guaranteed Instagram-like generator.

Aga Reef Resort & Spa is popular for a few reasons. The four-star boutique resort is home to a varied range of accommodation options, suitable for all travellers and budgets. Several extras are included in your booking – free kayak and snorkel use, a tropical continental breakfast and a 15-minute complimentary spa treatment.

Couples shouldn’t go past the waterfront villas, which are as close as you’ll get to an overwater bungalow if you’re on a budget. Splash out a little extra for the oceanfront VIP Villa, which comes with a private splash pool.

Dine at the resort’s restaurant, whose menu focuses on fresh local produce. Be sure to try the Koko Alaisa for breakfast – Samoan cocoa rice porridge served with toast.

You could easily get lost in the grounds of Tanoa Tuistala. The property sits on six hectares of tropical gardens on the northern coast of Apia. The Tanoa brand is known around the Pacific for its hotels in Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand and its foray into Samoa is no exception.

Traditional Samoan fales house the central bar and restaurant. Continental breakfasts are served at Tamarind Restaurant, while dinner can be enjoyed at the poolside Deck Restaurant. Recreational facilities include a tennis court, a pool and a gym.

New Zealand owners Lou and Gavin Brightwell have built Saletoga Sands on an old coastal coconut plantation. The luxury accommodation is one of Upolo’s most popular options, and for good reason.

Individual villas with straw-thatched roofs look out onto the reef. The most luxurious of these is the Matai Villa Suite which comes with an outdoor spa and shower. Complimentary extras – fruit baskets, sparkling wine and handmade chocolates, are a nice addition.

Read on if you’re looking for Samoa accommodation that supports the local community. Located in a small rainforest on the island of Savaii are Lusias Lagoon Chalets. Built by Lusia herself, the chalets stand on stilts set in the waters of the lagoon. Behind them is a small, ancient Samoan rainforest.

Chalets are open and breezy. The most popular Lagoon Chalet Ensuites feature air-con, private bathrooms and decks with ladder access to the blue waters of the lagoon.

Kayaks are available free of charge for guests, as is volleyball, petanque and badminton. Browse the free library at reception for a new read.

Amoa Resort is a boutique Samoa accommodation at its finest. The Deluxe Bungalows and Poolside Villas feature open-air showers and large patios. Each room opens out to the swimming pool, which features a swim-up bar as the centrepiece. Coconut palm umbrellas are a welcome addition to the poolside area.

Amoa Resort’s open-air restaurant is run by award-winning winning chef, Joe Lam. Samoan and Pacific classics like palusami (risotto balls) and coconut crusted chicken are mainstays on the menu.