Tiavi Mountain Cabins

Best stays in Samoa: where to sleep across Upolu and Savai'i

Samoa's accommodation runs the full spectrum — from family-run beach fales where you sleep open-air to the lagoon, through family-run boutique hotels in Apia, all the way to five-star resorts with overwater bungalows. Picking the right one depends entirely on what you're after: barefoot authenticity, restaurant variety, or a swim-up bar.

Best stays in Upolu, Samoa

Upolu is where most Samoa trips start. Faleolo International Airport, the capital Apia, and the bulk of the country's resort-tier accommodation all sit here. The south coast (Lalomanu, Lotofaga, Siumu) is the postcard side; the north has Apia and the working harbour.

Best beaches in Samoa

Samoa's beaches are the kind that consistently top "world's best" lists and somehow stay uncrowded. Most are on customary land — you'll pay a small village fee (typically WST 5–20) at the gate, which goes back into maintaining the site. Below: the ones our travellers come back about.

Kitesurfing in Samoa: lessons, rentals and where to base yourself

Samoa is not a famous kite destination, which is part of the appeal: one dedicated school, uncrowded water and lessons in English, French or Spanish. Seki Kitesurf at Sataoa, on the south coast of Upolu, is the country's only kiteboarding lessons and rental centre, run by an IKO-certified instructor.