20 Most Unique Accommodations in Samoa 😍 [2024]

Samoa’s Most Unusual Accommodations

Ok, so Samoa‘s accommodations are already pretty unique across the South Pacific with their iconic open fales raised on the beach, but it gets even weirder. Whether you’re looking for remarkable, romantic, novel or simply something special, there are accommodations in Samoa to suit. Let us guide you through some of the weirdest and most wonderful stays across Apia, Upolu and Savai’i in this list of the most unique accommodations in Samoa!

Before we get started, you might also like these 25 Fun Facts About Samoa and 10 Most Unique Things to Do in Samoa.

1. Vaiula Beach Fales – A Two-Storey Beach Fale on Upolu

Sure, the beach fale is a pretty unique stay in itself – which you can read more about in the 20 BEST Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa – but Vaiula Beach Fales takes it to the next level literally with their multi-storey beach fale; Samoa’s only one! Sitting on the absolute beachfront of Tafatafa Beach on Upolu, the accommodation’s fales range from two-person fales to six-person to, as mentioned, a two-storey fale! If you want to camp, is also the only commercial accommodation offering camping sites in Samoa – see The Best Accommodations for Camping in Samoa for more information.

Check Vaiula Beach Fales out:

20 Most Unique Accommodations in Samoa 😍 [2023]

2. Seabreeze Resort – Samoa’s Only Luxury Adults-Only Resort

Admittedly, most of Samoa’s most upscale resorts aren’t exactly five stars… That’s with the exception of Seabreeze Resort; a truly boutique resort that’s not only wrapped in luxury with its contemporary villas and infinity pool but is the only adults-only resort in Samoa. The resort on Upolu has just 12/13 villas ranging from elegant rooms by the pool and bar to the elevated “Honeymoon Point Villa” boasting a private plunge pool and enviable position in the cliffs overlooking the resort’s picturesque bay. Spend your time here exploring the lagoon in the provided clear-bottom kayaks (again, the only ones in Samoa that we know of), indulging in a massage, and dining on contemporary cuisine at The Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. For other luxurious offerings, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts in Samoa.

Check Seabreeze Resort out:

3. Bayview Resort – Half N’ Half Fales on Savai’i

Nestled on the bay’s edge surrounded by the dramatic formations of the Saleaula lava flow on Savai’i, Bayview Resort offers a small selection of uniquely-designed units. Half of your accommodation is an enclosed bedroom with an ensuite, while the other half is a large oval outdoor bedroom with high ceilings to reflect traditional Samoan architecture. There are kayaks to explore the bay on your doorstep and turtles are regular visitors to the rock pools. The restaurant/bar is open 24/7, so you’ll never go hungry (or thirsty; you may even get enticed to join in some of the local discos or karaoke nights happening once or twice a week). For more of Samoa’s beautiful resorts, check out the Top 25 Resorts in Samoa.

Check Bayview Resort out:

4. Stevensons at Manase – “Eurofales” on 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 Savai’i 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 stays on Savai’i, check out Where to Stay on Savai’i: The Best Savai’i Accommodations.

Check Stevensons at Manase out:

5. Taumeasina Island Resort – Samoa’s Only Private Island Resort

Its own private manmade island yet moments away from Apia‘s bustling city centre, Taumeasina Island Resort is Samoa’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 and very popular fiafia nights. There are three restaurants on-site to choose from, although self-catering is very viable and even fun in the spacious and modern two- or three-bedroom apartments. Alternatively, the hotel rooms provide a more affordable option. Check out more stays in Samoa’s capital in Where to Stay in Apia: The Best Accommodations in Apia.

Check Taumeasina Island Resort out:

6. Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa – Samoa’s Only Fully Overwater Bungalows

Through the water garden entrance and past the open restaurant, lagoon-style swimming pool and real lagoon beyond are Samoa’s only true overwater bungalows connected by a winding walkway. Definitely Coconut Beach Club‘s most attractive offering, the overwater fales maximise individual privacy with expansive sun decks, airy bedrooms with king-sized beds, and an ensuite with rock wall interiors and a sunken bathtub. Alternatively, nestled in the gardens are also the lavish “Royal Villas”, two storeys of luxury complete with in-the-ground bathtubs and an observatory balcony accessed by a spiral staircase. While Coconuts is the most upmarket overwater accommodation, check out alternatives in the 5 Best Overwater Bungalows in Samoa.

Check Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa out:

7. Florence’s Place – A B&B Farmstay on Savai’i

It doesn’t get more boutique than Savai’i‘s only bed & breakfast accommodation! 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 the B&B’s village, 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. For more small-scale stays, check out the 10 Best Boutique Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa.

8. Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets – Rustic Over-the-Water Lagoon Fales

Unique in its style and rustic in its execution; if you’ve dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow (but can’t afford the other ones on this list), then Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets is here to serve with its Samoan version. Sure, there are holes in your deck and the standard is what you’d expect of budget accommodation, but there’s no denying the beauty of being right on the lagoon with a private ladder for snorkelling and being surrounded in lush rainforest. Local specialities are served for breakfast, while the on-site CC’s Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with limited choices but will meet the minimum requirements of most travellers. What’s more, Lusia’s is effortlessly moments away from Salelologa and its wharf on Savai’i.

Check Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets out:

9. Samoan Highland Retreat – An Architecturally Unique Holiday Home

Certainly the most striking holiday home in Samoa, Samoan Highland Retreat wows with its fale-inspired architecture. The three-bedroom three-bathroom holiday home provides the ultimate retreat in the verdant interior of Samoa’s main island, yet is still a manageable drive from Apia. Cook up meals in a spacious open-plan kitchen using produce from the on-site plantation and relax on the furniture made from materials reflecting the brilliant nature of Samoa. What’s more, the accommodation is semi-off-grid with solar power (and mains backup) and rainwater tanks. For more holiday rentals, take a look at the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa.

