Samoa

The pace of life in Samoa is so laid-back it's only a heartbeat away from being a nice little snooze. Its palm-fringed beaches, booming white surf, and lush rainforests wreathed in misty clouds make it a breathtakingly beautiful desitnation to visit.

Apia, on the island of 'Upolu, is the capital of Samoa and the only place in Samoa that you could call a city and really mean it. For all of its modern details, such as banks and burger outlets, it still retains the picturesque charm of its history.

Although Samoan culture dates back thousands of years and is still passed on through poems, genealogies and stories of the old gods, most Samoans these days are devout Christians. Religion is a big part of Samoan life and Sunday service is the most important event in the week.

Food in Samoa derives mainly from tropical crops, root vegetables, coconut products, fresh fruit, pork, chicken and, of course, seafood. The traditional Polynesian feast is cooked in an umu (above-the-ground oven). The traditional Sunday meal is nearly always cooked in the umu. 'Ava or kava is a drink made from the ground roots of pepper plants and has a mild tranquilising effect. It is usually drunk as a prelude to ceremonial gatherings and village meetings.

COCONUTS BEACH RESORT:
Coconuts Beach Resort Samoa is the classic, laid-back tropical holiday destination, located at Maninoa (around half an hour drive from Apia) near Siumu village. Built to harmonize with it's natural surroundings, Coconuts offers several accommodation styles from overe-the-water fales to garden studios. On site is a fine restaurant serving a wide range of food with as much local content as possible. On Saturday night there is a Fiafia night with the local village performing.  All rooms as described below have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, shower and toilet. There is also a wonderful gecko shaped swimming pool, complete with swim-up bar.

All rooms and bungalows are finished in fine, local materials and feature both air conditioning and ceiling fans, coffee/tea making facilities, electronic in-room safe and mini-refrigerator. Included complimentary with all Fales is a mini-bar (beer, wine, soda, bottled water - restocked daily), as well as snorkelling equipment. The 7 Standard courtyard rooms can accommodate 3-4 people comfortably whilst the 8 Tree-house rooms consist of 4 upstairs rooms with full ocean view, and 4 downstairs rooms with partial ocean views. The 1 and 2 bedroom Beachfront fales are superbly situated with white sand beach and tropical garden area. Also available is a spacious Beach Villa which accommodates 4 people and has 2 bathrooms. The 2 newly finished Over the Water fales, have large open wooden patios for sunbathing, spacious bathrooms, king-size beds.

Activities include tours, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba and surfing!! For those who wish to simply relax, there are the beaches and off course the wonderful gecko shaped swimming pool, complete with swim-up bar.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CLIMATE: Samoa's climate is warm and tropical. From November to April it is the hot, rainy season, with temperatures ranging up to 30^oC and around 3cms of rain falling on a typical day. The afternoon rains and winds have a welcome cooling effect. This season is also the time each year when cyclones may occur.  From May to November it is the cool, dry season - less humidity, and slightly lower temperatures. The sea temperature average is 24 degrees celcius.

CURRENCY: The Samoan Tala is the unit of currency. One Australian dollar is worth approximately 2.02 Tala.

DRESS: It can be very warm and humid in Samoa so it is recommended that you take cool, lightweight and crease-resistant clothing. Tourists are asked not to wear bathing suits in Apia or local villages.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Australian & US passengers travelling to the Philippines require a passport which must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay and an onward or return air ticket.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Refer to your doctor for the latest health and inoculations required for this destination.

LANGUAGE: English is the national language.

ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 240 volts.

DEPARTURE TAX: Most taxes are prepaid on your airline ticket.