Samoa is still relatively untouched and undiscovered when it comes to tourism, and so there are very few luxury hotels to choose from. We decided on Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort due to the beach-side setting and proximity to the international airport – despite being just a 5-minute drive from Faleolo International airport, there is surprisingly no air-traffic noise at the hotel. The hotel is clean and modern, the food exceptionally good quality, and the beach lagoon really is a tranquil paradise.
Our stay was just three nights on our South Pacific Island Hop, however we easily could have stayed a week there was so much to see and do on the island and at the hotel.
The spa was a highlight for us, as the spa ‘rooms’ are in small traditional Fales (pronounced ‘Fal-Ey’) in a lush tropical garden, with open sides. At first we were worried about mosquitoes, but thankfully we found we didn’t get a single mosquito bite whilst in Samoa (compared to being attacked in Fiji as soon as we exited the plane). The massage itself was bliss – a mix of relaxing strokes and vigorous pummeling on my knotted back and shoulders. I wish I had had the time for another.
The beach lagoon is a short walk away from the spa, meaning you can flop on the beach and lay in the shallows of the water to have a nap afterward. Do make sure you bring high quality sunscreen however, as the sun is incredibly strong here and the sunscreen in the shop isn’t the best. The beach lagoon is one of the most special parts about Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, with the crystal clear waters lapping gently on the soft white sand, and beach beds beneath traditional straw umbrellas.
Whatever you do, do not miss the Fia Fia Cultural Night on Fridays. It is an extra cost but well worth it, and features talented dancers and musicians performing traditional Polynesian and Samoan dances, with the performance culminating in the magnificent fire dancing outside the restaurant.
Dining-wise there is plenty to choose from. I recommend the Samoan Oka at the bar and poolside, and all of the seafood at the South Pacific restaurant is just incredibly fresh so you can’t really go wrong. Apolima Fale restaurant is more of a buffet style with Indian and French food, and this is also where the extensive breakfast is served. All of the restaurants overlook the ocean, ensuring you a view from every table. The cocktails by the pool are also incredible, and I highly recommend the classic Pina Colada for both potency and instagrammable-ness.
The rooms could honestly do with a little more love, although contemporary they feel quite empty of artwork and those little aspects that feel luxurious and interesting. However, they do have the wonderful Sheraton beds and bedding, and you really are only in the room at night time as there is just so much to see and do during the day!
I also must mention the staff, who were fantastic and very helpful with giving us advice on getting round the island and going into the main town. I highly recommend hiring a car for a couple of days to really make the most of your time in Samoa and see everything the island has to offer. Parking is easy and free everywhere on the island, and the hotel have their own car hire company onsite meaning you don’t have to trek to the airport or main town to hire a car.
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort really is ideal if you’re looking for a hotel directly on the beach, and of course if you’re part of Starwood/Marriott rewards, you can spend and earn points here!
Related Content:
TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN HONG KONG
CRYSTAL CRUISES ANNOUNCES LUXURY 105-DAY WORLD CRUISE
12 LUXE ROOFTOP POOLS TO ADD TO YOUR BUCKET LIST
Catherine Lux is a food and travel contributor at AGLAIA, and a luxury lifestyle blogger documenting her life on her blog, Lux Life London. With Lux Life London having a large focus on travel and food, she loves nothing more than long-haul flights, excellent restaurants, and relaxing with friends in the coolest places in town.
