Samoa holidays

You’ll have two islands to choose from for your Samoa holiday. Popular Upolu is where you’ll find most hotels, as this isle’s also home to Samoa’s capital, Apia, and the country’s international airport. There are loads of beautiful beaches here – Lalomanu is our favourite – as well as some fantastic sites for diving and snorkelling, where you’ll be amazed by Samoa’s marine life. Back on dry land, why not don your walking boots and delve into the tropical forest of O Le Pupu-Pue National Park? And don’t miss the incredible sight of Papapapaitai Falls – this waterfall is 100 metres high.

The larger island of Savai’i is your other option. Despite its size, Savai’i is untouched and authentic, making it a great choice for travellers who want to get off the beaten track. The surrounding waters boast fascinating reefs and dive sites, while Falealupo Rainforest Preserve has a great canopy walk among the treetops. And, after a day in the sun, you can cool off in the natural pools beneath Afu Aau Falls.

Picture-perfect Samoa is famous for its beaches, but there’s a lot more to do here than sunbathe. Samoa holidays serve up all sorts of activities, especially if you’re keen to spend a lot of time in the water. On the southeast coast of Upolu, To-Soa Ocean Trench is a must-visit. “To-Soa” literally translates as “giant swimming hole” – and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Thirty metres deep, this mysterious pool is accessible via a sturdy ladder, so you can safely go for a dip in the turquoise waters. There’s also a cave which leads to the sea, but this is only recommended for experienced divers.

If you want to explore Samoa’s underwater worlds with a snorkel, head to Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. This pristine area is just a short walk from Apia. You can hire snorkelling or diving equipment and discover colourful corals and tropical fish, or simply relax on the shore with a picnic.

Over on the island of Savai’i, meanwhile, Alofaaga Blowholes should be on your list. Sometimes known as the Taga Blowholes, they make for an eye-popping sight, as waves crash into the holes and water shoots high into the sky – almost like a coastal geyser.

The Samoan way of life – called Fa’a Samoa – dates back more than 3,000 years. Rather than focus on life as individuals, Samoan culture is very much about community and togetherness. Everyone looks out for each other and, throughout your Samoa holiday, you’ll notice how friendly and welcoming your hosts are.

As with any country, Samoa has its own customs and expectations. While the islanders are very used to visitors, it’s important to be respectful during your trip. For instance, it’s absolutely fine to wear swimwear around your hotel, but it’s best to pop on shorts and a t-shirt if before heading into the nearest village. And topless sunbathing at the beach is a definite no-no.

If you visit a traditional Samoan home – called a fale – you should always remove your shoes before you go in and, when sitting, tuck your feet beneath you so they’re not pointing at others. And it’s also worth noting that the Christian Church plays a big part in Samoan culture, so the pace of life slows right down on Sundays. Some attractions may be closed and – if you were going through a village, for example – it’s best to travel slowly and quietly.

Thanks to its proximity to the equator, tropical Samoa is warm and humid throughout the year, but there are two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, when Samoa holidays are most popular. At this time of year, temperatures hover between 24°C and 30°C, but there’s usually a refreshing sea breeze to help keep you cool. And, best of all, the South Pacific’s balmy waters average 20°C – perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Samoa’s wet season takes hold between November and April. It doesn’t rain every day, but you can expect heavy downpours and tropical storms. December to March is the wettest time of year. However, if you’re keen to grab a bargain and don’t mind the odd rain shower, you could consider travelling in November or April. The islands will still be lovely and warm – just remember to pack an umbrella.

• Visa: No visa required for stays up to 60 days, provided you have a return ticket or proof of onward travel
• Language: Samoan and English
• Currency: Samoan Tala (WS$)
• Time difference: GMT +13 hours
• Flight duration from London: There are no direct flights from the UK to Samoa. The journey takes at least 30 hours, usually with stopovers in cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, LA or Sydney.
• Capital city: Apia