Samoa - July 2009

Hi

After much reading up on Samoa and other Pacific islands I finally booked a 5 night, 6 day trip to Samoa for 10-15 July. Air New Zealand have tickets for $423 (NZ) return to Auckland. My other choice was Rarotonga but because it is further south I was worried it may get a little cool or cloudy in the winter. I will be wanting to escape the cold and wet Auckland winter for a few days.

I read the posts about dogs and crime and then decided that I would go anyway.....

I am still deciding what to do but any advice is appreciated.

At the moment I would like 3 nights at a nice white sandy beach with good snorkelling, and 1 night in Apia. Not sure about the other night.

Is Lalomanu beach the best for my 3 days chill out? or anyone recommend another beach that has budget accommodation?

I am not into hiking or long bush treks or major cultural stuff. Just need some time to chill out, read, get warm, snorkel etc.

Thanks.
Brad

Lalomanu is probably the best beach if you don't mind it being somewhat busy and crowded (by Samoan standards!).
If you do (I did), you might prefer Saleopaga, the next beach area west of Lalomanu along the southern coast, which is much quieter. Snorkelling was only so-so to me (others seem more easily impressed), but that was much the same all over the country.

Lalomanu is great. We have had great stays at Lalomanu, super relaxing. Perfect beach. Haven't seen it crowded yet though, that would be sad. It's been quiet the times we've gone.
Snorkelling is great, lots of variety in the fish, take your own gear though as theirs is not good. You can lie in bed with your fale open to the beach & wake up that way, to a lovely view, stumble out of bed a few steps for your morning swim... all perfect. Food's good & huge too.
Dogs & crime haven't bothered us yet.

anyone know which fales/resort at Lalo is best?

the stuff about the dogs and theft should be taken with a grain of salt! we never had a problem with them and i got freaked out before we left too (we have two young children as well!). any of the above suggestions are good. Samoa is wonderful you won't regret going there.

I found Lalomanu to be a great beach and the snorkelling was excellent (some of the best I've seen around the world) - but watch for strong currents at high / outgoing tides. It can be a but busy in the middle part of the beach on the weekend with local day trippers (if lot's of locals go it must be good right?)

I had no problem with theft or dogs

I took my own mask/snorkel but could not find anywhere to hire fins - though the fale owners did find me a pair from somewhere - lucky they were a good fit too. If you have your own fins, bring them.

We stayed at Litia Sini which was on the nicest part of the beach and probably the nicest fales. I would try and negotiate on the price - especially mid week

Edited by: livetotavel