Samoa Luxury Itinerary: 10 Days

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How to Get Around Samoa in 10 Days

This Samoa luxury 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 4. 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 and convenience. Get advice on car hire, including premium car hire, from What You Need to Hire a Car in Samoa. Alternatively, this itinerary is doable by hiring private drivers on each of the islands; see How to Hire a Driver in Samoa for more advice.

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, as well as 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, not limited to the most “luxurious”, check out our Samoa Transport Guide: 14 Best Ways to Get Around Samoa.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Samoa + Apia

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).

Since it’s your first day in Samoa, take it easy and get settled at your chosen upscale accommodation. After check-in, relax by the pool, have a paddle with the kayaks provided if staying at a resort, enjoy some island cuisine, and transition to “island time”. We’ll go over a few things you can do in Apia tomorrow.

Apia Luxury Accommodations

• Taumeasina Island Resort
• Lava Hotel
• Le Manumea Hotel

Get details on all of our recommended stays in the 25 Best Hotels in Apia & Upolu.

Dining Recommendations

Accommodations such as Taumeasina and Lava Hotel have their own reputable restaurants to make things simple. Apia is also one of the best places to experience a fiafia night, should your arrival coincide with one of these weekly events. Discover your options in the 10 Best Fiafia Nights in Samoa, as well as in the 10 Best Restaurants 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!

Experience the cultural ambience of the Fugalei Market, browse high-quality Samoan-made crafts and sit down for lunch at Pacific Jewell Gift Shop & Garden Cafe, and visit the manicured grounds and historical villa of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

Either visit some or all of these attractions independently, perhaps with the help of A Self-Guided Trip Around Apia: One Day Itinerary. Otherwise, we highly recommend a private day tour for ease and knowledgeable insights from a local guide, as listed in the 5 Best Day Tours of Apia.

Dining Recommendations

For lunch, sitting among the lush garden setting of Pacific Jewell to a tempting menu of bagels, all-day breakfasts, crepes and more works effortlessly with the itinerary stated above. Take a look at the 10 Best Cafes in Apia & Upolu for more about this establishment plus alternative recommendations.

For dinner, fine dining cuisine can be experienced at Bistro Tatau where bookings are essential – learn more in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Samoa.

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Day 3 – Relax in Apia

Ensure you find the right balance of adventure and relaxation by making Day 3 the day you get some much-needed R&R. However you prefer to relax, Apia has you covered…

Luxury Experiences in Apia

• Indulge in a spa day at Taumeasina or one of Apia’s glorious day spas
• Reel in Pacific pelagics on a fishing charter
• Have a swing at one of Apia’s golf courses
• Experience yoga in paradise
• Try your luck at Samoa’s only casino exclusively for international visitors…

… For more on these experiences, take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Experiences on Upolu, as well as 8 Adults-Only Activities in Apia.

Dining Recommendations

Nourish Cafe near the gorgeous Immaculate Conception Cathedral provides an attractive indoor and outdoor setting for an array of creative yet health-conscious meals for lunch with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten-free options.

Make a booking at the most popular restaurant in town, Paddles Restaurant, famous for its relaxing ambience combined with Italian-Samoan fusion cuisine. See more recommendations in the 10 Best Restaurants in Apia.

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Day 4 – Upolu East Coast Road Trip

Travel Time: 1 hour – 1 hour and 20 minutes (depending on the resort chosen).

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.

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 several options for a luxurious resort stay…

South Upolu Luxury Accommodations

• Seabreeze Resort
• Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa
• Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa
• Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa
• Aga Reef Resort

Discover more about each accommodation in the 7 Best Luxury Resorts on Upolu.

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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Day 5 – Free Day on Upolu

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

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.

Luxury Experiences on the South East Coast of Upolu

• Take a day trip to the uninhabited island of Namu’a
• Spend the day at Lalomanu Beach…
• … Or the hidden Vavau Beach
• Swim at Samoa’s iconic To Sua Ocean Trench
• Treat yourself to your resort’s day spa
• If you’ve brought your surfboard, jump on a surf boat to catch some waves
• Reel in the big ones on a fishing charter
• Tee off at Sinalei Reef Resort‘s very own golf course.

Dining Recommendations

The great thing about the south coast’s luxury 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.

Alternatively, elevate your evening meal by treating yourself and your partner, family 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.

Learn more about these restaurants and others in the 10 Best Restaurants on Upolu.

