Samoa Adults-Only Itinerary: 10 Days

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How to Get Around Samoa in 10 Days

This Samoa adults-only itinerary for 10 days includes travel on two islands, as well as between these islands. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get around Samoa in 10 days.

Road Transport in Samoa

Upon arrival in Samoa, you can either get your rental car delivered to the airport or this itinerary allows for the option to take an airport transfer and have your vehicle delivered to you for free in Apia once you’re ready to hit the road on Day 3. See airport transfer options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Samoa.

For travelling on each of the islands, car hire offers the most flexibility, convenience and privacy. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa. Alternatively, this itinerary is doable with a mix of taxis (see Taxis in Samoa: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More), hiring private drivers (see How to Hire a Driver in Samoa for more advice), as well as taking guided tours such as the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Samoa.

Interisland Transport in Samoa

There are no domestic flights in Samoa, so the only way to get between the islands of Upolu and Savai’i is via the interisland ferry. The ferry has a convenient schedule of around three departures per day on weekdays and at least one per day on weekends. If you’re travelling in a rental car, it’s recommended to pre-book your ferry ticket, which you can easily do through your car rental company. Find out more about using ferry transport in our Samoa Ferry Guide.

For all of your transport options across the islands, check out our Samoa Transport Guide: 14 Best Ways to Get Around Samoa.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia

Travel time: 45-50 minutes drive.

Arrival at Faleolo Airport

Welcome to Samoa and the start of your escape to paradise! After the arrivals process of going through customs and biosecurity, you’ll step outside of the arrivals area to where your airport transfer to the capital, Apia, will be waiting, whether it’s organised through your accommodation or simply a private taxi transfer (see your options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Samoa).

Faleolo Airport to Apia

Get your adults-only escape off to an epic start by stopping at Wolfpac ATV Tours for a quad biking tour through Upolu’s rugged interiors. Find out more about the experience in the 10 Best Adventure Tours in Samoa.

Once you arrive in Apia, take it easy and get settled at your chosen adults-only or alternative accommodation. After check-in, relax by the pool or even hit the town whether it’s for its culinary opportunities or to experience a famous Apia night out! We’ll go over a few things you can do in Apia tomorrow.

The Best Apia Accommodations for Adults

• Vaea Hotel Samoa (no-child policy)
• Vailima Hillside Apartments (no-child policy)
• Lava Hotel
• Le Manumea Hotel

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 25 Best Hotels in Apia & Upolu, or check out some holiday homes for ultimate privacy in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Apia & Upolu.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

Celebrate your first night in Apia with drinks where Samoa’s major night scene is, The Edge Marina. They also do bar food to get you started, while the nightclub upstairs gives you an excuse to never go home. Learn more about The Edge at the 10 Best Bars in Apia.

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Day 2 – Explore Apia

It’s normal to have itchy feet when first arriving at a new and exciting destination, so make the most of this energy by doing a day tour of the capital or simply some of the adult-orientated experiences.

Day Tour of Apia

Visit attractions, like the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Palolo Deep and Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, independently and perhaps with the help of A Self-Guided Trip Around Apia: One Day Itinerary. Otherwise, enjoy a private day tour for ease and knowledgeable insights from a local guide, such as some of the tours listed in the 5 Best Day Tours of Apia.

Additional Activities in Apia for Adults

• Try your luck at the Whitesand Casino
• Treat yourself to a local spa like a Touch of Samoa or Fofo Spa & Sauna
• Hire a private fishing charter with Troppo Fishing Adventures
• Tee off at Apia’s golf courses, the Royal Samoa Country Club or Faleata Golf Course
• Discover Apia’s vibrant nightlife.

Learn more about all of the above experiences in the 8 Adults-Only Activities in Apia.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

For lunch, try a turmeric kick in a latte or vai tipolo if you’re intrigued by RiVaiv Cafe‘s very own turmeric juice. Otherwise, the two cafes in the chain with an attractive garden setting are best known for their fresh poke, teriyaki and steak bowls, as well as pad Thai, seafood sushi tacos and vegan tempura sushi tacos. Take a look at the 10 Best Cafes in Apia & Upolu for more about this establishment plus additional recommendations.

For dinner, fine dining cuisine can be experienced at Bistro Tatau where the clientele is usually more mature and bookings are essential – learn more in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Samoa. Should you fancy drinks and perhaps test your luck after that, head over to Samoa’s only casino, Whitesands Casino, open until 2 am daily! For more dining recommendations, head to The Food Guide to Apia, while more about the capital’s nightlife can be found in The Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife.

