How to Plan an Adults-Only Holiday to Upolu
Practical Advice from Our Personal Experiences
Leaving the kids behind or perhaps seeking a getaway that’s not “full of kids”? Despite Upolu being the main island that most people visit in Samoa, it’s no “Fiji” or “Rarotonga”. As long as you avoid Upolu’s most family-focussed resorts, having little ‘uns ruining your island vibes won’t be much of a problem here. That’s why Upolu has only one strictly adults-only resort, which, of course, is the obvious go-to if you want guaranteed serenity. Plus, whatever direction you want your adults-only getaway to take; whether it’s a group getaway with mates or a romantic retreat with that special someone, there are plenty of ways to ensure your vacation is just as you imagined. Start planning yours with this complete adults-only travel guide to Upolu!
Side note: Our tips come from travel writers who have genuinely visited Upolu, not copied or generated by AI. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
10 Adults-Only Tours and Activities on Upolu
Before we dive into this complete adults-only travel guide for Upolu, here is a taste of the sort of experiences a kid-free getaway entails:
- Indulge in a soothing island massage with Touch of Samoa 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 Troppo Fishing Adventures, Blue Marlin Game Fishing or Saletoga Sands Resort.
- Take the plunge on a scuba diving excursion with Blue Marlin Game Fishing.
- Have a swing at one of Upolu’s golf courses.
- Explore the sights on a private guided tour with Autobots or Coconut Tours.
- Treat that special someone to a private dining experience at Taumeasina Island Resort, Sinalei Reef Resort or Seabreeze Resort.
- Discover Apia‘s vibrant nightlife.
- Stay at an adults-only resort, such as Seabreeze Resort.
- Try your luck at Black Sands Casino.
Learn more about all of the above experiences in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Upolu or simply continue reading…
© SamoaPocketGuide.comHow to Get to Upolu
Upolu is Samoa’s eastern island, lying about 3,000 km (1,864 mi) northeast of New Zealand and 3,700 km (2,300 mi) southwest of Hawaii. The island is home to Samoa’s only international airport and receives regular flights from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and Fiji, which are all well-connected to the rest of the world.
Find out about airlines travelling to Upolu in our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to Samoa?
Alternative ways to get to Upolu include day trips with cruise liners, as well as via private sailing yachts.
Find out more about your arrival options in Getting Here: How to Get to Samoa?
How to Get Around Upolu
Upolu is well-connected by a main coastal road around the island, which is approximately 185 km (115 mi), as well as three roads across the island. Car rentals, scooter rentals and bicycle rentals are an option – note that you’ll need a temporary diver’s license. Alternatively, bus services, taxis and guided tours are also readily available (for private guided tours, check out Autobots and Coconut Tours).
Find out all you need to know about transport in our Upolu Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comUpolu Water Tours for Adults
From shimmering lagoon waters to exciting adventures in the deep blue, Upolu’s warm tropical waters beg to be explored. Here’s how to enjoy without the disturbance of little ‘uns.
Surfing
Pumping reef breaks are hardly swarming with kids (or anyone, for that matter), so swap a day of sightseeing at the more crowded attractions like the To Sua Trench for an afternoon out on the reef. Join one of the independent surf tours, like Manoa Tours, or stay at one of Upolu’s surf camps, like Vailua Beach Fales where local guides can organise Upolu’s customary surf fees, as well as transport you to the best waves for the conditions.
Check out the 10 Best Surf Operators and Guides in Samoa for more guidance.
Fishing Charters
Nothing compares to the thrills of reeling in the South Pacific’s monstrous pelagics, such as yellowfin tuna, sailfish, giant trevally, mahimahi and marlin. Fishing is a way of life here on the islands, so there’s no lack of experienced fisherfolk who can show you the lines. Troppo Fishing Adventures and Blue Marlin Game Fishing (Discovery Rentals) are your go-to charters in Apia, while resorts like Le Vasa Resort and Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa have their own fishing operations.
Check out the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Samoa for more recommendations.