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

Travel time: 1-2 hours (depending on the resort departed from and whether you take the shorter Cross Island Road or the scenic route, the Main West Coast Road) + 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes ferry + 20 minutes – 1 hour drive (depending on Savai’i resort chosen).

Today is arguably your biggest travel day but don’t worry, it’s all completely manageable. Just make sure you book your ferry for the afternoon sailing.

After breakfast, embark west on the Main South Coast Road towards Lefaga Bay, stopping by To Sua Ocean Trench if you haven’t already checked out this popular swimming spot.

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

Stop by for an early lunch at Return to Paradise Resort and enjoy its scenic beach, then you can either take the shorter Cross Island Road to Mulifanua Wharf or the scenic route rising over the cliffs about 200 m (656 ft) above sea level by following the Main West Coast Road. If you take the scenic route, Cocolini’s by the Sea at Le Vasa Resort offers a favourable lunch alternative.

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.

Upon arrival, take the time to check out the handicrafts and unique souvenirs of the Salelologa Market before making your way to your chosen upscale resort on Savai’i…

Savai’i Luxury Accommodations

• Amoa Resort
• Le Lagoto Resort & Spa
• Stevensons at Manase

For more details on each, take a look at the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Savai’i.

Dining Recommendations

Like elsewhere on Upolu, there are no dining options outside of the resorts (and Apia). Return to Paradise Resort provides a scenic setting which is also convenient if you want to pop over the Cross Island Road for less time travelling. On the other hand, Cocolini’s by the Sea at Le Vasa Resort provides much higher quality fare, should that be a more important factor.

For dinner on Savai’i, each of the recommended resorts above has its own restaurant. The restaurant of the Amoa Resort has the most photo-worthy plates, while Vailili Restaurant & Leilina’s Pizzeria of Le Lagoto Resort is certainly the most popular with the locals. Find out more about these establishments in the 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.

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Day 7 – Savai’i South Coast Road Trip

Travel time: 2 hours (if staying at Amoa Resort) – 3 hours and 20 minutes (if staying at Stevensons or Le Lagoto).

Make today the day you start exploring Samoa’s lesser-visited island, which can take a bit of driving due to the fact that Savai’i only has a coastal main road and no cross-island roads. If you don’t like the idea of driving yourself, check out the 7 Best Day Tours of Savai’i.

If starting at Stevensons or Le Lagoto, head south and stop by the Saleaula Lava Fields to see the iconic LMS Church engulfed in lava flow. Further south in Asaga is the Taefu T. Matafeo Store which is home to a charming cafe and an idyllic setting for espresso. You may as well enjoy some of their cakes too, as it might be a while until you have lunch.

Those staying at the Amoa Resort can pick up the journey now, continuing on the South Coast Road, continuing past the turn-off to Salelologa and approximately a further 10 km (6 mi) to Palauli where you’ll see the sign for the Siapo Demonstration. Enjoy a refreshingly authentic 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 what will likely be a late lunch at the Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar.

Dining Recommendations

For lunch, there are limited options outside of resorts and Salelologa, starting with the Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar good for its fresh fish dishes and, of course, pizzas. Alternatively, stop by Adria’s Cafe in Lalomalava for paninis, international meals and freshly-baked treats. If push comes to shove, Samoan snacks and pies can be picked up from the convenience store in Palauli village (near Afu Aau Waterfall). 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, you may want to dine at your chosen resort this evening as the relaxing option after a big day on the road.

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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 today. 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.

Luxury Experiences on Savai’i

• 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
• Get unique cultural insight on a private or small-group village tour or koko Samoa demonstration at Amoa Resort.

Dive deeper into some of these activities in the 5 Best Luxury Experiences on Savai’i.

Dining 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.

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Day 9 – Savai’i North Coast Road Trip

Travel time: 2 hours and 40 minutes (if staying at Le Lagoto or Stevensons) – 4 hours (if staying at Amoa Resort).

Discover some of the north coast highlights, starting with Saleaula Lava Fields if you’re starting your journey from the Amoa Resort. Stop by Manase to hire a beach fale and snorkel with turtles off the beach; otherwise, Dive Savai’i offers spectacular turtle-swimming tours.

Those staying at Le Lagoto or Stevensons can pick up the rest of the journey along the North Coast Road now, stopping by 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. All of these are highlights of the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

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 and spiritual spring water than after a day of sightseeing in the hot sun.

Dining 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. 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: 20 minutes – 1 hour drive (depending on the resort departed from) + 1 hour – 1 hour and 30 minutes ferry.

After an exciting 10 days in Samoa on a luxurious 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!