Samoa may be petite in stature but its experiences are anything but small. Active travellers can rejoice as this island nation unfolds into a diverse playground, bursting with landscapes begging to be explored.

Imagine palm-fringed beaches whispering invitations to barefoot walks, exhilarating hiking and biking trails winding through dense jungles, volcanic wonders offering dramatic backdrops, and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs – all punctuated by the refreshing cascades of countless waterfalls.

By following this 7-day Samoa itinerary, you can make sure that you clients see the best that this tropical paradise has to offer and fully enjoy their Samoa getaway.

Food is an integral part of Samoan life, with every celebration bursting with a communal feast prepared with love and tradition. Sharing a meal with extended family is one of the greatest joys for Samoans, and visitors are welcomed to join in this enriching experience.

Embark on a culinary adventure that reflects the island’s unique identity. Fresh seafood – a cornerstone of the Samoan diet – shines in dishes like Oka i Tautau (fish cooked in coconut milk), generously complemented by locally-grown tropical fruits and vegetables. Imagine savoring succulent papaya, juicy star fruit, and refreshing pineapple, bursting with island sunshine.

With their sprawling coastlines, countries like the US, Australia, and South Africa are well trodden surfing destinations, but there’s something extra special about surfing around the islands of Samoa.

Offering world-class waves, warm clear waters, and a stunning tropical island backdrop, Samoa should be on every surfer’s bucket list of places to visit. With so many top surfing spots around the archipelago, you’re guaranteed to experience something new every day – and better still, without the crowds. 

After a day of exploring beautiful Samoa, swimming in waterfalls, hiking up mountains, kayaking the sea, surfing the waves and snorkelling the waters, you’ll need to find somewhere to lie down and refresh for the next day in paradise. Samoa has many beautiful resorts and hotels on offer, or you can experience the unique pleasure of staying in a fale…

Staying in fale accommodation is the perfect way to experience fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life – as Samoans have for thousands of years. This laidback style of accommodation gets you as close to the ocean as it is possible to lay down your head and means that the soundtrack to your sleep is the hush of the ocean . . . And not only is a fale an experience that should not be missed, it’s more often than not a budget-friendly option, with reasonable prices and often dinner and breakfast included.

When most people think of a tropical island holiday in places like Samoa, they often think of lying on a beach, waving palm trees and perhaps a bit of snorkelling.

While all this is exactly what many visitors to Samoa do, did you know that this island paradise is also a great destination for a hiking holiday?

Active relaxers will be thrilled to know that Samoa has many days worth of walking trails for all ages and abilities, from an intrepid multi-day hike to Samoa’s largest volcano to family-friendly tracks to see amazing natural scenery.

But, we hear you say, isn’t it far too hot and muggy for such exertion so close to the equator? In fact, Samoa’s highlands are noticeably cooler than the coast, but not cold, which means there is no need to drag bulky packs of warm clothing around.

So what are you waiting for? Here are some of Samoa’s top walking and hiking experiences. All you need is a pair of worn-in walking shoes, quite a lot of water and to be ready to explore a side of Samoa that not everyone gets to see.

 

From swimming with turtles to seeing endangered endemic birds or meeting an immigrant population of goldfish, there is wildlife galore to explore in Samoa.

Samoa’s beautiful tropical climate, lush jungles and diverse landscapes lend itself well to a varied array of colourful birds and animals, while its colourful coral reefs present a whole new world to explore.

Whether you’ve come to relax on Samoa’s beaches and snorkel among the vividly hued fish or are on a targeted wildlife discovery quest, these islands won’t disappoint.

Samoa is the perfect destination for those travelling later in life.

Without the commitment of work or children, you’re probably enjoying a new lease of life. The best part is, as a mature traveller, you’ve got the freedom to do what you want at any time of the year (and for as long as you like to).  

A trip to Samoa is a great choice for people travelling in later life because apart from the year-round warm climate, there are so many ways to enjoy the islands, you can be as relaxed or active as you like during your stay. And no matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll always leave feeling enlightened and re-energised. 

If you’re thinking about a trip to Samoa, here’s some inspiration around the types of activities on offer and how you could spend your time in this island paradise. 

With its just-caught seafood and love of pork and chicken, the South Pacific isn’t necessarily known to be vegan-friendly. Yet many places around Samoa offer innovative vegan twists on traditional Samoan fare and international vegan delights. 

During her recent trip to Samoa, Luisa Ryan from Vegan Food & Living explored Samoa’s vibrant vegan dining scene and discovered the best restaurants serving up delicious vegan food in Apia.

Good food is an enormous part of local culture in Samoa. Every big celebration in Samoa always includes a feast – and we’re not talking a light snack. So much love and preparation go into traditional Samoan food and eating together with extended family is one of the greatest joys of Samoan life. If you want a true Samoan experience, make sure you eat as the locals do during your stay.

 

Being an island nation, seafood features widely in local cuisine and is usually complemented by delicious tropical fruits and vegetables. In fact, fruit is plentiful including bananas, mangos, papaya, star fruit, and pineapple. Coconut is also used widely through a variety of dishes, while the meat used in Samoan meals is normally chicken (moa) and pork.

Travelling with kids may not always be easy but it can be incredibly fun and rewarding.

Choosing a destination like Samoa, where children and families are central to the national culture and will be warmly welcomed, makes it even easier to create a truly unforgettable family tropical island holiday.

So how do you put away the screens and make the most of your family holiday in Samoa?