OUR REVIEWS

“Take a break in paradise!”

“Paradise”

Reviewed January 17, 2012  NEW

Reviewed January 10, 2012 

“Great holiday awesome place!”

Jenny H

Tweed Heads Australia

Hi Tony and Diane, thanks for your note, and yes, Bill is recovering, no amputations necessary at this point.  I am sure everyone who saw him assumed he had leprosy, so we had lots of "personal space" when he was not wearing his bandage!  It was a long trip home, but we made it, but as of last night, I was still in Samoa. 

I dreamt that I had left a door open, and a pig was running across the bed!  I sat up, and announced this to Bill, who pointed out that I was in Powell River, and that I had just batted the cat off the bed...Speaking of pigs, give my regards to Sasha sp?, the dog  who came with me on my walk the last day at Sa'Moana.  She thought it was fun to try to chase two VERY large pigs who in turn chased her...as she ran back to me.  Luckily I didn't have to climb a palm tree but I thought about it. 

We loved Samoa, pigs and all and thank you for a great time. The food was wonderful, and your staff are friendly and very helpful. I will be sending a note to Trip Advisor, thanks for the link to make it easier.  regards,

Kathy and Bill - MARCH 2011

Talofa Diane, Tony and the Samoana Team,

Thanks for your mail. We had a great time in Samoana, the beauty of the location is just unbelievable. The surf tour was very good, very individual and the surfguide was super too!
We enjoyed the good food in the resort and the very friendly welcoming from your side. Samoa was truly a vacation in paradise and we hope to come back soon, also if it is quite a long way from Switzerland...

Wish u all the best for your future and if I have clients that want to visit Samoa I will defenately advise your resort.

Best regards from sunny Switzerland

Armando - MARCH 2011

Hi everyone at Sa'Moana,

Thanks for the welcome home! As you know we all had a ball staying there with you. I will make sure to write a review soon. On our way home, talking on the plane we had a chance to think about all of our favourite things about the holiday...was it the people, the beautiful natural way the resort is presented, the scuba diving , the snorkelling, the lovely nights of culture and food that were so genuinely done....we all agreed, it was just everything.
Thanks once again for a holiday that gave us great memories for a lifetime!!

Dave and Rhonda

Lani

To Sharon and everyone at Samoana resort.

As I am writing this i am sitting at my computer in freezing cold tasmania [Its 8 degrees outside!! =( ] feeling extremely cold and missing you all very very much.

I wish I was back with all of you in sunny Samoa, bet despite the cold I am still glad to be home =)

Thankyou so much for making my holiday one that i will cherish and remember forever! I had an absoluteley amazing time!!!, you are the most wonderful people that I have ever met in my entire life and I hope to see all of you again in the near future =)

Please read this out and say hello to everyone for me and give them all my love ='( I miss you all so much and I am never going to forget any of you!!!! =(

Its tuesday here but because of the timezone it must be monday, so have a great Fia Fia night tomorrow and please keep in touch =)
 
 
PS. Sharon i wish you all the best of luck with the baby =)
PPS. I think i am suffering withdrawal syndrome from lack of that banana cake haha (I still blame the addiction to it on Jackie hahah)
PPPS. Mum and Dad send their love ;)
PPPPS. In my next email i will be sending you all the photos from our holiday
 
All my love from Lani oxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxo

Lani

Jill & Chris

An absolute Gem!

My son and I flew back into NZ arriving 12.15am this morning, so we are still enjoying the afterglow of a long weekend at Sa'Moana. A very spontoneous decision made 2 days before we left! I had never considered Samoa as a destination before, and wanted to go somewhere special for the last 4 days of my leave with my surfer son!

Interernet research, strongly supported by Trip advisor comments, plus a very upbeat response from resort Manager Sharon saw us make one of the best holiday decisions ever. From the time we landed and were met at the airport by Frantina to him taking us back yesterday - it was just superb. Surfing experience was fantatic, resort guides were just the best, snorkelling was beautiful, the infinity pool divine, resort gardens and nature walk all big plusses and so it goes on! Farimi and Jackie gave us a great tour of the West Coast, early am surf wakeup calls were so worth it, plus all the great work done by the devoted local staff. The biggest decision was whether to go snorkelling again or read my book in the hammock. Another plus staying in an interest focussed Eco resort are the great guests you meet. Everyone very relaxed, chilled out and happy.

