Adventure awaits in Savii, Samoa

Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coconut groves and sunset strolls – Samoa is known as a land of perfect blue skies, balmy nights and lazy days.

For many travellers, the best thing they experience on a trip to Samoa is an icy cold mojito while the sun goes down. This is such a shame, for Samoa holds many secrets; her spirit is wild and her soil begs to be explored. You can only truly discover her breathtaking beauty by getting off the beaten tourist path.

If you don’t want to lounge around the pool all day, and you’re keen for a cultural adventure, I have the perfect itinerary for you.

Get off the main island

Some travellers are so focused on choosing their resort – the one with the biggest pool, best bar and most luxurious spa – that they overlook the island of Savaii. This is a shame because the lush, tropical haven puts all those picture perfect postcards to shame.

My love for Savaii started as soon as we got off the ferry, which is only a short 45 minute ride from the main island of Upolu. Driving along the sleepy coastal road lined with tall coconut trees, I couldn’t help but exclaim ‘wow this is amazing’. Chi Chi, our local guide looked at me very strangely, responding with a confused ‘the bush?’, and we all laughed. I guess after a while you get used to the beauty of a place. For me it was all new, and much more than just bush. It was paradise.

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Savaii is fringed with white sandy beaches, calm turquoise lagoons and colourful seaside villages. The stunning volcanic interior brims with lush green coconut groves, fresh water swimming holes and gorgeous waterfalls. You can spend days here meandering through nature, ducking under vines, rock-hopping across streams and clambering up slopes. Within the first few hours of exploring Savaii’s natural beauty, I quickly discovered that the island was one giant playground.

Things to do while on Savaii

Swim with the turtles: Head to the wetlands sanctuary at Savaii’s Satoalepai village and get up close to one of the most majestic yet prehistoric creatures, the green turtle. These turtles were injured in the wild and the good people of Satoalepai take the time to help rehabilitate them before releasing the turtles back into the ocean.

Walk the suspension bridge: Sitting high up in the trees within the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve swings the tree top suspension bridge, which spans more than 30 metres. As you step onto the sturdy bridge, take a moment to enjoy being inside the tree canopy. On the forest floor below, ancient Banyan trees stand tall and the chatter of tropical birds filters through the branches above.

Alofaaga Blow Holes: One minute the rocky shore is calm and tranquil and then the next it roar with fiery. As the water launches up into the blue sky, the unexpected power and force behind the natural wonder leaves everyone a little speechless. Seeking a bit of excitement? Try dropping a coconut into one of the blowholes and watch it launch high into the sky.

Afu Aau Waterfall: Plunging from the rainforest above into a crystal clear swimming hole, this is one waterfall you must visit. The fresh water, peaceful surrounding and picture perfect scenery make Afu Aau Waterfall an ideal place to swim and relax.

Catholic Church Ruins: Whilst the beauty and spirit of Savaii stands strong, Mother Nature has been harsh here too. Two cyclones, Ofa and Val, hit Samoa in the early nineties and an earthquake followed by a tsunami, devastated much of the coast in 2009. Despite the damage, the locals picked themselves up, cleaned the village and got on with life. Standing in ruins in the village of Falealupo on Savaii’s north-west coast is the most amazing catholic church. The church remains a monument of courage and love for the people of Falealupo. The church is located 300 metres from the tourist attraction House of Rock.

TRAVEL TIP: I recommend renting a car or hiring a local guide. Check out the Samoa Tourism site for information on things to do – most of the natural attractions are located on private property and there’s usually a small fee to pay upon entry.

Stay

There are several stunning properties on the island of Savaii, from the simple beachside fale to the 5 star luxurious hideaway. I personally like a more authentic experience which is why I loved Stevenson’s at Manase. Just a short 20 minute drive from the ferry, these beachside fales are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and fringed by calm turquoise waters. Each fale is set within metres from the white sandy beach and they all have a private ensuite. The beauty of these fales is you get simplicity, without sacrificing all the modern comforts. Every night I slept with my blinds rolled up, so that I could feel the balmy ocean breeze on my skin, enjoy the clear blanket of stars outside and be rocked to sleep by the gentle lapping of the waves.

The resort has a great restaurant where they serve delicious local produce, with fresh tuna and lobster staples on the menu. While staying at the resort make sure you do the morning culture walk, it’s a great opportunity to meet some of the friendly locals. The resort also provides a spectacular sanctuary for sunsets, night time ocean swims and snorkelling.

Pack your bags and head to Savaii, a place where time is not of the essence, and where the people, culture and nature give life to the island.