AAA Traveler - Fall 2021 (ACG) - 32

IDYLLIC ISLANDS
SAMOA
A SOUTH PACIFIC BEAUTY COVERED WITH RAINFORESTS, BEACHES AND WATERFALLS,
SAMOA OFFERS NATURAL WONDERS AND A GLIMPSE INTO CENTURIES-OLD POLYNESIAN
TRADITIONS. KNOWN AS THE " CRADLE OF POLYNESIA, " SAMOA BOASTS SITES DATING
BACK 3,000 YEARS WHEN ITS FIRST INHABITANTS ARRIVED ON OUTRIGGER CANOES
AROUND 1,000 BC.
SOUTH PACIFIC PERFECTION
Blessed with long stretches of pristine beaches encircled by
turquoise waves, Samoa is comprised of 12 islands and embodies
the concept of paradise. Upolu boasts the best selection of
accessible beaches, perhaps the most beautiful of which is
Lalomanu. Covered with soft pearly sand and shaded by lush
palm trees that overlook a gently lapping lagoon, Lalomanu is
considered to be one of the top beaches in the South Pacific. On
the southeast coast of Upolu, Vavau supplies a secluded beach in
a sheltered bay that provides great snorkeling. A highlight of any
Samoa beach is a stay at a beachside fale or traditional Samoan
hut. These structures can take the form of thatched roofs with
no walls or a tin roof with roll-down blinds, depending on your
preference and location. Along with beaches, waterfalls also dot
Samoa's striking landscape. Swim in the streams above Fuipisia
Falls' 180-foot cascades amid emerald green tree canopies or
view Tiavi Falls, perhaps the most photographed falls in Samoa
and the longest, at over 300 feet.
THE SAMOAN WAY
The essence of Samoa is the ancient culture and traditions
that define the local lifestyle. Every visitor should experience a
fiafia night, which showcases traditional Samoan music, dance
and food. Highlights include the dramatic siva afi fire knife dance
where men twirl large knives set aflame around their bodies to the
rhythm of wooden drums, and food is cooked on an umu, an
open air oven of hot volcanic stones.
Head to Savalalo Flea Market, a colorful maze of narrow aisles
located in the Upolu capital of Apia, to scoop up Samoan
handicrafts. Savalalo vendors sell wooden carvings, colorful
lavalavas (sarongs), local jewelry, woven pandanu mats and kava
bowls. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, also in Apia,
located in the house where the Treasure Island author lived the last
years of his life. To really connect to Samoan culture, hop a local
bus. These crayon-colored old vehicles don't really follow a
schedule and there are no bus stops, you simply flag one down.
Climb aboard and you'll grab a glimpse into traditional culture.
Music booms from the radio, and if there are no open seats, a
local might invite you to sit on their lap; it's the Samoan way!
TROPICAL LODGING
Samoa offers a surprising diversity of accommodation
options. From laid-back fales to luxury resorts, there's something
for every traveler. Seabreeze Resort is ranked as Samoa's most
popular resort, and considering its location inside a stunning
private bay, it's easy to understand why. This adults-only
boutique hotel in Upolu features 12 villas, with the beach villas
displaying cantilevered decks. Two restaurants and bars and an
infinity pool round out the pampered atmosphere.
Enjoy Polynesian charm at Savaii's Amoa Resort, which
offers 11 contemporary Polynesian bungalows and villas with
private, open-air showers and a restaurant that serves nouveau
Samoan cuisine. Relax in over-the-water fales at Coconuts Beach
Club Resort and Spa in Upolu. Surrounded by a traditional
village, there are no TVs, phones or buildings taller than a
coconut palm at Coconuts. Instead, there are six over-the-water
fales with expansive sundecks and views, six thatched roof beach
fales located on the sand just steps from the water, eight
two-story treehouse suites with jungle entrances, three spacious
coco suites and three elegant villas. Mika's Restaurant serves local
ingredients and dishes and the spa includes granite outdoor
soaking tubs and a Jacuzzi.
- Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
32 VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE CALL 800-750-5386 CLICK AAA.COM/TRAVEL
AAA Traveler - Fall 2021 (ACG)

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