Check Samoan Highland Retreat out:

Samoan Highland Retreat on Expedia

10. Namu’a Island Beach Fales – Uninhabited Island Accommodation

How about spending the night marooned on an uninhabited island? Take a boat from the pier at Mutiatele village on Upolu 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.

11. Ifiele’ele Plantation – An Inland Plantation Stay on Upolu

For something completely out of the ordinary, set your sights on Ifiele’ele Plantation. With just two ensuite “plantation rooms”, one family-style villa and one self-catering studio, you’ll struggle not to find tranquillity here. Your hosts provide plantation tours, while you can opt for breakfast and tastings of the plantation’s products in the open-air kitchen and dining area – definitely one of the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Samoa. Should you need more entertainment, there’s a large outdoor pool that offers a welcome respite from Samoa’s hot temperatures. Discover more accommodations with food at the fore in the 10 Best Resorts for Foodies in Samoa.

Check Ifiele’ele Plantation out:

12. Troppo Fishing Adventures Liveaboard – Stay on a Boat!

On the other end of the spectrum, how about staying on a boat? Troppo Fishing Adventures offers two-to-seven-day liveaboard fishing experiences on their 35 ft Bertram Fly Bridge Cruiser. With a range of 500 nautical miles, the possibilities are endless over the rarely fished sea mounts, canyons and coral reefs to fish. Hell, they even offer trips as far as The Pascoe Banks, Tokelau, Swains Island, Pago Pago and Tonga! These trips are ideal for two guests, with the maximum being four guests. Their liveaboards are not only for fishing, but for catching remote surf breaks. Check out more fishing accommodations in the 7 Best Fishing Resorts in Samoa and surfing in the 7 Best Surf Resorts in Samoa.

13. Salani Surf Resort – Samoa’s Only True Eco-Resort

Nestled in an enclave on the south coast of Upolu yet moments away from quality waves, Salani Surf Resort is not only an immediate go-to for a surf stay in Samoa, but is one of the islands’ most environmentally friendly resorts. Some of its environmental initiatives include a saltwater pool (which is still pretty rare in Samoa), a restaurant specialising in responsibly sourced food, solar-powered hot water, filtered drinking water and an encouraged plastic-free environment. Find out more about the resort in the 5 Best Eco Resorts in Samoa.

14. Satuiatua Beach Resort – A Samoan Tree House

Despite the “beach resort” name, Satuiatua Beach Resort is better described as a beach fale accommodation and it’s the only one on Savai’i‘s southern sunset coast. That’s not the most unique thing about Satuiatua, however, as one of its accommodations/relaxation spaces is built mid-way up a banyan tree on the beach! Learn more about this accommodation in the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i.

15. Le Vasa Resort – Lagoon Water Fales on Upolu

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 not only offers experiences to visit some of these islands but has accommodations that bask in front-row views of them. One such accommodation is the “Water Lagoon Fales” edging over a placid mini-lagoon. Each is uniquely decorated with its 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:

16. Taufua Beach Fales – Ensuite Beach Fales on 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 their uniquely designed enclosed fales with an ensuite. 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.

Check Taufua Beach Fales out:

Taufua Beach Fales on Expedia

17. Aga Reef Resort – Villas on a Manmade Islet

One of the rare resorts along the Lalomanu and Saleapaga stretch of Upolu, Aga Reef Resort offers just 15 contemporary hotel-style rooms and lagoon-front villas. Although its beach pales in comparison to its neighbours, the boutique resort has several endearing spots to share with friends or your loved one, especially its private islet connected to the mainland by a pier walkway. Treat yourself to one of the islet’s three “Deluxe Villas” with their very own private outdoor plunge pool, ensuite with a twin vanity and standalone bathtub, and a high-ceiling bedroom with large ranch sliders soaking in the ocean views.

Check Aga Reef Resort out:

18. Ocean Club Maninoa – Unique Beach Fale Designs on Upolu

For an alternative stay in a Samoan fale, choose from one of the four uniquely designed half-enclosed fales or two fully-enclosed ensuite fales of the Ocean Club Maninoa. This cute accommodation in between Sinalei Reef Resort and Coconuts Beach Club on Upolu 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 casual vibe. Check out more cheap stays like this in the 25 Best Budget Accommodations in Samoa.

19. Nia Mall Apartments – Accommodation in a Shopping Mall in Apia

For a reasonably priced city apartment, Nia Mall Apartments offers a number of self-contained open-plan rooms providing a home-away-from-home experience in Apia. What’s more, the rooms are located on the higher levels of renovated mall stores, which offer a very unique accommodation setting. From the pokey “Standard Rooms” to the ultra-spacious tiled “Superior Rooms”, there are room types suitable for various group sizes. Kitchen facilities are provided in each. For more apartments to compare, take a look a the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Samoa.

Check Nia Mall Apartments out:

20. Apaula Heights Lounge – Rustic Garden Units in Apia

Soar to new heights on the slopes of Mt Vaea at this property facing Apia‘s township and harbour. Apaula Heights Lounge is a rustic B&B with a small number of units nestled in lush gardens with either sea or garden views. Wind down your garden pathway to find your outdoor shower and toilet cubicle, while mornings call for breakfast at the restaurant on a gorgeous sundeck. Rooms are pretty compact, but even seasoned travellers will no doubt find them charming. For more charming B&B stays like this, take a look at the 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa.

Check Apaula Heights Lounge out:

More Unique Accommodations in Samoa

That’s it for our list of the best unique accommodations in Samoa, but by no means the end of our recommendations. For more special stays, take a look at the following guides:

Finally, if you still haven’t found your place in paradise, start from scratch with 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