Surfing was the common denominator, however there are plenty of options for those who don't surf, but enjoy the superb outdoor opportunities - and I am one of those guests. I enjoyed the simplicity - when you are staying in such a great position, you need so little.
We experienced Sunday church at the local village - the singing alone was amazing, and we were made to feel so welcome, and formally welcomed!

The Nature tours, nightout in Apia to see the finals of the Fire knives competition and so it goes on. Reluctant as we were to leave, we know we have so much more to go back to experience.

Sa'Moana ticked all the boxes for us. Thank you to all the staff for making us so welcome, and looking after us.

Jill and Chris

Chris & Nicky Fazzolare

We had an amazing holiday!!

We would especially like to highlight a local surf guide that works at Sa'Moana. His name is Farani, he's a local guy, who welcomed us with open arms from the moment we arrived. His extensive knowledge of the island gave my husband and myself total security that he would show us the best Samoa has to offer. He treated us both like we had known each other for ever.

Farani ate meals with us, mingled and played pool and even socialised after his work had finished for the day. He has a great and happy personality and was born to be a surf guide. I know my husband had a tear in his eye (I had lots!!!) when we departed ways. Having Farani for a mate (and now lifelong internet buddy) while we were at Sa'Moana was, besides the surf, the highlight of our holiday.

Farani was great to us, not for self gain, but because he's a good bloke! He even taught us the local language (which we had many laughs learning).

I hope you can pass this page onto Sa'Moana Resort Management as all good acts deserve priase. Thank you to all involved (especially Cath Hart) at World Surfaris for organising our awesome holiday.

Cheers,

Chris and Nicky Fazzolare

Robert Robertson

It was great to meet you guys and John and Chris thanks for your hard work and showing us around. We know that its alot easier to dump surfers off at the known breaks and let them get their fill there. But you guys really took us around and we appreciate it. Hope to be back soon for longer next time.

Robert Robertson
Guest April 2010

Chris Dedman

Paul, Brent, Shane & Clark

It has taken a while to get back into the swing of things since leaving Samoa, a testament to a great holiday, hence the delay in sending you an email. Thank you all for a fantastic time your friendliness, and eagerness to help & accommodate our needs was great.  You have a winning formula.

We will be back.
Merry Christmas to all and thanks again.
Regards
Chris Dedman

Grant Sutchbury


To all the crew at Sa'Moana Resort,

Thanks folks for the great time that you provided us. My daughter has not stopped talking about the trip since we got back and I have recommended Sa'Moana and Samoa in general to everyone that has inquired. Pass on my regards to both Clarke and Brent. These guys were so friendly and accommodating, it was unbelievable. I am still in awe of the day when Clarke was charging at Dragon's Breath, whilst I sooked it out in the channel. I will vouch for whatever size that he put on it, easily double-head high.

I am not a big fan of going somewhere overseas and then sitting in a resort doing stuff that I can be doing at home in Australia. Sa'Moana was a good mix of comfort and contact with the Samoan culture (the people were lovely). Whilst at the resort, I could do as much or as little as I wanted to. I felt that everyone at Sa'Moana were more like my mates rather than employees of the resort. Everyone had told me that Samoa was like Bali 20 years ago; I disagree, it is far better. Samoa is a lot prettier and cleaner and the Samoans are a lot friendlier.

The food at the Resort was fantastic; I have been bragging that I had sashimi and masi-masi so many times that I ate steak the last few nights for a change. My daughter was a big fan of the burgers at lunchtime and Faille's milkshakes.

My daughter really chilled out after such a demanding year at school and really enjoyed her experience at Sa'Moana. She even participated in some of the adventure activities (cliff jumps and waterfall slides) that I would not have expected her to have ever contemplated. She had a ball!

Her brother is very, very jealous of his sister and whilst my wife has put in a bid to go to Vanuatu, we have ganged up on her and said that we are going back to Samoa. So, all things equal, expect us some time this year. I am keen to have another crack at Cocos and Pebbles, and I would like to see Village Lefts and Tiavea firing. This time I intend turning up a lot fitter and not so run down. I got back to Australia to find that it had been flat for most of the time I had been away, so at least I scored some waves when everyone at home were climbing the walls.

Overall, we had a great time at Sa'Moana. I intend coming back.

Grant Sutchbury

Sam Errington

Hi Sharron,
 
Thanks for the great time.
We didn't realise we'd be able to do adventures organised by the resort (thought we'd have to organise ourselves). Definitely a great thing as it was so easy - especially with your awesome crew of Ozzies and Nets. Plus we could put it all on the tab!
 
