20 BEST Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa 🏝️ [2024]

The Most Stunning Traditional Beach Fales in Samoa!

It might be a bold statement, but you haven’t experienced Samoa until you’ve stayed in a beach fale. You probably already know that these traditionally constructed huts raised on the beaches provided an adventurous yet beautiful place to begin and end your day on the islands, but what many don’t realise is how much of a local experience they provide. Hosts are local families who will make sure you’re well fed on Samoan staples for breakfast and dinner, usually enjoyed family-style in a dining fale. There’s lots to unpack when it comes to staying in a Samoan fale, so be sure to read the Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa. In the meantime, take a look at the top beach stays in this list of the best beach fale accommodations in Samoa!

Oh, and while you’re here, be sure to also open The Best Samoa Travel Guide: Plan a Trip to Samoa the EASY Way for more effortless holiday planning.

1. Faofao Beach Fales (Upolu)

Located on one of the best beaches on Upolu, Saleapaga, Faofao Beach Fales offers traditional fales on the sands with woven bi-fold blinds for privacy and a simple mattress and mosquito net set-up. If you crave a little bit of air-conditioning comfort, simple yet colourfully-decorated rooms are also available. The basic bathroom facilities are shared. As for your food and entertainment needs, the hospitality here is excellent between the authentic Samoan cooking (sometimes including an umu) and the occasional impromptu fiafia night.

Check Faofao Beach Fales out:

20 BEST Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa 🏝️ [2023]

2. Tanu Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Established in 1993, the first beach fale on this list also claims to be the first beach fale accommodation in Samoa! One thing’s for sure, Tanu Beach Fales offers some of the most spacious and well-maintained beach fales in Savai’i. Most of the 28 fales are located on the lagoon’s edge in the glorious snorkelling, turtle and beach hotspot of Manase on the northern coast. Fales can be laid out for solo travellers, couples and families with both sleep-only and sleep, breakfast and dinner rates available. Food is a shared affair with the likes of palusami, breadfruit, taro, chow mein and some vegetarian options. See Traditional Samoan Food: 20 Foods to Try in Samoa for more about Samoan food.

3. Vaiula Beach Fales (Upolu)

22 beach fales sit on the absolute beachfront of Tafatafa Beach at Vaiula Beach Fales. There’s room here for most group sizes, from two-person fales to six-person to even a two-storey fale; the only one in Samoa! If you want to camp, you’re even welcome to do that for a small fee – see The Best Accommodations for Camping in Samoa. Like all fale accommodations, bathrooms are shared but this one has the fun feature of an outdoor lava rock shower. Enjoy your included breakfast and dinner family-style and even stick around for lunch at the accommodation’s very own cafe and bar. With surf guides also available, we also list these guys in the 10 Best Surf Resorts in Samoa.

Check Vaiula Beach Fales out:

4. Taufua Beach Fales (Upolu)

This tidy collection of traditionally thatched beach fales painted in vibrant greens and yellows can’t help but put a smile on your face – but that might also be the fact that you’re staying directly on one of Upolu‘s most sought-after beaches, Lalomanu. Taufua Beach Fales has an impressive array of accommodation styles to choose from, including open beach fales, enclosed fales for full privacy, enclosed fales with an ensuite (a rare room type in Samoa), and even air-conditioned ensuite rooms nestled on the cliffs behind the beach. You’ll be treated to a generous breakfast and dinner in the dining fale, which also has an a la carte menu for lunch. Kayaks and snorkelling gear are available to hire for a fee. Just want to stick to the main island? You might just want to head to the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Upolu right now!

Check Taufua Beach Fales out:

Taufua Beach Fales on Expedia

5. Lauiula Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Located on the sunrise coast of Savai’i in the village of Lano, Lauiula Beach Fales offers an idyllic setting for their affordable beach fale accommodation. The spacious fales can cater to a number of sleeping arrangements, whether you’re a couple or a family, and come with traditionally woven bi-fold walls for extra privacy. There’s also the option of an ensuite villa with air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the beachfront dining fale or even choose something for lunch off their menu. Snorkelling gear is free to hire, while kayaks have a small hire fee. Either way, you’ll want to explore the glorious beach and lagoon right on your doorstep. Just interested in the “big island”? You might just want to skip to the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i.

6. Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf (Upolu)

Like all beach fales, Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf are pretty basic but the hospitality and authentic Samoan stay are unmatched. Secluded on a coconut-filled peninsula in Tafitoala village on the south coast, you truly feel away from the world at Sina PJ’s. The local family owners will treat you to real Samoan meals and provide lots of opportunities to discover what village life is like in Samoa. Outside is a black-sand beach suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even surfing if you ask for advice from your hosts. For more village stays like this, check out the 10 Best Village Stays in Samoa.