Discover more amazing water experiences ideal for adult groups in the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Upolu or expand your options with the 10 Best Water Activities in Samoa.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comUpolu Land Tours for Adults
For those times that you want to stay high and dry, Upolu has a number of cosmopolitan and rural experiences to treat the senses. Here’s how to enjoy them with mostly an adult crowd.
Golf Courses
If you’re looking for a destination that naturally isn’t swarming with families, then you’re bound to find sanctuary at one of Upolu’s golf courses. Apia itself has two park courses with plenty of challenges winding through the coconut palms, while Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa has its own premed 9-hole golf course.
Find the most suitable course for you in The Complete Guide to Golf in Samoa.
Spas and Massages
If you need to get away from it all and indulge in some “me” time, then book yourself into one of Upolu’s serene spas. From the selection of locally-run spas in Apia, such as Haven Spa and a Touch of Samoa, to Upolu’s glorious resort spas at Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa, Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa and Taumeasina Island Resort, you are never too far away from finding your zen in a kids-free zone.
Check out the 10 Best Spas in Samoa for more details.
Again, check out the 10 Adults-Only Activities on Upolu, as well as the 10 Best Activities in Samoa for Adults for much more recommendations across the islands.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comNightlife and Adults-Only Dining on Upolu
Whether you want to enjoy quiet cocktails with your loved one or party into the early hours with mates, Upolu has you sorted.
Waterfront Restaurant and Bar
Lining a tranquil bay at the Seabreeze Resort, Waterfront Resort and Bar is exclusively adults-only after 5 pm. Offering a range of a la carte cuisine on impeccably presented plates, Waterfront is a must-do for comfort food turned fine dining. They also boast an extensive list of liqueurs, spirits, imported beer and New Zealand and Australian wine.
Seabreeze Resort also offers an unforgettable romantic experience with a candlelit dinner served on the private deck of your luxury villa, complete with personal waiting service. This intimate adults-only resort is perfect for couples seeking privacy and indulgence.
Beyond your villa, the Pool Bar is a serene, guest-exclusive spot where you can enjoy a light snack menu or order from the main menu—ideal for a relaxed lunch without leaving the comfort of the resort. Whether you’re sipping cocktails poolside or dining under the stars, Seabreeze ensures every moment feels tailored and tranquil.
Private Dining
Forget crowded restaurants. If you seek that “adults-only” experience for a more romantic vibe, then treat yourself and your loved one to one of Upolu’s private dining experiences. Indulge in a three-course dinner with bubbles either on your room’s balcony or by the beach at Taumeasina Island Resort; choose a private decorated setting at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa.
For more couple-centric ideas, check out the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Upolu.
Apia Nightlife
Kick back with sundowner cocktails and even continue dancing into the wee hours with Apia‘s bars and nightclubs. The Apia Marina is where much of the party is if you want to mingle with locals and expats. You can even make a stop at Samoa’s only casino on your way back into town – exclusively for foreign passport holders.
Plan your night using The Guide to Upolu Nightlife + 5 Things to Do on Upolu at Night and 10 Best Bars in Apia.
For more dining recommendations, not specifically for adult-only groups, check out The Food Guide to Upolu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Adults-Only Accommodation in Upolu
- Seabreeze Resort (18+ years old)
- Vaea Hotel Samoa (18+ years old)
- Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa (12+ from May to October)
Learn more about these accommodations in The 5 Best Adults-Only Resorts in Samoa.
Alternatively, hiring a holiday home could be an opportunity to choose the guests you stay with. Check out some recommendations in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa.
More About Adults-Only Vacations to Upolu and Samoa
That’s it for our complete adults-only travel guide to Upolu but by no means the end of our advice. Just take a look:
- The Ultimate Guide to Samoa Nightlife
- The Guide to Retreats in Samoa: Yoga, Wellness & More
- 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu
And finally, browse The Complete Adults-Only Travel Guide to Samoa for anything you might have missed.
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 [2025])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2025])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- Aleipata Tourism Alliance (Regional tourism association)
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Laura (Lora) 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.



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