Cheers
Sam Errington
March 3rd 2010

Char & Brad

Paul, Nicola, Brent and all the staff at Sa'Moana Resort, both Brad & I would like to say a huge thank you for all the hard work that was contributed by every one at the resort to make not just our wedding day memorable but the whole week long holiday truly fabulous for not just us but for all our guests.

From the moment we arrived to the moment we all had to say our sad goodbyes we were looked after by your staff every step of the way.  It was great to know that we could bring such a diverse range of guests, surfers, non surfers, parents, friends and relatives to the resort and have everyone’s needs met.  Surf tours and great waves for the guys, day tours to the markets and places of interest for the parents, ladies and non surfers.  As well as day trips to the sliding rocks, lava tubes and other snorkelling reefs for our whole group. Not to forget great fishing trips and also Fia Fia night which gave us an insight into the Samoan culture.  Plus all the time spent lazing by the pool or snorkelling on the reef in front of the resort, or lying in a hammock relaxing or reading.  Come to think of it, it is amazing that so much was squeezed into 8 days but at the same time how relaxed we all came home.

All of our guests are still raving about the tranquil beauty of the resort and Samoa, how comfortable the accommodation was, how amazing it was to have the whole resort exclusively for our wedding and holiday.  And the food was fabulous every meal a pleasure I’m sure we all returned home a little heavier than when we left.

Most importantly our wedding day, thank you for taking all of the hard work out of our hands because of your hard work our wedding day ran smoothly and is one of the most memorable days of our lives together.  I was great for Brad to wake in morning and be able to go for a surf, for me it was wonderful to just laze by the pool until it was time to get ready.  The setting for the wedding in front of the main Fale surrounded by palm trees standing under a luscious tropical flower arch with the beautiful blue surf rolling in behind us was everything we had hoped for.  The local minister conducted a great ceremony; the local band played an amazing mix of local and western music.  All the staff decorated the main Fale and wedding tables so beautifully.  And the meal was fabulous and fresh.

Thank you for going the extra mile and ordering in special wines, champagnes and beers for our group it was nice to be able to make our toasts with some of our favourite beverages.  It was great to dance the night away and finish off with a sobering swim in the pool. All in all our wedding day was every thing we dreamed of with out the hard work.  We had a truly memorable day in one of the most beautiful places in the world.  What an amazing way to start our marriage together.

Brad & I as well as all our guests have such fond memories of our time spent at Sa'Moana that will stay with us for a life time.  It’s not every day you become married in such a beautiful setting or get to share a holiday with family and friends where every one can come together and enjoy each others company in such a relaxed and beautiful environment.  Thank you for your hospitality and sharing such a beautiful piece of paradise with us.

Until next time
Char & Brad

Daniel, Vanessa and Lara Brown

Dear Paul
 
Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time we had in Samoa. We really wanted somewhere to holiday where there is great surf for me, a great place to relax for Vanessa, and somewhere that caters for children. Sa'Moana fits the bill perfectly.
 
I hope you know that your staff are excellent. Drew and Romy were especially good, and looked after our every need. I am sure they will be missed.
 
Regards,
Daniel, Vanessa and Lara Brown

Mini and Andi

Hi Paul, Cal and Wayne,

This is a quick note to thank you and your staff for making our honeymoon the most enjoyable ten days we've ever spent together. We had high expectation and were pleased to find they were not only met but surpassed.

The set up and facilities at your resort are great. I couldn't imagine a more picturesque setting. I don't think I'd ever tire of sitting at the main fale and watching the sun set through the palm trees. Our fale was more than adequate and the outdoor shower was a great surprise. It felt like we were washing in a tropical waterfall every time we had a shower but our favorite thing was the pool. There was nothing better than sitting in the pool watching the fish and crabs play in the lagoon as the surf pealing down the reef. Just magic! And finishing the day with a beer in the hand, good company and a smile on the face is the way every day should end.

Cal and Wane - You two are quality guides. I've been on many surf trips to many different locations and you were the most professional and accommodating guides I've come across. Your knowledge of the area had us in the right spots at the right time and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and power of waves the waves you found for us. They were a lot more challenging and enjoyable that I expected. I just hope you don't do your job too well as I'd like to see Samoa stay as it is...a well kept secret.