Check Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf out:

Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf on Expedia

7. Tailua Beach Fales (Savai’i)

A hybrid between a beach fale and a rustic beach hut, Tailua Beach Fales offers 10 spacious open-air accommodations on the coast of Manase. Breakfast and dinner are included with fresh fruit, toast, coconut jam and omelette being Tailua’s signature breakfast, while dinner is a homecooked meal much like Samoans would usually have, such as chicken curry. It’s common to see turtles outside of the accommodation for feeding (which is helped by staff putting papaya in the water for them), but luckily they don’t encourage guests to swim with the turtles while they’re feeding; you’ll just get a great view from the fales! For more places to see turtles, head to the 10 Places to See Turtles in Samoa.

Check Tailua Beach Fales out:

8. Manusina Beach Fales (Upolu)

On the underrated but no less beautiful stretches of sand next to Lalomanu, Manusina Beach Fales is a boutique fale operation with just six open fales and two closed fales on Saleapaga Beach. Notably, the fales here have a power outlet. Otherwise, the fales include all your expected fale amenities, including woven blinds for privacy, mosquito net, bedding, etc. Breakfast and dinner are usually included, but just be sure to double-check upon booking. Some nights of the week are umu nights, where food is cooked in a traditional hot-rock oven, while there are sometimes fiafia nights with cultural dancing. There’s a shop and restaurant on the premises for your other basic needs/drinking needs. See alternative small-scale stays similar to Manusina in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa.

9. Falealupo Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Isolated on the western tip of Savai’i, Falealupo Beach Fales spans one of Samoa’s most scenic beaches. The relatively narrow fales are kitted out with all the usual beddings, including a mosquito net and woven walls for privacy. Rates include a generous local breakfast and a buffet dinner (stir-fry, taro, palusami, chop suey and curry with vegetarian options, for example). Their shop sells drinks and snacks, while snorkelling gear, snorkelling tours to go further out and guided island tours are also available (be sure to let your host know in advance). For more about the island tours, check out the 10 Best Day Tours of Savai’i.

10. Ocean Club Maninoa (Upolu)

Choose from one of the uniquely designed half-enclosed fales or fully-enclosed ensuite fales of the Ocean Club Maninoa. This cute accommodation in between Sinalei Reef Resort and Coconuts Beach Club provides a much more affordable experience of this popular beach area. Each fale has a private deck and steps leading onto lush grass under shady coconut palms, yet are mere steps away from a white sand beach and protected lagoon. The accommodation even has a beach cafe and bar with an a la carte menu and a very casual vibe. There are fine dining restaurants at the resorts nearby should you want to “elevate” the experience. Due to the endearing yet unique beach fale design, we also list this one in the 20 Most Romantic Wedding & Honeymoon Resorts in Samoa.

11. Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge (Savai’i)

Offering much more than beach fales, Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge pulls out all of the stops to offer the complete Savai’ian holiday experience. Although the lodge is one of the top places on the island for fishing charters, they also have kayaks, snorkelling gear, bikes, fishing rods and SUP boards for guests to hire. Not to mention, some of Savai’i’s top cultural experiences depart here, from their highly recommended Koko Plantation Tour to their Village Walk, massages and so on. Breakfast is included in the rate and served at the on-site restaurant, which also has an a la carte menu for dinner. As for the accommodation, choose your level of comfort from the traditional open fale on the waterfront with a shared but attractive bathroom block or opt for one of the spacious ensuite bungalows. Either way, it’ll be a charmingly rustic experience.

Check Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge out:

12. Namu’a Island Beach Fales (Upolu)

A private island accommodation, anyone? Take a boat from the pier at Mutiatele village opposite the “Namu’a Island Beach Fales” sign and cross the turquoise lagoon to the island paradise of Namu’a. Apart from the traditional open beach fales with its shared shower and toilet block, the island is undeveloped and uninhabited. Your stay here includes breakfast and dinner, while you might want to bring some snacks if you’re sticking around for lunch – we wouldn’t blame you. Although they don’t have snorkelling gear for hire, it’s highly recommended to bring your own, as the coral and turtle spotting here is unmissable. For more unique stays like staying on an uninhabited island, check out the 20 Most Unique Accommodations in Samoa.

