20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Upolu 👪 [2024]

The Top Upolu Family Accommodations and Resorts

Your dream Upolu family getaway is so close; so easy to experience with kids. All you need is a place to stay that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re seeking the ease and conveniences of a family resort or want to enjoy an authentic Samoan experience in a beach fale or hotel in Apia, we go over a wide range of options right here in the best family resorts and accommodations on Upolu.

Before we begin, how about opening The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu for Families and 10 Things to Do on Upolu with Kids for more Upolu wisdom?

1. Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa

Providing a South Pacific resort holiday that is familiar to most, Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa has the beach, the pool, the restaurant, the accessibility, as well as upscale villas and plenty to entertain the family. The spacious family villas with separate bedrooms for the kids are sure to become your new favourite home away from home. Otherwise, you can save on the budget by staying in one of the hotel rooms with a convenient layout of a double bed plus two singles. Wherever you decide to choose to stay, there’s plenty to keep the whole tribe entertained, while the resort also organises a range of island tours to make all of your holiday exploits effortless. Like the sound of a resort holiday? Be sure to also check out the 16 Best Resorts on Upolu.

Check Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa out:

20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Upolu 👪 [2023]

2. Taumeasina Island Resort

Its own private island yet moments away from Apia‘s bustling city centre, Taumeasina Island Resort is the perfect go-to for families who want to be close to the action. It is also Upolu’s largest resort so you won’t be stuck for things to do between the two resort pools, Fofo Spa & Sauna, tennis courts, watersports equipment, children’s playground and very popular fiafia nights (see the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa). There are three restaurants on-site to choose from, although they’re not our favourite at least you’re never too far from Apia’s finest places to wine and dine. As for rooms, the “Oceanview” and “Deluxe Oceanview” hotel rooms will meet the requirements of most families, boasting contemporary interiors of what you would expect of an international-style hotel. Alternatively, treat yourself to the full home-away-from-home experience in one of the two- or three-bedroom villas complete with a modern kitchen and plenty of space for your group. For more places to stay in Apia, check out the 25 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Apia.

Check Taumeasina Island Resort out:

3. Le Uaina Beach Resort

Swap international resort chains for a locally run operation with the best resort rates in Samoa at the Le Uaina Beach Resort. As long as you’re not expecting luxury, you’ll find that Le Uaina is ideal for the price. Enjoy South Pacific cuisine at the on-site restaurant and spend your days snorkelling or kayaking by the excellent reef just off the beach. There’s a substantial swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers if you’re looking for a more relaxing aspect to your holiday. Rooms all have an ensuite, while layouts fit small families up to large tribes. Find this resort in Faleapuna village, right by the Piula Cave Pool and approximately 20 minutes from Apia. As one of the best-priced resorts, we also list this one in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations on Upolu.

Check Le Uaina Beach Resort out:

4. Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa

Between the water garden entrance, open restaurant, lagoon-style swimming pool and real lagoon beyond is one of Upolu’s most design-driven family resorts. Definitely Coconut Beach Club‘s most attractive room offering for families, the “Royal Villas” are nestled in the gardens, two storeys of luxury complete with in-the-ground bathtubs and an observatory balcony accessed by a spiral staircase. Otherwise, most families are more than happy with the two-bedroom beachfront “fales”. Although these are not traditional open-air fales, the two separate bedrooms ensure everyone gets their privacy. When you’re not relaxing in your fale, enjoy almost daily entertainment at the restaurant, plenty of pool and beach time, as well as organised tours to explore the island. For more “luxurious” offerings, also check out the 7 Best Luxury Resorts on Upolu.

Check Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa out:

5. Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort

Offering the convenience of its location near the airport and wharf with ferry connections to Savai’i, yet boasting the standards of an international resort, the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort might just fit the bill for an easy family escape to Upolu. There’s plenty of room for relaxation and fun along the beach with thatched shade umbrellas and the lagoon-style pool, while the elegant outdoor settings of the Apolima Fale open for breakfast (one of the best breakfast buffets on the island, might we add) and the evening venue of the South Pacific Restaurant make dining as easy as an island breeze. Mum or dad also can’t miss a rejuvenating spa session at the Manaia Polynesian Spa, which easily makes it onto our 10 Best Spas in Samoa – perhaps something worth hiring the babysitter for?

