Samoa always seemed like a fairytale destination, one that was only in my dreams. A place where you daydream of laying on the white sand beaches drinking Coconuts until my hearts content, swimming in the clearest water my eyes have ever seen… and thats exactly what i ended up doing.
In November 2016 i set off to the South Pacific Island nation of Samoa for Samoa Tourism with Hashtag Travel Society and 4 other inspirational female influencers.The passport posse of incredible women for this trip was made up of Laura McWinnie from This Island Life, Emma Kate Codrington from Emma Kate Co., Lex Weinstein, Tess Aimee from HashTag Travel Society and Ames Collective and Pip Harwood from Seagypsea Photography and ofcourse myself.
From the moment we stepped off the plane, I knew we had landed in paradise. We were greeted at the Airport by a local Samoan 3 piece band singing beautiful melodies that echoed across the airport. Happy smiles greeted us everywhere we looked, no frowns in Samoa!
We all piled into the Van for the 45 minute drive to the other side of the island to the Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa where we would spend the next three nights. The sun was rising just as we were driving down the Coconut Palm Tree lined road to the resort where we were greeted with fresh cold Coconuts to drink, could this place be any more perfect already?
I was escorted to my room by one of the many friendly local staff, through lush gardens, past the palm tree lined horizon pool to my Beach Front room. The doors to my room opened right onto the beach of the reef fringed lagoon, water lapping at my doorstep, I felt like I was dreaming.
Over the next 4 days we explored the Island of Upolu, from snorkelling the reef out the front of the resort, visiting one of Samoas most pristine beaches Lalomanu Beach and the famous Taufua Beach Fales, Sopoaga Falls and one place that has been on my bucket list for years.. To Sua Ocean Trench. I have never been to anywhere so magical and should be on everyones bucket list. We also spent the day exploring the coastline of Upolu by boat, cruising past the Lava tubes, deserted beaches and ended up on a deserted island with some of the whitest sand and clearest water I have ever laid eyes on.
I experienced a full body massage in a fale over the lagoon, drank coconut mojitos at sunset whilst being serenaded by a local Samoan band, ate fresh seafood caught by the resort staff and we were treated to Fiafia night, a celebration of traditional food and dancing by the resort staff then fell asleep in my beachside fale to the sound of the water lapping at the shore every night... pure bliss.
To Sua Ocean Trench on the Island of Upolu
After 3 days exploring the island of Upolu, it was time to catch the ferry to Samoas second largest island, Savaii, where we would stay at the divine Le Lagoto Resort and Spa. This cute little boutique resort is set right on the clear turquoise waters of the lagoon, a perfect spot to take in the South Pacific sunsets.
We then spent the next 3 days eating delicious food, drinking Pina Coladas at sunset, exploring the island via car, visiting the must see Alofaaga Blowholes and Afu Aau Waterfall (also known as Olemoe falls) and snorkelling in the waters right out the front of our resort.
Samoa should be on everyones list of places to visit. It still feels untouched, less touristy than other holiday destinations with just as much to offer and just as affordable.
I was searching for paradise and I found it, I fell in love with Samoa.
I will be back.
sjw. x