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Day 3 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip

Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes drive (to Seabreeze Resort) or 1 hour 30 minutes drive (to Sinalei Reef Resort).

It’s time to hit the road and discover the real Samoa! Get a rental vehicle delivered to you in Apia (if you haven’t done so already) and take the Main East Coast Road along the scenic coastline with cliffs and villages to admire.

Apia to Upolu’s South Coast

Your first stop is the freshwater spring of Piula Cave Pools, signposted between the villages of Saoluafata and Faleapuna. Bathe in the reviving spring waters then choose whether to continue on the Main East Coast Road or take a 20-minute return detour to another mesmerising swimming spot, Sauniatu Falls signposted from Saoluafata. Learn more about both of these attractions in the 10 Best Swimming Spots in Samoa.

Once you’re ready to get back on the road, make a waterfall stop at Falefa Falls with its attractive picnic area. Then, it’s onward to one of the most scenic drives in Samoa, Le Mafa Pass. Enjoy the views of the jungle-clad mountainous scenery as you wind your way across the island.

Fuipisia Waterfall is another optional detour. However, a stop at Sopoaga Falls is mandatory, arguably the most scenic waterfall viewpoint and where you can watch coconut husking demonstrations to inject a bit of island culture into your journey. Learn more about the waterfalls discussed in the 10 Best Waterfalls in Samoa.

Finally, you’ve made it to the south coast of Upolu where you have a couple of options for an adults-only resort stay…

South Upolu Luxury Accommodations

• Seabreeze Resort (adults-only year-round)
• Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa (adults-only from May to October)

Discover more about each accommodation in The Best Adults-Only Resorts in Samoa.

Dining Recommendations

Between Apia and the South Coast, there are no real restaurant or cafe opportunities until you reach the resorts. Therefore, we recommend stopping by Sula’s Supermarket & Bakery along the Main East Coast Road in Moataa, which is often agreed to be one of the best places to pick up quintessential Samoan snacks, from keke pua’a (pork buns) to keke saiga (Chinese biscuits) and many of the items we list in the 20 Foods to Try in Samoa.

Alternatively, if you start early enough, you may be finished sightseeing by lunch anyway. In which case, we recommend stopping for lunch at Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa for New Zealand cuisine in a convenient location close to Sopoaga Falls.

As for dinner, make things simple by dining at your resort’s restaurant for this evening. We’ll provide some alternative recommendations for tomorrow.

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Days 4 & 5 – Free Days on Upolu

Spend these two days mid-way through your Samoa journey just the way you like, whether that’s lapping up the luxuries of your chosen adults-only resort or doing something more active.

Day Trip to Lalomanu and Namu’a Island

If you’re eager to explore, we recommend a day trip to Lalomanu which is often described as one of Samoa’s most beautiful beaches, then heading over to the popular snorkelling spot and uninhabited Namu’a Island. Boats travel to the island regularly, which you can learn more about in our Aleipata Islands Guide.

Additional Activities on Upolu for Adults

• Indulge in a soothing island massage with Touch of Samoa, Misiluki Spa or one of the spa resorts
• Hit Upolu’s uncrowded waves on a surf tour with Manoa Tours or Vailua Beach Fales
• Reel in Pacific pelagics on a Samoan fishing charter with Sinalei Reef Resort or Saletoga Sands Resort
• Explore the sights on a private guided tour with Rainforest Runaway Ecotours or Tour Samoa.

Learn more about all of the above experiences and much more in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Upolu.

Dining Recommendations

The great thing about the south coast resorts is that their restaurants are all open to guests and non-guests alike, so you don’t necessarily have to eat at your chosen resort for your whole stay.

Ava I Toga Restaurant of the Sinalei Reef Resort is a must-do for fine dining on its over-the-water restaurant, boasting an array of creative cuisine for all diets. Alternatively, the Waterfront Restaurant and Bar at Seabreeze Resort turns comfort food into fine dining and is exclusively adults-only after 5 pm. Learn more about these restaurants and others in the 10 Best Restaurants on Upolu.

For something extra special, elevate your evening meal by treating yourself and your partner or friends to one of Upolu’s private dining experiences. Choose a private decorated setting at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa or have a candlelit dinner with a personal waiting service on the deck of your luxury villa at Seabreeze Resort. See more endearing experiences like this in the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in Samoa for Couples.

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Day 6 – Upolu West Coast Road Trip + Ferry to Savai’i

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes drive (from Sinalei Reef Resort) or 1 hour 40 minutes (from Seabreeze Resort) + 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes ferry + 1 hour 40 minutes drive.