Check Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort out:

6. Tanoa Tusitala Hotel

The magnificent dome rooves along the Mulinuu Peninsula are a striking introduction to this family-friendly hotel. Boasting a convenient yet attractive location in Apia, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel offers a superb base for your Upolu exploits. Just try to get the kids out of the large outdoor pool or shaded kids’ pool, while easy entertainment can also be found at the convenient albeit small children’s playground. There’s even limited free WiFi if things get really serious. Meanwhile, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast served each morning in the Fala Restaurant and al fresco dining at the Deck Restaurant by the pool. As for rooms, expect your usual hotel-style offering, each with air-conditioning, an ensuite and either a private balcony or patio. If a hotel stay is definitely your thing, be also sure to check out the 25 Best Hotels on Upolu.

Check Tanoa Tusitala Hotel out:

7. Return to Paradise Resort & Spa

Based on Upolu’s most famous beach, Return to Paradise Resort & Spa offers a secluded retreat on the island’s southwest coast. With four individual swimming pools and a sheltered Samoan-style concrete pool on the coast, there are plenty of options for safe swimming. Kids need to be kept an eye on for swimming off the beach, however, which provides interesting snorkelling at low tide. Otherwise, families will be kept entertained with weekly fiafia nights, table tennis, children’s toys, garden walks and more. There’s also a kids’ menu at the attractive waterfront restaurant, where a night under the rockpool cabana is always a novel experience for the kids. As for accommodation, you have a wide array of beachfront and garden options, from one-bedroom beachfront suites to three-bedroom villas with self-catering facilities.

Check Return to Paradise Resort & Spa out:

8. Litia Sini Beach Resort

Escape to one of Upolu’s most sought-after beaches, especially with the locals, Lalomanu Beach. While traditional beach fales make up the majority of accommodation lining this idyllic stretch of white sand and turquoise lagoon, Litia Sini Beach Resort offers a slight step up in their fully-enclosed bungalows. Choose from either a garden bungalow or on the beachfront with direct access down the steps to Lalomanu’s white sands. Family rooms are compact, fitting beds for four or five people, with each equipped with a mosquito net. You can easily get a bit more space, however, on your private deck where watching the sunrise or sunset is simply magical. Home-cooked Samoan-style cuisine is served for breakfast and dinner, included in the rate.

Check Litia Sini Beach Resort out:

9. Samoana Boutique Hotel

Just about every room type at Samoana Boutique Hotel is suitable for families. Choose from two grades of hotel-style rooms with two double beds. Alternatively, enjoy the convenience of your own kitchen in the two- or three-bedroom apartment. Whether you want to cook or not, the on-site Black Pepper Cafe makes for an easy option for lunch, while the attractive albeit small swimming pool is sure to keep the kids entertained a few times during your Apia stay. The hotel is a little way out of town, but car rental is easy enough to organise through the hotel’s sister company, Samoana Rentals – see the 10 Best Car Rentals on Upolu.

Check Samoana Boutique Hotel out:

10. Vaiula Beach Fales

If the family is feeling adventurous, why not book a night or two in one of Upolu’s traditional beach fales? 22 beach fales sit on the absolute beachfront of Tafatafa Beach at Vaiula Beach Fales. There’s room here for most group sizes, from three-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 comes with 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. Oh, and Tafatafa Beach is one of the safest swimming beaches for families, as long as you stick to its shallow depths. See how this beach fale compares to the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Upolu.

Check Vaiula Beach Fales out:

11. The Samoan Outrigger Hotel

A cute and quintessentially Samoan hotel on the outskirts of Apia, The Samoan Outrigger Hotel provides affordable rates, family rooms and Samoan smiles. Rooms are well-maintained, better so than some of Samoa’s more premium hotels, and come in a range of layouts. Choose from air-conditioning, ensuite and shared bathroom facilities. Otherwise, there are open fales in the garden should you want to get the real Samoan experience! With a well-equipped communal kitchen, swimming pool and gorgeous gardens to relax in, what else could you need in Apia? Choose from more self-catering options in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Samoa.

Check The Samoan Outrigger Hotel out:

12. The White House Hotel

A little different from your usual Samoan family-owned accommodation, The White House Hotel boasts crowd-pleasing sleek yet minimalistic decor from the crisp-white sheets to the tiled floors. All family rooms each have an ensuite, air-conditioning, fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. There’s an attractive restaurant on-site, as well as free parking, not that you’ll need it when Apia city centre is only a 15-minute walk away. All in all, The White House provides a comfortable and contemporary stay for families on a budget. Discover things to do nearby using the 25 Best Things to Do in Apia.

