Where is the Best Place to Stay on Savai’i?
Welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay on Savai’i! Here, we’re not just covering the best side of Savai’i to stay, including Salelologa and the East Coast, North Coast and South Coast, but we’re also listing the best Savai’i accommodations in each area.
What is the Best Side of Savai’i to Stay on?
For a mix of village and urban life with dining and beaches, choose Salelologa and the Sunrise Coast (east coast). For beaches, turtle swimming, lava fields and beach fales, head to Manase and the Sunshine Coast (north coast). For seclusion, history, village life and, guess what, more beaches, choose Falealupo and the Sunset Coast (west coast). Finally, for waterfalls, blowholes and rugged coastal cliffs, stay on the Surf Coast (south coast).
In this guide on where to stay on Savai’i, we go into further detail about these places to stay by splitting them by location, as well as accommodation categories (resort, budget, beach fale, etc.) to help you choose the best place to stay on Savai’i for you!
The Top 10 Accommodations on Savai’i
Before we dive into this complete guide on where to stay on Savai’i, we thought you’d find it helpful for us to list our top 10 Savai’i accommodations and where to find them.
- Amoa Resort – Faga (east coast)
- Le Lagoto Resort – Fagamalo (north coast)
- Aganoa Lodge – Palauli (south coast)
- Bayview Resort – Saleaula (north coast)
- Stevensons on Manase – Manase (north coast)
- Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge – Asau (west coast)
- Lauiula Beach Fales – Lano (east coast)
- Tanu Beach Fales – Manase (north coast)
- Falealupo Beach Fales – Falealupo (west coast)
- Florence’s Place – Palauli (south coast)
The list continues in the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i, 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i and The Top 25 Resorts in Samoa.
Savai’i Accommodation in Salelologa and the East Coast
Your introduction to the island of Savai’i and the island’s largest village/town, Salelologa offers a convenient stay for those wishing to catch an early morning ferry or be close to shops and services. Further along Savai’i’s east coast, also known as the Sunrise Coast, villages are packed along the main road with roadside stalls and the odd cafe to stop by. Sweeping white sand beaches are home to a couple of beach fale accommodations, while Savai’i’s most upscale resort with its own manmade lagoon deck can be found here.
More About Staying in Salelologa and the East Coast of Savai’i
What’s the East Coast good for? Savai’i’s more developed area with a town and villages, calm beaches and brilliant sunrises.
What to do there? Salelologa Market, Asaga Mangroves, swimming, snorkelling, roadside stalls and more – see 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.
Where to eat? Adria’s Cafe, Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar, Taefu T. Matafeo Store Asaga, Amoa Restaurant, Le Tolotolo Restaurant & Bar and more – see 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.
The Best Resorts in Salelologa and the East Coast
- Amoa Resort – Savai’i’s most complete resort with a pool, watersports and cultural activities
- Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets – Low-key overwater and garden units with restaurant
Check out the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i to learn more about these properties.
The Best Hotels in Salelologa and the East Coast
- Jet Over Hotel – 3-star hotel with pool, waterfront bungalows and conference facilities
- Savaiian Hotel – Garden and waterfront hotel with a pool and restaurant
- Kuki’s by the Harbour – Contemporary waterfront ensuite bungalows in Salelologa
Discover more about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels on Savai’i.
The Best Beach Fales on Savai’i’s East Coast
- Lauiula Beach Fales – Beach fales and air-conditioned unit on Lano Beach with free snorkel hire
- Joelan Beach Fales – Traditional beach fales on Lano Beach with outrigger canoe hire
Check out the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i to learn more about these accommodations.
The Best Budget Accommodation in Salelologa and the East Coast
- Salafai Backpackers – Cheap ensuite rooms in Salelologa
- Ieu and Winnie’s Islands View Motel – Simple ensuite studios with ocean views
- Le Rosalote Guest Fales – Basic units over the lagoon and in the gardens
Learn more about these properties in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa, 8 Best Motels in Samoa and 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Savai’i.
Savai’i Accommodation in Manase, Fagamalo, Saleaula and the Central North Coast
On a roughly 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch of Savai’i’s northern coast is the island’s most popular holiday hotspot. A number of accommodations line the beach and turtle habitat of Manase Beach, while the beach in Fagamalo village is also home to a couple of resorts. Near the iconic Saleaula Lava Fields is another attractive locally-run resort with unique fale designs and rocks pools often frequented by turtles.
More About Staying on the Central North Coast of Savai’i
What’s the North Coast good for? Beaches, snorkelling, village life and turtles!
What to do there? Saleaula Lava Fields, Manase Beach and swimming with turtles, Dwarf’s Cave, Mt Matavanu, Mataolealelo Spring, Peapea Cave and more – see 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.
