The Luxury Guide to Savai’i

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How to Get to Savai’i

Savai’i lies a mere 17 km (10.6 mi) west of Samoa’s main island, Upolu, and the country’s international airport. There are no flights to Savai’i so your introduction to the island is as authentic as it gets by taking the ferry across the Apolima Strait.

Luckily, Malifanua Wharf is a 5-minute drive from Faleolo International Airport, making it an easy transition from your flight (providing flight times are favourable; if not, the Samoa Beach Resort provides a lavish stay nearby).

The ferry crossing passing the glorious islands of Manono and Apolima takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Upgrade your sailing with a pass to the VIP Lounge of the Lady Samoa III for extra comfort and refreshments served throughout your journey. For more information, check out our Samoa Ferry Guide.

How to Get Around Savai’i

Savai’i has a well-maintained sealed road of roughly 176 km (109 mi) around the perimeter of the island. There are limited car rentals available on the island or you can bring your rental vehicle on the ferry from Upolu. Alternatively, taxis are readily available or some accommodations can arrange transfers from the ferry terminal.

Find out more about your transport options in our Savai’i Transport Guide.

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Luxury Tours and Activities on Savai’i

If you’re looking for those “treat yourself” experiences, Savai’i can certainly provide. What the island’s experiences lack in flashy presentation and polished schedules they more than make up for in genuine care and hospitality – this is luxury not as you might know it.

For a full list, see the 5 Best Luxury Experiences on Savai’i.

Private Island Tours

Explore Savai’i’s natural and historical wonders with the expertise of a local guide (not to mention without the hassle of finding the attractions yourself) on a private island tour. Get in touch with Nu’u from Savai’i Tours for a personalised tour of the island, or he can suggest a fun-filled itinerary.

Otherwise, Amoa Resort offers a variety of full-day private island tours, either along the south coast or northeast coast or catered to your desired itinerary.

Scuba Diving

From lagoon snorkelling among the turtles, eagle rays, clownfish and nudibranchs to a shallow wreck dive of the John Williams V, there are some interesting dive sites around Savai’i for new and seasoned divers alike.

Dive Savai’i is a PADI-affiliated operation offering a range of recreational dives, courses and snorkelling tours. Note that they operate seasonally, so check out the Dive Savai’i website for dates.

Additionally, see The Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive in Samoa for more on the subject.

Fishing Charters

Head out on the azure waters to catch Pacific pelagics, such as mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, trevally and more. Enjoy a day of snorkelling, fishing and lunch with Amoa Resort‘s own 30ft boat exclusively for your group of up to five guests (minimum age 18 years old).

Alternatively, get in touch with Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge in Asau Bay for a personalised fishing experience of either a half- or full-day charter on one of their two fishing boats.

For more on getting “hooked” in Samoa, head to The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Samoa.

And, again, more of the island’s most indulgent activities can be found in the 5 Best Luxury Experiences on Savai’i.

More Things to Do on Savai’i

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to experience Savai’i that might not necessarily fall under the “luxury” category but are still well worth pursuing.

A self-drive tour to the Afu Aau Waterfall, Saleaula Lava Field and the Alofaaga Blowholes is a treat, while a private or small-group Siapo Demonstration or a resort’s village walk provides an authentic insight into the Samoan culture.

Find out more about these alternative experiences in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

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Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations on Savai’i

Savai’i’s most upmarket resorts are 3 stars and only just encroaching into the 4-star category. Nevertheless, they can provide a beautiful experience, even if, for example, your air-conditioning isn’t working or the full dinner menu isn’t available.

Although we outline all your options in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Savai’i, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

Amoa Resort – Lagoon-Style Villas and Cultural Experiences on Savai’i

Savai’i’s most complete resort experience awaits just a mere 20-minute drive from Salelologa Wharf. Surrounding a lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar is a small selection of Polynesian-inspired Poolside Villas complete with carved architectural features, a mezzanine bedroom and a garden shower.

If a crisp and contemporary hotel-style room is more what you crave, you’ll find them in the Garden Villas lining the attractive garden walkways also complete with outdoor showers.

While Amoa Resort offers an array of cultural experiences and crowd-pleasing yet upscale dining for guests within the resort grounds, you’ll no doubt feel an allure to cross the road to the lagoon deck to watch breathtaking sunrises and where kayaks are available to launch from the manmade beach.

Learn why Amoa Resort is perfect for travellers seeking culture, comfort, and a lagoonfront escape, and book your stay via Expedia!

Le Lagoto Resort – Luxury and Tranquillity on Savai’i’s Beachfront

Experience luxury and tranquillity at Le Lagoto Resort, a stunning beachfront retreat on Savai’i. This boutique resort boasts 10 spacious high-ceiling bungalows nestled among manicured gardens, offering a true escape for discerning travellers.

Unwind in style at the infinity pool or indulge in pampering treatments at the onsite spa. From 4 pm to 7 pm daily, enjoy cocktail happy hour at Hans Poolside Bar, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lagoon.

Immerse yourself in Samoan culture with weekly fiafia nights featuring a BBQ buffet and live string band performances. For the adventurous, village walks provide insight into local life, while complimentary kayaks and SUP boards allow you to explore the pristine lagoon at your leisure.

With its array of luxurious amenities and stunning oceanfront location, Le Lagoto Resort offers an unparalleled island getaway.

Discover why Le Lagoto Resort is ideal for travellers seeking a luxurious island getaway, and book your stay via Booking.com or Expedia!

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Fine Dining on Savai’i

It may come as no surprise that dining on Savai’i is more of a shorts-and-flipflops kind of affair, but if you’re looking for a culinary experience beyond “chicken and chips”, these are the most high-end dining experiences available on the island.

Amoa Restaurant

In the airy dining fale of the Amoa Resort, enjoy an internationally inspired menu with pleasingly local ingredients at the Amoa Restaurant. It’s your chance to try a refreshing Samoan oka, taro nachos garnished with seagrapes or stick with the classics such as local pan-fried fish or New Zealand striploin beefsteak.

Top it all off with one of the many cocktail options (happy hour is 5-7 pm daily) or a refreshing vai tipolo.

Vailili Restaurant and Leilina’s Pizzeria

Locals love it for the “best thin-crust pizzas on Savai’i”, while those feeling more adventurous will find an eclectic menu of meats and seafood.

Join in at the Vailili Restaurant of the Le Lagoto Resort for Thursday fiafia nights and the Sunday Polynesia barbecue with a string bad (both events depend on resort occupancy so be sure to book ahead).

Alternative Dining on Savai’i

If you see yourself relaxing in a quirky cafe or a relaxed restaurant on the edge of Salelologa, check out more dining options in The Best Places to Eat on Savai’i, while more upmarket establishments can be found in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Samoa.