We found the whole experience relaxing, entertaining and rejuvenating. We enjoyed the tours, the snorkelling, the surfing and the sea kayaking. Balanced with reading books by the pool and sleeping in the hammocks.... it was just what we wanted. Your staff also deserve a pat on the back. We didn't see a frown on a face in the ten days and their warmth and kindness set the tone for our whole stay. We felt we were part of their village.

Thanks and see you next time,
Mini and Andi.

PS. Cal - A special thanks to you. Your a great guide, good company and a fantastic bloke to have a beer with. Wouldn't have been the same without you. Good luck.

Vanessa and Chris Kraus

Hi! Angie

Sorry its been so long since we contacted you since our wedding.
The wedding and the whole holiday was just perfect, no complaints at all it was more than we had even expected. Sa’Moana Resort is just awesome the staff and management and the whole place was just fantastic i have attached some photos i would recommend the place as a fantastic option for a wedding

Take care

Vanessa and Chris Kraus

Karl and Ali Jones (maiden name Duke)

We had originally planned to get married in Yallingup, WA in January, but with family on different sides of the world it started turning into a huge organisational nightmare...so we canned that idea. Then Karl's best mate in Tasmania started planning a surf trip and decided on Sa'Moana Resort, once the venue had been decided we thought it would be a pretty cool place to get married.

Anyway…we arrived in Samoa on Thursday 20 March…(wedding had been fixed for 4pm Saturday 22 March) so we had two days of surfing for Karl, relaxation, snorkelling everything else for me. There were signs that the wedding was going to happen…the arch was ready to put flowers on, and all the staff there were very excited about the wedding. In Samoa apparently it’s a huge celebration. So we discovered where the ceremony was to be and were told the reception would be in the main “fale”.

At lunchtime on the day there was rehearsing of the band and the ceremony with the people involved and we saw them start to put all the decorations up and bring flowers out. We started getting ready about 2 hours before – Karl hadn’t seen my dress so I got ready in the resort office, upstairs in the main fale. The time came. I saw Karl walking to where he had to stand under the arch and he had ended up wearing a lava lava (sarong) as it was to be more traditional Samoan…he had been planning to wear boardies and dinner jacket!

I had to walk down the steps of the fale with a traditional Samoan man who had the traditional Samoan tattoos – from his knees to his waist. There was no bridal party at all so the tattoo man gave me away. I had been given flowers for round my head and a bouquet made of beautiful tropical flowers. All the guests had been given “lei” – floral garlands to wear…as had Karl.
I walked down the steps of the fale to the mat under the arch to 4 guys on guitar playing a Samoan song – a song about love. It was beautiful. Then 2 guys blew into conches and the ceremony started.


The celebrant started with a normal ceremony, but then started speaking much more from his heart. He said a whole load of things that we each had to repeat after him, but changed the words for both of us. Then when it came to the exchanging of the rings. Karl’s mate Nik sort of played best man by handing over the rings…he started with Karl…and said “Before you give Ali the ring I want you to tell her why you want to marry her”. He completely sprung it on us, so Karl had to speak from the bottom of his heart and tell his feelings in front of the celebrant and everyone. Then I had to do the same. It was the most amazing thing to do, and made the ceremony mean so much more than just having regular vows It was fantastic, we hadn’t seen anything like it before and it meant the world to us.

Once the ceremony was over the guys on guitars and conch shells started again and we signed the papers, with Nik and our witnesses…we thought we’d have one Aussie and one Samoan …then we walked up the steps through everyone to our table in the fale. The place had been decorated amazingly, with traditional Samoan mats and decorations, the wooden pillars had been covered in palm leaves, the flowers everywhere were so tropical and bright and colourful– amazing.
Then the photographer took us around to various spots on the beach, around palm trees and took some pictures, while the others had some finger food and drinks.

The reception carried on, we had some Samoan dancing, ate the entrée and main course and then were presented with a beautiful cake – which was chocolate…even better! The entrée was Balmain bugs, the main course a choice of Swordfish or steak. The food was amazing - it was amazing all week.

When the meal eventually ended people started dancing and it carried on all night. ALL the staff joined in and everyone had a great time.
It finished off the most fantastic day. Truly memorable. And amazing to be in such a fantastic location.

So, the organisation was minimal on our part – but everyone at the resort had gone to the most incredible effort to make it a special day for us….they were the ones that made it for us. We were expecting just to see the celebrant somewhere on the beach…but it was so much more than that…way beyond our expectations. Will remember it forever.