Talofa<\/em>! You\u2019ll be hearing that word a lot in Samoa. It means \u201cwelcome\u201d, and these islands are renowned for their hospitality. Samoa is also famous for its traditional dances and gorgeous coastline. It\u2019s one of the most unique cultures in the South Pacific, and has to be experienced to be believed.<\/p>\n Nestled on the westernmost point of Upolu island, Le Vasa Resort<\/a> is accessible, yet perfectly secluded. Just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from the ferry port, you\u2019d never guess you\u2019re actually on a historic site. A thousand years ago, Samoa\u2019s final battle with Tonga took place here\u2014an epic tale the Le Vasa staff is more than happy to share with you. These legends are all part of the experience, which also includes authentic local activities and delectable regional cuisine at on-site restaurant Cocolini’s by the Sea.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for truly untouched coastline, look no further than Return to Paradise<\/a>, on Upolu\u2019s southwest coast. In 1953, the beach caught the attention of Hollywood scouts, and the movie Return to Paradise<\/em> was filmed there. However, the landowners refused to sell out to corporate interests, finally developing the land just a few years ago. This resort was built by the villagers, and is proudly 100% owned and operated by Samoans and staffed by extended family. It may be one of the island\u2019s newest properties, but you\u2019re sure to enjoy an authentic holiday.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not only Samoa\u2019s culture that\u2019s impressive. This island nation is home to many stunning natural landscapes. Sign up for the Forgotten Bay Scuba Tour<\/a> and you\u2019ll get to snorkel from a secluded beach, looking beneath the waves for reef sharks and turtles. For the adventurous, there are the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks<\/a>, naturally formed waterslides only about a fifteen minute drive from the capital of Apia. And no traveller can miss To Sua Ocean Trench<\/a>, which literally means \u201cGiant Swimming Hole\u201d. Climb thirty metres down a wooden ladder to snorkel in this picturesque locale.<\/p>\n When you picture sparkling lagoons, pristine beaches, and over-the-water huts, Fiji is probably the first island that comes to mind. And you\u2019re not wrong: Fiji is one of the most idyllic islands in the South Pacific.<\/p>\n Located at the northern tip of Denarau Island and sprawled over 2.5 kilometres of private beachfront, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa<\/a> is the ideal couples\u2019 retreat. Koro, the resort\u2019s brand-new, adults-only zone, includes a private bar, pools, deck, and beachfront created exclusively to eat, drink, and relax. There is even an adults-only restaurant, KORO, serving up Mediterranean tapas and plenty of fresh seafood. Bringing the kids? The resort has a complimentary children\u2019s club, giving you the peace of mind to relax\u2014and still enjoy these amazing adults-only amenities.<\/p>\n Live the laid-back island lifestyle at Shangri-La\u2019s Fijian Resort<\/a>, a sparkling, newly renovated property on its own private island. Yanuca Island sits off Viti Levu\u2019s south coast, surrounded by deepwater lagoons. The resort recently added the Reef Wing, an adults-only section with a separate entrance and check-in desk and exclusive pools and restaurants. It also has nightly entertainment, bringing in international DJs and chefs for pop-up parties and restaurants throughout the year. Relax in the spa or spend an active day parasailing or snorkelling. At Shangri-La\u2019s, the day is yours.<\/p>\n Be treated like royalty at Nanuku Auberge Resort<\/a>. On this private, 500-acre estate, you\u2019ll discover fine dining among the treetops or on a coastal cliff. Enjoy exceptional massages on a treetop platform suspended over the beach. And you\u2019ll have one-of-a-kind experiences, like tending to mangroves with the locals, planting coral, and even beekeeping. Arrange for a secluded outdoor movie night or an excursion to the resort\u2019s private island\u2014or, simply book a room with a kitchen and bring in the resort\u2019s private chef for the ultimate meal. At Nanuku Auberge, it\u2019s all about you.<\/p>\n Off the main island\u2019s west coast lie the Mamanuca Islands, one of Fiji\u2019s most beautiful areas. Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina<\/a> perfectly captures this island chain\u2019s laid-back vibe. Relax around the island\u2019s largest swimming pool\u2014you\u2019ll find plenty of those tiny umbrellas you\u2019ve been dreaming of at this sun-soaked property. With its daily snorkelling trips, sand-between-your-toes beach bar, and bright, airy villas that welcome you with a slice of island-baked coconut lime shortbread, you can\u2019t capture the Fijian spirit any better than this.<\/p>\n If you want to sunbathe on white-sand beaches all day, this is the place to do it. But there are plenty of activities you can take part in, too. The South Sea Island Full Day Cruise<\/a> takes you just thirty minutes from the city of Nadi. You\u2019ll feel worlds away as you spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking on this secluded island. Back on land, visit the Naihehe Caves<\/a> on an off-road quad bike safari. But first, you\u2019ll participate in a traditional kava ceremony, a must-do on any Fiji trip. For another unique experience, the Suva Day Tour<\/a> takes you around the charming capital, giving you a taste\u2014literally\u2014of Fiji\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n A short hop across the Coral Sea to Vanuatu, and you\u2019ll be witnessing rare traditions like nanggol<\/em> (bungy jumping from wooden structures), camping on active volcanoes, and diving acclaimed shipwrecks. The treasures of Vanuatu are only amplified by its under-the-radar status.<\/p>\n Located just minutes from town on exclusive lagoon frontage, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu<\/a> is an oasis in Port Vila. The resort offers idyllic overwater accommodation, with uninterrupted views from your private balcony and direct access to the lagoon\u2019s warm waters.\u00a0In fact, Seema Goundar, director of marketing, says, \u201cWhen people see images of our Overwater Villas, it can easily be assumed that they are priced out of reach, but the resort team prides themselves on providing competitive rates. Service and that \u2018special touch\u2019 are all part of the experience when you stay with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking for a tropical getaway with an awesome location, atmosphere, and vibe? You can\u2019t go past Breakas Beach Resort<\/a>. This adults-only hotel is located directly on its own private beach\u2014we\u2019re talking dining with ocean panoramas and your feet in the sand. Lounge by the infinity pool or work your way through the cocktail list at Salt Bar. Oh, and don\u2019t forget your surfboard. Breakas Beach Resort is perfectly positioned on the best surf beach in Efate. It\u2019s just one more way to fully experience all Vanuatu has to offer.<\/p>\n Vanuatu\u2019s main island, Efate, is filled with activities for intrepid adventurers. On the Efate Island Safari<\/a>, you\u2019ll head inland to take a dip in a refreshing swimming hole and get a glimpse of fire-walking and other ancient traditions. The Glass-Bottom Boat & Snorkelling Cruise<\/a> takes you in the other direction, out into Mele Bay to check out what\u2019s below the surface in this legendary dive spot. Really want to go all out? Nothing will take your breath away like a helicopter flight that lands you on the rim of Ambrym Volcano<\/a>. Peer into the volcano\u2019s fiery depths for an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Samoa<\/h3>\n
Le Vasa Resort<\/h4>\n
![\"Waterfront](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/le-vasa-resort.jpg\")
Return to Paradise Resort and Spa<\/h4>\n
Things to Do in Samoa<\/h3>\n
![\"To](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/to-sua-ocean-trench.jpg\")
Fiji<\/a><\/h2>\n
Where to Stay in Fiji<\/h3>\n
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa<\/h4>\n
![\"Pool](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hilton-fiji-beach-resort.jpg\")
Shangri-La\u2019s Fijian Resort<\/h4>\n
Nanuku Auberge Resort<\/h4>\n
![\"Pool](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/nanuku-auberge-resort.jpg\")
Musket Cove Island Resort and Marina<\/h4>\n
Things to Do in Fiji<\/h3>\n
![\"Snorkelling](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/snorkelling-in-fiji.jpg\")
Vanuatu<\/a><\/h2>\n
Where to Stay in Vanuatu<\/h3>\n
Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu<\/h4>\n
![\"Over-water](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/holiday-inn-resort-vanuatu.jpg\")
Breakas Beach Resort<\/h4>\n
Things to Do in Vanuatu<\/h3>\n
![\"Boat](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/boat-trip-in-vanuatu.jpg\")