Where to eat? Vailili Restaurant and Leilina’s Pizzeria @ Le Lagoto, Beach Bar & Restaurant @ Stevensons, and Barefoot Bar & Restaurant – see 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.
The Best Resorts on the North Coast of Savai’i
- Le Lagoto Resort – Upscale boutique resort ideal for couples
- Savaii Lagoon Resort – Self-catering bungalows ideal for families
- Stevensons on Manase – Unique fale designs and ensuite units on the beach
- Bayview Resort – Half open half closed units among lava fields
More on these resorts can be found in the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i.
The Best Beach Fales on the North Coast of Savai’i
- Tanu Beach Fales – Traditional fales with sleeping layouts for solo travellers to families
- Jane’s Beach Fales – Enclosed and colourful fales and ensuite units
- Tailua Beach Fales – Alternative fale design with raised beds and a private deck
Learn more about these fales in the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i.
Savai’i Accommodation in Asau, Vaisala, Falealupo and the Northwest Coast
At the laidback and remote northwest point of Savai’i lies a number of budget yet endearing accommodations. Stay on the sands of what is often described as Savai’i’s most scenic beach, Falealupo, close to historical sites like star mounds and church remains. In the neighbouring Vaisala and Asau Bays are a couple of more developed accommodations with fully enclosed units, restaurants and authentic Savai’ian hospitality. This is an excellent side of Savai’i to experience village life.
More About Staying on the Northwest Coast of Savai’i
What’s the Northwest Coast good for? Seclusion, beaches and historical sites.
What to do there? Koko Plantation Tour, Laauoleola Cave Tour, Falealupo Beach, Cape Mulinuu, fishing, snorkelling and more – see 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.
Where to eat? Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge and Vaisala Hotel – see 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.
The Best Hotels on Savai’i’s Northwest Coast
- Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge – Ensuite family units, beachfront units and beach fales with a restaurant and cultural activities
- Vaisala Hotel – Humble budget hotel on Vaisala Beach
Learn more about the accommodations above in the 5 Best Hotels on Savai’i and 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i.
The Best Beach Fales in Falealupo and the Northwest Coast
- Falealupo Beach Fales – Popular fales on white sands with snorkelling and island tours
- Seeti Beach Fales – Smaller fale operation on the white sands of Falealupo Beach with family hospitality
Again, more details on these fales can be found in the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i.
Savai’i Accommodation on the South Coast
This final stretch of Savai’i encapsulates both the south and southwest coast, also known as the Sunset and Surf Coasts. Villages are a lot more scattered on this ruggedly beautiful side of Savai’i famous for its blowholes and waterfalls. There are very few accommodations here, but the lack of choice is more than made up by charming homestay-style stays and a popular surf lodge.
More About Staying on the South Coast of Savai’i
What’s the South Coast good for? Seclusion, surfing, village life, waterfalls and rugged scenery.
What to do there? Alofaaga Blowholes, Mu Pagoa Waterfall, Afu Aau Waterfall, Siapo Demonstration, Tafua Rainforest Reserve, Lovers Leap and more – see 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.
Where to eat? Satuiatua Beach Resort.
The Best Lodges on the South Coast of Savai’i
- Aganoa Lodge – All-inclusive surf lodge with upscale fale units
- Florence’s Place – B&B stay on a village plantation
Find out more about these accommodations in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations on Savai’i.
The Best Beach Fales on the South Coast of Savai’i
- Satuiatua Beach Resort – Traditional beach fales with a restaurant
Take a look at the listing for Satuiatua in the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i.
The Best Accommodation on Savai’i: Accommodation Categories
By now, you’ve probably realised that Savai’i has accommodations appealing to all types of travellers and that here, at Samoa Pocket Guide, we’ve ranked all the best! Browse Savai’i accommodation by category using the following links:
- 10 Best Resorts
- 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations
- 5 Best Hotels
- 10 Best Boutique Accommodations
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations
- 5 Best Luxury Accommodations
- 10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations
- 10 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations
Plan more of your trip according to different travel styles using The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i.
More About Where to Stay on Savai’i + The Best Savai’i Accommodations
Woah! Well done for making it this far in our guide to the best Savai’i accommodations. By now, you probably have a good idea of where to stay on Savai’i, so plan the rest of your trip with these guides:
- The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i
- The Food Guide to Savai’i: Places to Eat & Food Tours
- Samoa Travel Tips: 30 Tips for Travelling in Samoa
Finally, if you’re still unsure where to stay, go back to square one with our guide, Where to Stay in Samoa: The 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.