Located in the heart of the South Pacific between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa is the first country on earth to see the rising sun.

With an average temperature of 27 degrees, turquoise blue waters, coral reefs, palms, lush rainforests, fertile grounds as well as beaches straight out of a picture book, Samoa is a discoverers paradise which seduces visitors to a longtime stay.  For example, the author of “Treasure Island” could not wait for the next streamer to arrive but ended up staying for the rest of his life and is buried there, too. Today, Robert Louis Stevenson's villa is open for visitors who are interest in the writer's life and work.

The rugged mountains present hikers with several surprises; one being the “Papaseea Sliding Rocks” – natural water slides, 15 meters high, completely harmless and so much fun for young and old. 

The rainforests are also worth exploring and in the rainforest reserve on Tuasivi, explorers can witness daily active flying foxes – purely vegetarian bats with over one meter wingspan – from the edge of a lushly overgrown, small crater.  The most impressive spot to observe the vast expanse of the rainforest on Savaii is a treetop canopy walkway built about 40 metres above the ground amidst the many arms of giant Banyan trees.

Besides unbelievably idyllic beaches, the “Taga Blowholes” are another must-see at the seashore. When sea water is pushed through the cavernous lavas stone, fountains as high as 60 meters can be witnessed. Lava formations made by nature are impressive, even without water fountains shooting into the skies. Of course, divers will find more than enough possibilities to explore Samoa underwater. Reef breaks around the islands are guaranteed to offer fun and exhilarating surfing.

NEW HOTELS:

Aganoa Lodge has recently joined the Pegasus Lodges group of surf resorts which also includes Telo Island Lodge in Sumatra.  Aganoa has been transformed into a boutique surf lodge, however it still retains its rustic charm and obviously its incredible location on the island of Savai'i.  An emphasis is placed on personalised service and excellent cuisine.  Aganoa founder, Australian expat Keith Martin and his family, continue to manage the resort along with a new chef and surf guide.  

Located off the coast of Samoa, Taumeasina Island will be the home of the new luxury Taumeasina Island Resort. The island resort will be a mix of hotel suites and private villa accommodation as well as a conference room, retail and restaurant precinct, a water sports pavilion, wedding venue and bar. When complete, the luxury resort will have 80 rooms and 25 villas. Taumeasina Island is near Apia, the capital of Samoa. The Taumeasina Island Resort is schedule to open this summer.

Sadly damaged by Cyclone Evan in December 2012, the Aggie Grey Hotel & Bungalows has had to be rebuilt in its entirety with increased rooms and improved facilities whilst retaining the ethos of the original legendary hotel and its rich history. The new and improved hotel will reopen in July 2016 under the Sheraton Hotel Group. It will have 200 rooms and the largest conference and meeting facilities available to date in Samoa.

2016 ANNUAL EVENTS:

Samoa 2016 Sporting Challenges

2016 will see the inaugural Savaii Games with events on the 7th, 9th and 16th of April. The three events include the Upolu – Savaii Swim on 7 April 2016, a 22.3 km swim between Samoa's two main islands. On April 9 the one day 180km Around Savaii Bike Challenge will take place, a challenge not for the faint hearted and the first Savaii Marathon will be held on 16 April 2015 - a 42km marathon from the Lava Fields to Salelologa.    

The Five Islands Swim held 11 – 14 May 2016 is a series of five challenging open water swims in four days, the total distance of the swims is 24km. The competitors will swim to five of Samoa's different islands – Manono, Fanuatapu, Namu'a, Nu'usafe'e and Matautu Island, swimming over coral reefs and amongst spectacular fish in water temperatures of between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.

The Stand Up Paddling Super Regatta takes place over seven nights from 20 August 2016 in three stunning locations around Upolu. The three locations include Lalomanu, Apia and Manono.

26th Annual Teuila Festival

Since it was established in 1991, Samoa's Teuila Festival has grown to become one of Samoa's most celebrated annual events and one of the South Pacific's biggest cultural festivals. This year's 26th anniversary edition will take place from Sunday 04 September until Saturday 10 September with an exciting variety of events and activities including choral performances, traditional Siva Samoa and contemporary dance competitions, Chief Fiafia's Polynesian spectacular, Ailao Afi/Fire Knife dancing, Umu (Samoan ground oven) demonstrations, tattooing and carving workshops, and the Miss Samoa Pageant.

Getting to Samoa and Agent Training

Samoa is located in the heart of the South Pacific, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways operate international flights from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji into Samoa. To become a Samoa Specialist visit www.sellsamoa.com and complete the training.

Contact details:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512 / E-mail : samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel