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Most accommodation in Samoa is based in Apia Town - the hotel rooms that is (see Apia for review of hotels and guesthouses). There are only three small luxury resorts on the south coast of Upolu and a couple of small beach resorts on the north-east coast of Savaii.
Samoa Accommodation Search
It would appear that accommodation in Samoa was very limited - and that's what most travel agents would have you believe. But this is far from the truth. There are over 40 tourist accommodation properties around Upolu and Savaii in the form of locally owned beach fales - handcrafted thatch bungalows aimed at discerning travellers, most with shared bathroom facilities but some having private facilities. Some are of a poor standard, with old mattresses, stained bed sheets, unhygienic bathrooms and awful food. But in recent years the standards and services of many have been raised considerably thanks to the accreditation scheme. Tourists staying at the most luxurious hotel in Samoa have stepped out of their comfort zone and stayed in these accredited beach fales and have taken home a memorable and unique experience. There are now over 10 accredited fales around the islands where you can enjoy five star hospitality, locally produced food including fish (sometimes even lobster is on the menu), clean bathrooms and fresh linen and all in truly outstanding locations. Staying in such beach fales (not all are on a beach - some are pitched over the lagoon like the US$500 per night resorts in Tahiti) epitomises the romantic South Pacific experience and costs only US$35 per night including 3 meals!
Most of the accredited beach fales are located in extremely scenic locations, and can even be found on uninhabited Namua Island and the very traditional Manono Island. Beach fales are the very best way to experience genuine Samoan hospitality.
The most popular beach fales are on the south coast of Upolu at Lalomanu Beach, Vava'u Beach and Virgin Cove and on Savaii Island at Manase Beach and Aganoa. However, if you want to experience true Samoan hospitality and feel like you're exploring virgin territory, then there are many other excellent options.
choosing a beach fale
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