South Coast to West Coast

There’s much more to discover on the west side of Upolu so today, you hit the road and fit in a stop at To Sua Ocean Trench if you haven’t done so already. Those who are feeling active may want to enjoy the 1-hour Coastal Walk with magnificent coastal arches in the O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park – see the 15 Best Walks in Samoa for more details.

If it’s high tide by the time you reach the village of Savaia in Lefaga Bay, don your snorkelling gear to swim with giant clams and perhaps even turtles at the Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary.

We recommend taking the scenic route following the Main West Coast Road as it rises over the cliffs about 200 m (656 ft) above sea level, revealing breathtaking lagoon and island views. It also allows you to stop at Cocolini’s by the Sea at Le Vasa Resort for lunch yet only be 10 minutes away from the ferry terminal for when you need to leave.

Mulifanua Wharf to Salelologa Wharf

Be at Mulifanua Wharf approximately one hour before your chosen scheduled departure (learn about how to book your vehicle using How to Take a Ferry to Savai’i). Enjoy a scenic crossing to the island of Savai’i where you may also want to purchase a VIP ticket to have access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments onboard.

Salelologa to Alofaaga Blowholes (and Back)

Upon arrival, take the time to check out the handicrafts and unique souvenirs of the Salelologa Market before making your way approximately a further 10 km (6 mi) to Palauli where you’ll see the sign for the Siapo Demonstration. Enjoy a refreshingly authentic small-group (or private) demonstration of how locals make and paint canvases from the bark of a mulberry tree. What’s more, you’ll also come away with your own piece of siapo artwork.

Just next door is the gorgeous Afu Aau Waterfall, which is perfect for a swim in a fairy-tale-like forest setting. If you are not ready to swim yet, you can always leave this for the way back.

Drive on the quiet roads and through charming villages to your final destination today, the iconic Alofaaga Blowholes which are approximately 27 km (17 mi) from Afu Aau. The access road is a bit rough and you may have to pay two small entry fees along the way. Your reward is watching the magnificent power of swell shooting water through the volcanic fissures of the coast.

On the journey back, stop by Afu Aau if you haven’t already visited, then treat yourself to dinner and perhaps karaoke night at the Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar if it’s a Friday. All of the attractions listed above can be found detailed in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

Salelologa Accommodation for Adults

Tonight, we recommend staying at the boutique Kuki’s by the Harbour – just a handful of sleek and modernly renovated villas that are rarely swarming with kids. Find out more about it in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Savai’i.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

On Upolu, Cocolini’s by the Sea at Le Vasa Resort, with its oceanfront setting and traditional Samoan interiors, provides a memorable setting for South Pacific and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. See how it compares in The Food Guide to Upolu.

On Savai’i, enjoy dinner at Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar for its fresh fish dishes and, of course, pizzas. Learn more about it in the 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i. If it’s Friday, you can even stick around for a fun yet laid-back evening of karaoke.

If you’ve got more in you, head to the commercial centre on the western side of Salelologa where NightHawk is Savai’i’s official nightclub. It is the most vibing on Friday and Saturday nights but look out on their Facebook page for party nights throughout the week. For more tips, check out The Guide to Savai’i Nightlife.

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Day 7 – Savai’i East Coast Road Trip

Travel time: 1 hour drive.

It’s not too much of a drive if you need a lie-in after last night’s antics. Get a hearty breakfast at Adria’s Cafe in Lalomalava, then head up Savai’i’s east coast.

Salelologa to Fagamalo

Enjoy a cruisey drive through the east coast’s charming villages with their magnificent churches, perhaps with a coffee stop at the quirky garden cafe of Taefu T. Matafeo Store in Asaga and even a canoe tour to a freshwater spring at the Asaga Mangroves – see the Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak for details.

Next, a must-do is the Saleaula Lava Fields to see the iconic LMS Church engulfed in lava flow, one of the Top 10 Sights on Savai’i.

Finally you’ll make it to Fagamalo village and our recommended resort for the next four nights.

Savai’i North Coast Accommodation for Adults

Although adults-only resorts are yet to be a feature of Savai’i, Le Lagoto Resort is often favoured by couples and adult groups for its more upscale and romantic ambience. Learn more about it in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations on Savai’i.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

For breakfast/brunch/lunch, there are limited options outside of resorts and Salelologa, so stop by for lunch at Adria’s Cafe which delights with coffee, cake and meat-lover meals to see you through your morning or afternoon. Cosy up in a booth or out in the open-plan dining area with industrial-style decor. Again, more dining details can be found in the 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i or else head over to The Food Guide to Savai’i.

