At a Glance
Embrace true Pacific Island paradise in Samoa, the heart of Polynesia, with a 7-day escape showcasing Upolu’s natural beauty, rich history, food scene and Samoa’s passionate culture. Unwind each day in one of the best beachfront boutique luxury resorts.
Over 7-days journey from Samoa’s history, creative hubs, cultural insights and relish your inner chef with an immersive cooking experience. Embrace the island’s artistry through the eyes of Samoa’s very best creators adventuring to local art schools and museums. Find connection meeting local artists and let them inspire your creativity through a wood carving and sculpting experience to a sunset cooking class. Give your journey a sense of purpose as you embark into the intricacies of village life visiting a village community and primary school. Engage in a traditional ava ceremony, fire ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 6 night’s premium accommodation in a Traditional Ocean View Villa at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, on a twin share basis. Upgrading to other room types are available at an additional cost
- Specified meals with complimentary daily afternoon tea
- Cooking with Culture Private Tour including water sports gear
- 15 mins head and shoulder massage
- Snorkel gear and kayak
- Use of resort’s golf and tennis courts
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Apia Guided Town Tour including entry fee
- Return transfer to and from Faleolo Airport
- Nuusafe'e Island Snorkeling Tour including boat transfers, snorkeling guide and gear
- Fa’a Samoa Private Guided Tour including show and customary donation
- Island Art Affair Private Tour including donation and art instructor
- Guides, transfers, entry fees, food and non-alcoholic drinks in specified tours
Itinerary
Arrive into Faleolo International Airport, where you’ll be chauffeured to an island paradise at Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa. Here, your welcome drinks await. Spend the rest of the day settling into your island haven and get acquainted to island time. Unwind with a massage included in your stay to get your island vibe rolling. Laze by the lagoon style pool, venture down to the beach for a refreshing saltwater swim, snorkel away into an underwater wonderland or glide in kayaks exploring the South Pacific Ocean. If you’re feeling peckish, indulge in a complimentary afternoon tea or dine poolside to an open-air setting with spectacular views of lush tropical surrounds. In the evening, tantalise your tastebuds in a refined farm-to-ocean- dining experience celebrating the reinvention of fresh local foods and contemporary Samoan cuisines. |
Indulge in a relaxing tropical breakfast to the sounds of the ocean before an adventure into the capital, Apia. Gain insight into Samoa’s rich history with a literary journey to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, home to the late teller of tales including Treasure Island and Dr Jack to name a few. Delve deeper into your historic discovery at the Samoa Museum before popping by the sacred Mulinu’u burial grounds of chiefs and Samoan royalty. Call into the waters at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve and be captivated by an underwater wonderland as you snorkel amongst the spectacular colours of Samoa’s marine life. Brave mother nature’s creation at Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, a natural water slide. Enjoy an exhilarating experience sliding down these naturally formed rock slides, worn down by thousands of years of running water. Those who venture down are rewarded with a refreshing dip in the serene Papase’ea falls, a great photographic spot. Unwind back at the resort in time to sip on Uncle Harry’s signature ‘Ginger or Coconut Mojito’ as you soak in another epic island sunset in paradise. |
Today is one for the food lovers. You’ll embrace the local delights of Samoa where its food is as indulgent as its untamed landscapes. Wake up before the sun as you begin with a Sunrise Supply Hunt exploring village plantations and markets. Awaken your senses; smell the foreign aromas, bask in the atmosphere and warm up to the unique local produce as you gather fresh ingredients and learn treasured harvesting techniques that have stood the test of time. Refresh with a mid-day dip in one of the many pristine fresh water lagoons that define Samoa before diving into a Sunset Cooking Class. Relish your inner chef as you create your authentic Samoan cuisine alongside experienced chefs using your locally sourced ingredients. Feel inspired cooking as the colours of the sky change only to cap off toasting to a magical sunset. This evening celebrates the fruits of your labour as you enjoy a decadent dining affair in a private overwater setting. |
From one paradise to another, embark on an island-hopping adventure to one of the region’s best kept secrets, the small and idyllic Nuusafe’e Island. Today see Samoa from a different light. Glide its crystal-clear waters on a scenic boat cruise to the uninhabited Nuusafe’e Island, considered as one of the best snorkeling spots of Samoa. Dive deep into its underwater wonderland or stay shallow snorkeling its outer reefs teeming of marine life. Swim amongst a kaleidoscope of exotic fish and stunning colourful reefs that define Samoa’s exotic underwater wonderland. Venture further afield and walk this tiny island as you soak in the novelty of having your own personal paradise. Unwind back at the resort in time to sip on Uncle Harry’s signature ‘Ginger or Coconut Mojito’ as you soak in another epic island sunset in paradise. |
Delve deep into immersion as you journey to one of Samoa’s oldest villages, Poutasi. Here, you’ll discover the Samoan Way of Life, the Fa’a Samoa, leaving you with an impactful connection. Venture further exploring mini communities on a local bus where you’ll experience the intricacies of village life and identity in a uniquely Samoan environment. Immerse into the rich Samoan culture with a customary welcome by village chiefs with a traditional ava ceremony. Be enlightened as you interact with local villagers with a hand in ancient games of Taulafoga (coconut tossing) and Tagati’a (spear throwing). Pop by a primary school and traditional arts centre as you test your skills in fine mat weaving, traditional dance and ukulele lessons. Delight your tastebuds this afternoon with a taste of real island cooking. Be awed by cultural celebration and an exhilarating fire knife show by the locals of this precious little village. Feeling inspired, journey back to the resort for more moments of tranquility. |
Embrace the creative hubs and immerse into the island’s artistry through the eyes of Samoa’s very best creators. Your artistic pursuit begins at Malua School of Fine Arts, the birthplace of Samoan artistry. Feel inspired by young talented artist at work creating their art pieces before calling into the home of iconic traditional Samoan tattooist, Su’a Suluape. Marvel at the ancient Samoan art form of Polynesian hand-tap tattoo known as tatau. You’ll visit the beautifully hidden Tiapapata Art Gallery set amongst a mountainside retreat. Feel inspired as you witness its support towards many budding artists and students in the local community. Meet local and international artists and be captivated by their creativity before arriving to Poutaso Arts Centre. Home of the renowned artist, Fatu Feu’u, the ‘Father of contemporary Pacific Art, you'll feel empowered by his pivotal shaping and nurturing in the Pacific art globally. Let your creative juices flow freely with a tour through this vast space before relishing your inner artist. Spend the day engaging in a sculpting wood carving workshop that will leave you truly inspired. Retire back at the resort for a fresh water swim in its lagoon styled pool. Take a leap off the pier, snorkel the marine life that thrive in this unique environment, glide on kayaks exploring Upolu’s pristine water or sweat it out with a swing at tennis and golf. This evening, indulge in another farm and ocean to plate affair showcasing fresh, local and healthy food. Take a beach stroll for your final evening in paradise and end the night stargazing before retiring back to your little oasis. |
Indulge in one last tropical breakfast as you recap an inspiring and incredible journey. Feeling inspired, refreshed and connected to the island spirit, journey back to Faleolo International Airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Upolu
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Upolu
The best time to visit Samoa is between April and October, when the weather is drier and the humidity is lower. Samoa’s climate is dictated by its position in the South Pacific near to the Equator. Average daily temperatures hover around 28-30°C throughout the year, and the seawater is balmily warm.
Both of Samoa’s main islands are mountainous, so you’ll often see the interiors shrouded in low cloud.
As with many of the South Pacific island nations, it experiences a distinct wet season between November and March. Cyclonic events can occur during the wet season.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.