10 Best Village Stays in Samoa

1. Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf

Like most beach fales, Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf provide the opportunity to stay in a Samoan village, especially as this is in the less touristy area of Upolu‘s south coast. While the beach fales are pretty basic, 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. Outside is a black-sand beach suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even surfing if you ask for advice from your hosts. For more awesome accommodations for surfing, check out the 7 Best Surf Lodges in Samoa.

Check Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf out:

• Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf on Expedia

© Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf

2. Florence’s Place

It doesn’t get more homely than Savai’i‘s only bed & breakfast accommodation, set in the village of Fa’ala. After a warm welcome to Florence’s Place, you’ll be treated like family with shared dining and sleeping arrangements (choose from one of the four double beds, three single beds or mattresses for additional guests). Take a tour of the property’s 300-acre farm and learn about “fa’a Samoa” from your host, Ruth, who grew up in Fa’ala, while her husband, Kelvin, can share what it’s like to live as a palagi (foreigner) in a Samoan village. In between adventures, relax in the breezy open living room decorated with all sorts of books and trinkets.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

3. Jaymy Beach Fales

Head to the white sands of Saleapaga Beach on Upolu 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 local family 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. Discover more of the country’s beach fales in the 20 BEST Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa.

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4. Faimafili Village Resort

A charming village-run resort on the shores of Matautu, Faimafili Village Resort provides friendly and tentative hospitality for a true Samoan experience. The bungalows either raised on the beach or nestled in the gardens are very basic but what you’d expect for a budget-style accommodation. Menus at the dining fale are limited if you’re the only guest staying there, but weekends and public holidays usually mean locals gather at this popular spot with events like Sunday to’onai (see the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Upolu) that make this a more likely place to be. There are accommodation options suitable for both couples/solo travellers and families. Check out more of Samoa’s resorts in the Top 25 Resorts in Samoa.

Check Faimafili Village Resort out:

• Faimafili Village Resort on Expedia
• Faimafili Village Resort on Trip.com

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5. Eteline’s Homestay

Not exactly a homestay like the name suggests, but Eteline’s Homestay still provides one of the best village stays close to Apia city centre. Accommodation is in colourful fully enclosed fale units where rooms are compact and as basic as they get. Compared to the Taumeasina Island Resort just down the road, however, you’re getting a much more authentic Samoan experience with breakfast prepared in the morning by your friendly host family. For more of that B&B experience, check out the 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa.

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6. Se’eti Beach Fales

Situated along a remote village on Savai’i at the stunning sunset beach of Falealupo, Se’eti Beach Fales has some excellent spacious beach fales along with friendly Samoan hospitality. 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. As many of Samoa’s best village stays are on the more traditional island of Savai’i, you might also want to take a look at Where to Stay on Savai’i: The Best Savai’i Accommodations.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. Taufua Beach Fales

This tidy collection of traditionally thatched beach fales painted in vibrant greens and yellows might be at one of Samoa’s most popular beaches, Lalomanu, but by offering Samoan accommodation and village walks, Taufua Beach Fales are certainly another worthy village stay in Samoa. What’s more, the budget accommodation 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. Just want to stick to the main island? You might just want to head to Where to Stay on Upolu: The Best Upolu Accommodations.

Check Taufua Beach Fales out:

• Taufua Beach Fales on Expedia

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

8. Le Rosalote Guest Fales

A short drive from Salelologa, Le Rosalote Guest Fales swaps the usually open-air accommodation for four walls (or more walls because of the fales’ oval shape). Located in the village and waterfront setting of Lalomalava, things are so laid back that you might struggle to get a booking here – there’s nothing more authentically “Savai’ian village life” than that! If you do get a booking, however, you have some rugged overwater fales or garden units to keep you rested. Food is served in the homely dining fale.

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9. Lauiula Beach Fales

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 privacy. There’s also the option of an ensuite air-conditioned villa which understandably comes with higher rates. 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 rate. Either way, you’ll want to explore the glorious beach and lagoon right on your doorstep.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

10. Manusina Beach Fales

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.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com