MAKEOVER FOR SAMOA'S MAIN GATEWAY

While traveling to Samoa recently we were able to experience Samoa’s Faleolo International Airport's undergoing a makeover. Located 25 miles west of capital city Apia, the airport was originally built by the US navy after the war broke out in the South Pacific in 1942.

see the link: http://bit.ly/2tZbhrJ

With an emphasis on crowd processing efficiency, technological upgrades, cleanliness and increased capacity, you can see that Faleolo's refurbishment is in line with the country’s mission to meet the growing demands of increasing passenger traffic and to improve infrastructure.

The airport refurbishment is being progressively rolled out.. Phase one has seen the upgrade and expansion of the departures building. Phases Two and Three due to be completed by early 2018 will see the addition of a new Arrivals Terminal and public areas. New aerobridges will also feature at the completion of the project and as the new arrivals hall is built, a temporary terminal, now in operation, will be used to cater for all inbound flights into Faleolo.

Sonja Hunter of the Samoa Tourism Authority expressed her confidence in the project, welcoming the development as part of efforts towards the establishment of Samoa as a major hub for travel and trade in the South Pacific! “The new airport is a fabulous representation of our country’s growth. Samoa is fast becoming a feature in many traveler's bucket lists and an expansion to cope with increasing visitor arrivals will also promote an improved airport experience. It could not have come at a better time and we are ready for greater accessibility and for new carriers to come and consider Samoa as a new destination”.

For more information, visit http://www.samoa.travel

ROMANCE IN PARADISE

Welcome to heavenly Island of Samoa 

Where beautiful wedding ceremonies can be organised and legally recognised worldwide. There are many hotels, resorts and tour operators offering wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators to choose from. They will also assist with the application forms for a marriage license which must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the local Justice Department, so best to use their services.

See the link: http://bit.ly/2txwkyQ

If you are planning a traditional, formal service in a church there are more than 350 churches to choose from. You have the choice of informal location from a beach, a Fale by a cascading waterfall with Samoa's breathtaking scenery providing a picture perfect backdrop for one of the most memorable days in a person's life.

If you are  looking to plan a honeymoon, you can choose to stay in a honeymoon suite at a number of resorts close to the pristine Lalomanu Beach. This place was wonderful when I was there. This is an award winning adults-only Seabreeze Resort, a sanctuary for honeymooners. In this enchanting location I can relax, dine, tasting delicacies, and indulge whilst lazing on a hammock soaking up the sun or watching the starry skies.

I really enjoyed the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic mountains of Upolu. Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa's newest luxury resort, provides the perfect location for weddings, honeymoon and vows renewals. The resort offers various wedding packages; from a chapel ceremony at the Vasa wedding venue, to tying the knot amongst the lush gardens or a romantic beach setting.

For more information visit the www.samoa.travel or contact your local travel agent.

We can't wait to go back.

TAUMEASINA ISLAND RESORT, THE NEWEST LUXURY RESORT IN SAMOA

The stunning Taumeasina Island Resort is the newest four and a half star luxury resort in Samoa. It is situated on an exclusive island just outside of Apia.

Opened in July, Taumeasina Island Resort is the first and only island resort in Apia and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The resort is located 45 minutes from Faleolo International Airport (APW) and a 5 minute drive from capital city Apia. We had a preview of the 60,000 sqm resort’s first class private beaches, large fresh water pool as well as an array of island activities.

With accommodation options to suit all types, you can choose from 80 beautifully appointed ultra modern Oceanview rooms and a mix of 25 fully self-contained two and three-bedroom Waterfront villas.

Whilst staying at Taumeasina Island Resort, you have the option to eat in one of three restaurants catering for every meal from fine dining to all day snacks and enjoy locally inspired cocktails at one of the resort’s stylish bars. The resort also boasts an array of activities and things to do; from a water sports pavilion, tennis court and children playground to cooking classes, weekly cultural shows and a Spa & Fitness Centre complete with signature treatments and an outdoor circuit with gym equipment stationed around the island.

We really enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic mountains of Upolu from every vantage point on the island. Taumeasina provides the perfect location for weddings, honeymoons and vows renewals. The resort offers various wedding packages; from a chapel ceremony at the Vasa wedding venue, to tying the knot amongst the lush gardens or a romantic beach setting.

Holiday special package, 25% off five or more nights, from November 2016 - May 2017 (booked before 30 November 2016)! 

For more information visit the Taumeasina Island Resort website or contact your local travel agent.

We can’t wait to go back.

SAMOA'S SHERATON AGGIE GREY'S HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS OPENS WITH NEW LOOK

This summer Samoa welcomed its second global hotel brand as the iconic Aggie Grey’s Hotel in the centre of Samoa’s capital city, Apia, reopened its doors as The Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows. It follows the opening of the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort last year. We were lucky enough to visit both properties both properties. The new look of Aggie Grey’s is a beautiful reincarnation, keeping the traditional style and atmosphere. 

Founded in 1933 by Aggie Grey, it has seen various reincarnations; from burger joint to serve the troops and hostel dormitory for visiting servicemen to the iconic hotel in Apia.

Many people of note walked through its doors including international dignitaries as well as Hollywood sensation Marlon Brando and The South Pacific musical was allegedly inspired by a stay in the hotel by writer and composer Hammerstein and Rodgers.

The 175 rooms, bungalows and suites have been renovated and refurbished to contemporary standards with a distinct Samoan ‘voice’ in the design. The property retains its colonial look enhanced with modern touches, designed to appeal to the modern traveller.

Sonja Hunter, CEO of Samoa Tourism Authority, commented to us “Samoa welcomes the partnership, especially from a global brand who identifies Samoa’s unique selling point and respects and preserves its culture and unique identity.”

Hunter continued. “Aggie Grey herself is an icon and a much loved figure in Samoan history, and it is an honour for a brand such as Sheraton to come to partnership with Samoa and the Grey Family.  Beautiful Samoa will be an excellent inclusion to the Sheraton client’s travel planner, with our unique culture, pristine natural environment and friendly locals that will make you feel right at home. Samoans are known all over the world for our hospitality. Aggie Grey embodied this and it is wonderful to have the Sheraton recognize and immortalize this.” And we couldn’t agree more. 

The hotel is ideally located for a stay in Apia, close to local attractions such as the cultural centre. Here we enjoyed a fabulous free show, cooking and craft demonstrations, including a live tattoo being done! The local markets have lots of local crafts and produce to enjoy, including coconut water or take gifts home. You can also pick up some very good quality black pearl jewellery and local fashion nearby. A short taxi ride from the “must see” Louis Stevenson Museum/ home and grounds, which lead up to his tomb with stunning views overlooking the area. 

For more information and bookings please go to The Sheraton Aggie Grey’sHotel & Bungalows or contact your local travel agent.

Romy