Check The White House Hotel out:

13. Le Vasa Resort

For a low-key resort holiday offering an idyllic balance of relaxation and adventure, choose Le Vasa Resort. Looking out to the Apolima Strait islands of Manono, Nu’ulopa and Apolima, the resort offers experiences to visit the uninhabited Nu’ulopa island, not to mention accommodations that bask in front-row views of the islands. The boutique resort boasts just 13 bungalows uniquely decorated with their own colour scheme and traditional materials. When you’re not relaxing in your bungalow, retreat to the generously sized swimming pool or Cocolin’s by the Sea Restaurant, which offers some of the best resort food on the island (see The 10 Best Restaurants on Upolu).

Check Le Vasa Resort out:

14. Ifiele’ele Plantation

For something completely out of the ordinary, set your sights on Ifiele’ele Plantation. Their two-bedroom two-bathroom villa plus a child-enticing mezzanine bedroom sleeps up to eight people, ideal for large families or a couple of families travelling together. With an open-plan kitchen and lots of open space for kids to roam, the holiday home provides the perfect space for entertaining. Should you need more entertainment, your hosts provide plantation tours with lots of tasty treats and animals to meet, while the large outdoor pool offers a welcome respite from Samoa’s hot temperatures.

Check Ifiele’ele Plantation out:

15. Lynn’s Getaway Hotel

Another affordable family-friendly hotel in Apia, Lynn’s Getaway Hotel is another worthwhile option. This collection of bright ensuite family rooms with air-conditioning provides a cooling place to relax after a day’s exploring. More relaxation can be found in the garden swimming pool, while the various lounge and dining areas inside provide more places to unwind – some with free WiFi. Enjoy a freshly baked breakfast with local fruit each day. Otherwise, try Lynn’s Getaway Apartments nearby for self-catering accommodation.

Check Lynn’s Getaway Hotel out:

16. Amanaki Hotel

While most in Apia know Amanaki Hotel as one of the top seafood dining spots in the city, families may also want to consider staying here. If not for the rock garden swimming pool that kids love playing in, then for the attractive location on the Mulinuu Peninsula just a short stroll from town and Friendship Park. Each “Deluxe Room” has two double beds with air-conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. The rooms are pretty bland and basic but comfortable and clean enough.

Check Amanaki Hotel out:

17. Kuini’s Guesthouse

For that suburban stay in Apia, take a look at Kuini’s Guesthouse. More of a holiday home than a guesthouse, Kuini’s is a simple yet modern two-bedroom house kitted out with all your home-away-from-home essentials, including kitchen and laundry facilities. Each bedroom has one double bed with stand fans, while the open-plan lounge and kitchen area has air-conditioning. Find this home in Vaivase-uta on the southern outskirts of Apia. If a holiday home sounds like your thing, you might also like to check out the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa.

Check Kuini’s Guesthouse out:

Kuini’s Guesthouse on Booking.com

18. Hotel Elisa

A four-storey building on Apia‘s Mulinuu Peninsula, Hotel Elisa provides budget family accommodation in an attractive part of town. The family-run hotel is neatly maintained with soothing rose-garden tones throughout the four-person self-contained units. All rooms have air-conditioning and an ensuite, as well as some slightly dated appliances. There’s a shady outdoor pool with a paddling section suitable for kids, while, inside, is the Beachcomber bar and restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check Hotel Elisa out:

19. Moatoga Hotel

A three-star hotel opposite Apia‘s vibrant Fugalei Market, Moatoga Hotel offers plenty of options for families. Their “Deluxe Suite” sleeps four, while the “Family Room” sleeps five in a renovated open-plan space with a breakfast bar and an ensuite bathroom. You can opt for a portable stove, should you want to self-cater. Otherwise, you’re right in the heart of Apia to try out its restaurants.

Check Moatoga Hotel out:

20. Lotopa Home

Last but certainly not least, Lotopa Home offers another enticing holiday home on Upolu for families. This four-bedroom house sleeping up to 10 people in Apia‘s suburban outskirts is renovated with relatively modern furniture and fixings, from its open-plan kitchen to its two bathrooms. Keep cool with the tiled floors and air-conditioning, and keep clean with home appliances such as a washing machine. There’s parking on-site, as well as a garden.

Check Lotopa Home out:

Lotopa Home on Booking.com

More Family Resorts and Accommodations on Upolu

We find it hard to believe that you didn’t find anything suitable in this list of the best family resorts and accommodations on Upolu! But, if that should be the case, you might find something more to your liking in the following recommendations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’ll likely find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Samoa for Families and 25 Tips for Your Family Samoa Vacation with Kids.

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