13. Stevensons at Manase (Savai’i)

If you’re shamelessly looking for that “beach fale” experience without sacrificing comfort, check out the idyllic “eurofales” of Stevensons at Manase. The fales at the resort, which also have more upscale villas, give you the Samoan accommodation experience along with the luxury of a spacious ensuite bathroom with drink-making facilities and a private deck boasting lagoon views. There’s plenty of beach to comb, while the large swimming pool and restaurant brasserie overlooking the lagoon are gorgeous places to unwind. All in all, Stevensons provides idyllic accommodation for a low-key holiday. For more “upscale” offerings, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts in Samoa.

Check Stevensons at Manase out:

14. Jane’s Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Another fantastic option along the glorious coastline of Manase, Jane’s Beach Fales provides a little more privacy thanks to their spacious fales complete with a private deck facing the ocean and timber walls around the bedroom that still allow for airflow. Like all beach fales, bathrooms are shared but there are also vibrant-yet-rustic ensuite units with very basic private bathrooms should you prefer. Breakfast and dinner are available at an extra reasonable fee, while a couple of kayaks are also available to hire. They didn’t have much left in the way of snorkelling gear when we last visited.

15. Anita’s Beach Bungalows (Upolu)

On the popular sandy stretch of Lalomanu, Anita’s Beach Bungalows mostly offers enclosed beach units – although, as always, there are open beach fales if you prefer. The open and closed fales have the usual shared bathroom facilities, while the ensuite room with a double bed, fan and bathroom provides a tad extra comfort and access to power. Either way, a homely Samoan breakfast and dinner are included in the price, served in Anita’s Bar & Restaurant which also has a Samoan food menu and serves all your favourite Samoan drinks.

Check Anita’s Beach Bungalows out:

16. Joelan Beach Fales (Savai’i)

A worthwhile option on the white sands of Lano, Joelan Beach Fales gives guests the option of open fales with tarpaulins to roll down if it rains, closed fales with woven panel walls, or an air-conditioned ensuite bungalow. The spacious fales can accommodate up to four guests each. Rates include breakfast, dinner and hot drinks available in the airy dining fale. A lunch menu is available on request. Traditional Samoan canoes (paopao) can also be organised to explore the lagoon if you let your hosts know. For more options ideal for families or groups, check out the 25 Best Family Resorts in Samoa.

17. Jaymy Beach Fales (Upolu)

Head to the white sands of Saleapaga Beach and stay at the budget-friendly Jaymy Beach Fales. Not only do they provide the usual beach fale set-up with breakfast and dinner included, but the team can arrange airport transfers, island tours, umu and coconut demonstrations, primary school visits and more cultural experiences. If you’re not staying in one of the open fales, the enclosed fales offer more privacy along with an ensuite bathroom and verandah.

18. Sunset View Fales (Manono)

Not your usual beach fale set-up, as these fales are all enclosed on the rocky shores rather than on the beach, but Sunset View Fales are still certainly worth mentioning as the only formal accommodation on the island of Manono. The nine colourful yet rustic accommodation units are connected by a winding garden pathway and all boast an outdoor verandah with furniture to sit and enjoy the views. Only some fales have a private bathroom; otherwise, the rest use a shared bathroom. Note that rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner and usually the boat transfer. Learn more about exploring one of Samoa’s least-visited islands in The Travel Guide to Manono.

19. Se’eti Beach Fales (Savai’i)

If you’re looking for some larger beach fales on the stunning sunset beach of Falealupo, Se’eti Beach Fales has some excellent spacious options. With woven bi-fold walls, there’s extra privacy for your fale when you want to retreat from the beach on which you’re directly on! Expect vibrant paintwork and an even more vibrant family atmosphere where your hosts will keep you well-fed and catered to.

20. Moegaamanaia Beach Fales

One of several fale accommodations lining Tafatafa Beach, Moegaamanaia Beach Fales offers 10 beachfront fales and six garden rooms among tidy and attractive beach gardens. You’ll be well looked after by the Aunty Mago running this classic Samoan establishment, with plenty of smiles and homemade food for a true island experience. The beach right on your doorstep is one of the 10 Best Beaches on Upolu.

More About Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa

That’s it for our list of the best beach fale accommodations in Samoa, but it’s by no means the end of the island’s Samoan-style stays. From homely guesthouses to boutique hotels, there are plenty more accommodations to choose from, as well as options that won’t break the bank. Check them out in the guide below:

And if you’re still having trouble finding the perfect place to stay, be sure to also check out Where to Stay in Samoa: The 50 Best Accommodations in Samoa.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page