Samoa accommodation from AU$143

If you’ve ever thought, “I want my holiday to taste like mangos and feel like happiness”, you need to plan your next great escape to Samoa. In this South Pacific archipelago, you’ll find exactly that and more. With gorgeous landscapes, fun-filled cultural venues and hospitality as warm as the ocean breeze, Samoa hotels are the perfect destination for an easygoing getaway.

Once you’re here, you’ve got two main islands to explore, as well as several peaceful islets. For easy access to big city amenities, postcard-worthy views and rugby matches, book accommodation near Apia Park in the capital city of Apia on Upolu Island.

Things to Do in Samoa

Samoa holidays are known the world over for deep blue waters, relaxing beaches and cuisine that laughs in the face of low-carb diets. When you’re here, let yourself be a little lazy at Lalomanu Beach, which is secluded without being far from the attractions on the north coast of Upolu.

Next, float over to Savai’i, Samoa’s largest island. Been a while since you showered? No worries! Hike on over to the Alofaaga Blowholes on the southeast coast, where you can cool off with the help of several active geysers.

The natural special effects continue on the southeast tip of Savai’i at Tafua Rainforest Preserve. Take some snaps with flying foxes and Samoan tooth-billed pigeons (don’t worry, they don’t really have teeth). After a tramp to the extinct Tafua Crater or sunning at the beach—hey, flipping over takes energy—it’s time to try the local eats.

Traditional Samoan food involves a lot of taro root and yams in a coconut milk sauce. You’ll also find barbecued meat and fish, chicken smothered in mango sauce and Chinese fusion. Already anticipating a post-dinner snooze? When you’re noshing on the best food in Samoa, food comas are to be expected, so eat up.

Getting To & Around Samoa

Flights to Samoa touch down at Faleolo International Airport (APW), about 40km west of Apia. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give the local bus a shot. Don’t like to share? We’ve got great car hire deals, but you’ll need to get a temporary local licence. Don’t worry, it’s easy as paifala pineapple pie (yum!).

Headed to hotels in Samoa on the island of Savai’i? Motor down to Mulifanua Wharf, 3km west of the airport, and catch the ferry to Salelologa. Just be sure you arrive between 6am and 4pm, or you’ll have to wait until the next day (no big deal…the beaches on Upolu are just as stunning!). Domestic flights and air charters are also great options if it’s spectacular views (and the corresponding spectacular Instagram shots) you’re after.

Upcoming Events

Congrats, traveller—you’re looking at accommodation in Samoa at the perfect time, and you probably didn’t even know it! September through November are happening months in this country, and you’ll find tons of events and festivals in and around the capital of Apia.

In early September, the Teuila Festival proves once and for all that variety is the spice of life. This is The Main Event when it comes to Samoan festivals, and you’ll find a little bit of everything. Catch a wood carving, tattoo or fire knife dancing demonstration—however, we don’t recommend you try these yourself, especially that last one!

If you must get in on the action, rent a canoe and channel your inner Alo Paopao competitor. This international paddling championship is one of many sporting events taking place during this Samoan extravaganza.

Need more music in your life? From 11 to 13 November, the Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival takes over the streets of Apia as locals and tourists alike celebrate music, arts and culture from around the world. Get poetic at a literary reading, move your feet to jazz and blues, or let a fire knife dance performance set your soul aflame. Just make sure it’s only your soul that feels the heat!

Get Outside!

No one takes a trip to Samoa and doesn’t go to the beach, but we’re not counting beaches in this section. There are tons of national parks here, so burning off those pina coladas is a breeze…a warm rainforest breeze.

On Upolu, leave civilisation behind with a hike deep into the woods, Little Red Riding Hood-style (but without the wolves). Lake Lanoto'o, smack in the middle of the island, can be a pretty tough hike, but you’re rewarded with rare wetland habitat and wild goldfish. Yes, wild goldfish! Bring some bread and your patience to feed them from shore; better yet, jump right in.

Not feeling quite so bold? Stick closer to Apia with a trip to the super-fun Papase'ea Sliding Rocks. Getting there is a simple drive, but you’ll still need a little courage to slide down these natural, moss-covered waterslides.

Mother Nature didn’t stop at making awesome waterslides for you to enjoy. On Savai’i, Falealupo Rainforest Reserve is one of her most special creations. Again, we hope you packed your brave face, or at least can fake it. The canopy walkway sways 40m above the ground, much to the dismay of acrophobes. Back on sturdy ground in your Samoa accommodation, give yourself a high five! You earned it.

Must-See Spots

All right, so we’ve talked about some pretty cool stuff so far. But wait, there’s even more. In the southeast corner of Upolu, near Vavau Beach, get your trench on at To-Sua Ocean Trench, which literally means “Giant Swimming Hole”. Pretty self-explanatory.

Climb down 30m and leap from the platform into clear blue water filled with tropical fish. If that’s not the most South Pacific thing you can think of, we don’t know what is. This is one day in Samoa you won’t soon forget—and not only because of all the “likes” you’ll get on social media.

Ready to go? You can leap right into awesome deals when you book places to stay in Samoa on Wotif. Whether you want to spend your holiday hiking through rainforests like a seasoned explorer or sunning on the beach like a yacht-owning celebrity, we’ve got you covered. Except for the yacht…you’ll need to arrange that separately.