As for dinner, Vailili Restaurant of the Le Lagoto Resort is a worthy go-to. Locals love it for the “best thin-crust pizzas on Savai’i”, formerly known as Leilina’s Pizzeria, while those feeling more adventurous will find an eclectic menu of meats and seafood.

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Day 8 – Free Day on Savai’i

In between some big days of exploring Savai’i, get in some relaxation time on Day 8. Whether it’s kicking back by the pool with a good book or some more active adventures; there’s certainly scope to experience it all on the island of Savai’i.

Activities on Savai’i for Adults

• Dive among the turtles and nudibranchs on the John Williams V wreck dive with Dive Savai’i (located near Le Lagoto Resort)
• Treat yourself to a private fishing charter at the Amoa Resort (18+ years only)
• Do one of Savai’i’s volcano hikes.

Learn more about all of these activities and much more in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

In prime position for sundowners with ocean views, the Beach Bar & Restaurant at the resort Stevensons at Manase is a worthy dining option. Dine by the pool or over the lagoon with something from the extensive cocktail menu and one of the crowd-pleasing meals, from fish and chips to seafood platters.

If you had a blast with the locals in Salelologa, there are more late-night antics to be enjoyed at the Lava Rock Bar at the Bayview Resort. Worth the venture on Friday and Saturday nights, Lava Rock usually has live DJs and/or karaoke, so check the “Bayview Accommodations” Facebook page for upcoming events and learn more in the 6 Best Bars on Savai’i.

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Day 9 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip

Travel time: 2 hours and 40 minutes drive.

Fagamalo to Falealupo

Discover some of the north coast highlights (many of which are listed in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i), starting with the architectural marvel of Safotu Cathedral, the oldest Catholic church in Samoa.

You’ll then venture through the remote northern coast of Savai’i, shaped by volcanic activity, which is evident at Pe’ape’a Cave, a short cave attraction just off the side of the road and home to the unusual white-rumped swiftlets. Further along the North Coast Road is also the Laauoleola Cave accessed down a 15-minute nature trail to a much larger cave network – see the 10 Best Caves in Samoa to compare the two.

You’ll emerge back into civilisation again once you reach the large village of Asau, also home to Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge where you can stop for lunch. Ask about their koko plantation tour for a private or small-group experience seeing an organic cocoa farm – see the 11 Best Foodie Experiences on Savai’i for more details.

If you don’t mind adding an extra hour’s journey to your return trip today, it’s worth continuing to the westernmost tip of Savai’i to the spectacular Falealupo. See historic church ruins, the gorgeous white sands of Falealupo Beach and an ancient Star Mound and more at Cape Mulinuu.

Falealupo to Fagamalo

Any of what we have discussed so far can be enjoyed on the return journey back to your resort, but we’ve left mentioning Mataolealelo Spring in Matavai until the way back as there’s nothing more revitalising than bathing in this cooling spring water than after a day of sightseeing in the hot sun.

Dining and Drink Recommendations

On the remote northwest corner of Savai’i nestled in Asau Bay, Vai-i-Moana Seaside Lodge and Vaisala Hotel offer just about the only dining options on this side of the island. While there’s fish, chicken, steak, pork, lobster and soup prepared in numerous ways on the menus, you’ll have to make do with what they have available on the day.

Meanwhile, back in Fagamalo, another stellar sunset spot and beachfront eatery is the Barefoot Bar & Restaurant at the Savaii Lagoon Resort. Seafood is the speciality here, created into the likes of sashimi, poke and oka. With the restaurant’s own pizza oven, there’s competition with next door (Le Lagoto Resort), while pork belly, tuna steaks, fish and chips and refreshing cocktails are on their ever-changing menu board.

Again, we detail these restaurants further in the 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.

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Day 10 – Ferry to Upolu + Departure

Travel time: 1 hour drive + 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes ferry + 5 minutes drive.

After an exciting 10 days in Samoa on an adults-only getaway, it’s finally time to say goodbye to the islands. The process for taking the ferry back to Upolu from Savai’i is very much the same as getting here; just make sure to pre-book your vehicle. Then, Faleolo Airport is conveniently a mere five minutes from Mulifanua Wharf where you can arrange to drop off your rental vehicle.

Remember to arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure so that you have enough time to check in, go through security and browse the retail offerings, as listed in The Guide to Shopping in Samoa + The Best Places to Shop. You may even want to wait for your flight in style at the Faleolo Airport Lounge with a refreshment buffet, unlimited WiFi, a shower, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and more.

For anything else you need to know about leaving Samoa, it’s all listed in our guide, Leaving Samoa: Departure Tips & Checklist.

And it’s “Tofa Soifua” from Samoa!