Samoa -Upolu

 

We were met off the Savai'i ferry by a driver from our new resort, Sa Moana on the south coast of Upolu. This was another piece of paradise, helped by the fact that apart from Will and I, there was only one other family staying at the resort. Sa Moana was in a stunning location, set amongst a coconut grove with more white sand beaches and an off-shore surf break. Within the reef was more amazing snorkelling to be had right off the beach. Above you can see the main bungalow containing the reception and dining room.

Above is our cute little beach bungalow. The resort was hit hard by Cyclone Evan in December 2013 and has pretty much been rebuilt. It is nearly there, but bits of it are still being constructed. It's probably a good thing we didn't have  anyone else around as there are no blinds/curtains yet in the bungalow! We did have a very cool outdoor bathroom enclosed by a stone wall. It was one of the more scenic places to have a shower...

 

However, we did have to share the shower with this cute wee fella... There is a first time for everything!

 

The view out the front of our bungalow from the deck wasn't too shabby either...

 

 

The resort had a very cool salt water infinity pool that they pumped from the ocean. It was nice to swim in when the ocean got a bit too choppy for snorkelling. You can just make it out below...

 

 

These pics show it off a bit better. We spent ages leaning over the edge watching the fish swim around in the ocean below, and watching the big crabs scurrying around the rocks.

 

 

 

We spent a lovely 3 days swimming, snorkelling, and generally just chilling out...

 

 

 

Every second shell you picked up seemed to be home to a cute little hermit crab. Will took this very cool pic.

 

On the Friday we didn't need to leave for the airport till just after 11pm, ready for our 1:50am Saturday morning flight. After a leisurely wake-up and breakfast we were ready to head out for a paddle on the kayaks. We told the staff we were keen to head out, and where we were planning to go, as is the procedure, but they told us to wait as they needed to have a staff meeting. Turns out there was a 6.9 earthquake off our shore, but luckily quite a way out. There was a tsunami warning out for about half an hour or so, but then we were given the all-clear.

 

Once we finally got on the water we paddled out to the beach that was used for the camp in the 'Surviver' series that was set in Samoa. We then landed on a small island in the lagoon and spent a bit of time snorkelling. I think the sun must have gotten to Will a bit and he thought he was a sea monster... 

 

Then we paddled to another gorgeous white sanded beach for a spot of lunch, and a bit more snorkelling for Will. The sea temperature is so warm in Samoa you could stay in the water all day if you wanted to. It was such a treat being in such a gorgeous location with no one else around for miles.

 

 

During our last meal at Sa Moana we were treated to a glorious sunset. The views to the east and the west were equally stunning...

 

 

We made it to the airport fine for our 1:50am flight and arrived back in Wellington without any dramas. We had a fantastic time in Samoa, and it has made us keen to explore some of the other islands in the South Pacific, especially since they really are so close. What's not to like about a week of warmth and sunshine in the middle of a kiwi winter?! I'll finish with a nice cheesy self-portrait, one of only a couple of pics we got together.