Joelan Beach Fales, Lanos, Savaii Island, Samoa

This place was THE BEST.

I had stayed at 3 different fale accomodations in Upolo and Savaii(my preffered island) and was running low on funds when like a gift from God I struck a honest taxi driver who dropped me off.
From the moment I arrived the host family made me feel so incredibly welcome. The fales were right on the beach of the lovely snorkling lagoon. A beautiful river joined the beach with a wonderful bush backdrop.
The accomodation included 3 meals and the price of 50 tala a night was way to low for the top quality that was provided. I hope they put their price up.
The food was traditional Samoan food - not run of the mill stuff but special. One of my favourites being the Samoan Jam, made from coconut - wow one of the many taste sensations I experienced there.
I experienced real Samoan culture here and was treated so very well.
I felt very safe in this village and really didnt want to leave. When I did have to go I was seen off and picked up by the local bus(a must do experience) and dropped off at the ferry back to Upolo.
Savaii is so different to Upolo - I think this is the place to see Samoa.

Do you work for these fales? I'm generally suspicious of first-time posts claiming that they found the most amazing place to stay ever.

Degree with tilos...

We stayed at Joelan's in 2008, just for one night when we missed the ferry - we were gutted we couldn't stay longer. I completely agree with the poster's description of this place - really friendly and good food. We didn't get to see much of the beach / sea but it looked great in the twilight at sunset/sunrise when we were there.

I'd definitely recommend Joelans.

Steer clear of Jane's Beach Fales - this place was a bit run down, the food wasn't great and we didn't find anyone particularly friendly. There was a cute cat in our fale though... not great if you don't like cats though!

I read these posts and they helped in my decision to choose Joelan Beach Fale's when I went to Savaii this past week. I am so glad that I did this. It was a great decision and I plan to go back again and again. We stayed for 4 days and three nights. One day was over a Sunday and I would suggest you plan for that b/c that is the day when the family prepares the traditional Samoan Umu. Fortunately, I live in near by American Samoa so the trip for me is very easy for a long weekend.

Here is why I would highly reccomend Joelan Beach Fales:
1. We are folks who love to "camp" and we love to experience other cultures. This was the best of both worlds. The beach fales were comfortable and authentic to Samoan Fale's that have been used for centuries. (better then a tent and right on the beach) The only exception is comfortable mattressess, pillows and clean sheets, an electric light and mosquito netting. Close enough to real experience that I can now say I have stayed in an "old fashioned Samoan Fale" that some of my friends in American Samoa tell me that lived in as children and really miss today.
2. Fa'asamoa (The Samoan Way) The family that runs the Fale's lives by many traditonal Samoan Customs and shares with the guests as many of the customs as a guest is interested in. We were welcomed and fed very, very well (This is a very strong Samoan tradition). Most of the food was freshly caught in the Ocean or grown in their plantation. We witnessed the whole process of a Samoan Umu (on Sunday) preparation and then were served traditional Samoan food afterward. We were able to witness how food was prepared on a Lava Rock out door oven and food was prepared using Taro leaves, Banana Leaves etc. (not even any tin foil!!!).

3. My 13 year old daughter learned to make a "Samaon Basket" from Coconut Palm Leaves. She was taught by one of the owner's son's. She managed to enjoy herself w/o her computer, ipod and internet. She learned a few new Samoan words as well.
4. We were right on the beach and listened to the Ocean day and night. We woke up to the most amazing sun rises. We swam and snorkeled every day.
5. A realtive of the owner's owns a taxi and will take you on a tour of the Island for $50 tala a person. That is a good price. We didn't get to do this but plan to do this next time.
6. Lano the Village that the Fale's are in is off the beaten trail from tourists. There is another beach Fale "next door" that is a little more expensive and not quite as "authentic" and no other trourist for many miles.
7. If you want to do "tourisit things" the main tourist village of Manase is only about 40 minutes away by bus. Car rental started at about $50 US dollars (100 Tala) per day. Taxi's are reasonable but more expensive if you have a few people b/c they charge per person. Manase has several attractions, fale's and hotels. It also has incredible Coral Reefs and scuba diving.
8. And the best reason to go to Joelan Fales are the owners, Sione and Falesoa. Sione fishes in a wooden Samoan Canoe and brings back fresh fish from the reefs. He may invite you to join him when he fishes as well. He loves to share what he knows about Samoa including traditional stories that were told to him by his grandparents. His wife Falesoa is a great cook. Most of the food is Samoan, but Falesoa also makes some Chinese Dishes that are excellent as well (her daughter is married to a Chinese Chef). Their family welcomed our family as is we were family guests (aiga).

9. All of this for $50 Tala per day per person which is a huge bargin. To me the Joelan Beach Fale is something a Lonely Planet Visitor to Samoa should not miss!!!

Hi all,

We came to Joelan Beach Fales on Lano Beach by accident. After having spent all night on the airport and headed for the 6 a.m. ferry, all we wanted was to find any place to lay down our tired bodies. So when the bus driver dropped us off at Joelan Beach Fales, we thought about staying one or two nights and than move on, but at the end we stayed 18 nights!!! So great the place is!

We fully agree with what is said above. There is no other place on Savaii like this, we did day trips, even went to Falealupo for a couple of nights to see the sunset, but we always returned to the Joelan like to home, for it really felt like this after nine months of traveling around the world.

Joelan should be included in the next edition of Lonely Planet and in this exceptional case I believe that even if such inclusion brings more people there, it would not change the great hospitality and the atmosphere of the place.

Many thanks to Falesoa and Sione for making us feel at home so far away from it.

I am always glad to be proven wrong about potential spam. It sounds like a fabulous place.

I'm also cautious about spam but sounds like bliss and I'm going there.

I googled it to find out more details and on the Jasons website they said there's no bookings just "rock on up" which made me smile.

Can't wait!

Just returned from two weeks in Samoa and I must agree with everything that Sonased, Kathywernerleap and Beachlove1 have said. Joelan is the best. Our stay there was the highlight of our trip. We stayed for six nights and had great food in a really friendly atmosphere at a great price. Falesoa, Sione and family were great hosts and deserve all the cudos they get. We stayed in a couple other fale resorts while in Samoa and found that they could not compare with Joelan. Highly recommended!!!