SAVOUR SAMOA!

Only in town for a few days? Or have you been here for ages and want to try a few new experiences? Follow us and make your selection from here each week as we highlight some of our must visit spots in Samoa.

MONDAY
Head up to Home Café (7280736) on Cross Island Road, where you can read a copy of the ‘Samoa Observer’ or one of the other interesting magazines that are there for your reading pleasure. Get a great coffee from Frank, chat with Horace and maybe order breakfast and contemplate the day ahead.

You’re already on the way so continue up the hill, and head over to Siumu down the other side on the south coast and make your way to Coconuts Beach Club (24849) for a leisurely lunch. Take a left on the beach and stroll over to Sinalei Reef Resort (20285) and enjoy a long cold one (or two) at their famous jetty on the sea. Pause to wonder what everyone else is doing back in your home town! Take a dip in the fabulous Pacific as you head back along the beach to Coconuts and then point your vehicle back up and over the hill towards Apia.

It’s been a big day! Relax. You’re on island time.
TUESDAY

Rise and shine and get yourself along Beach Road to watch the famed Police band march to the Government building in the centre of town where photo opportunities abound. After the flag raising and the singing of Samoa’s national anthem, you will see the town slowly come to life as people head for work. Time for a pick me up.

Cappuccino Vineyard (22049) in the Gold Star arcade is a good option or try the newer, upmarket Milani’s (21819) across the way for your daily caffeine fix or a soothing smoothies of your choice.

Book a half day shopping and garden tour with Samoa Scenic Tours (26981) for the afternoon. The tour starts at the Flea Market where a variety of handicrafts are sold. Next stop is for fresh fruit and vegetables, a place with interesting sights and smells. Pacific Jewell is a new contemporary and cultural shop with exquisite handmade crafts and other gifts for the discerning shopper. Last is a stop at Agnes’s Garden where you will see a fantastic selection of planr4s and flowers.

Enjoys some light tropical refreshments here.

Best fire knife show? We know where. Siva Afi (26128) at 8.30pm. Make a booking and prepare to be thoroughly entertained at Matautu–tai opposite the marina.

WEDNESDAY
Check out A Touch of Samoa (8430034) and give yourself over to an hour of bliss. Soft ? medium? hard? They have the touch for you and all you have to do is just lie there and enjoy. After a cool glass of water, wander next door to their vegetarian café. Get rid of the rest of those toxins and enjoy a smoothie, a salad or just select from their menu.

Arm yourself with some water and spend the afternoon browsing in the shops around town. Pick up some lavalavas as gifts for family and friends, check out the shirts for the men or boys in your life and then complete your day by booking into Bistro Tatau (22727) for a wonderful dining experience to tell your friends about.

Try their renowned Palusami Ravioli or the Coconut Prawns with Pineapple Chilli Jam and see why these dishes are local favourites and permanent fixtures on the menu.

THURSDAY
How about an early morning walk along the seawall on Beach Road? With a light breeze and the beautiful Pacific rolling in, the town is not yet buzzing. Coffee or a smoothie and something to nibble on at Office Café (8444141) might be the answer after your morning exercise.

During the day, head up the hill on the Cross Island Road to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (20798). Prepare to be amazed with the beautifully restored Villa Vailma and take yourself back in time to life in the tropics as it was!

Wander through the Botanical Gardens and gaze up at Mt Vaea where the famous Scottish author was buried.

A different dining experience? Head to the hills of Tanumapua to the Orator Hotel (21936) and try a Korean BBQ Buffet night.

Later, relax around the pool area with a delicious cocktail of your choice.

FRIDAY
How about an early morning walk along the seawall on Beach Road? With a light breeze and the beautiful Pacific rolling in, the town is not yet buzzing. Coffee or a smoothie and something to nibble on at the Office Café.

Ready for a spot of swimming and snorkeling? Palolo Deep National Reserve is just around the corner from the wharf so grab your togs and towel and cool off. Stop off later at Scoops Restaurant (29700) and cool off with an icecream or snack.

TGIF! Try an amazing cocktail at Sheesha’s Cocktail Bar at Matautu. A few steps along from Sheeshas on the Shoreline Village is Portofino Restaurant (8472819) with a brand new menu plus old favourites.

SATURDAY
A must for locals and visitors. Try Alfredos (27706) supo povi for a great pick me up brunch on a Saturday morning. Simmered slowly until the beef is melt in your mouth, selected local vegetables and brimming with healthy goodness.

Ring 21488 and pay a visit to the Vanya Taulealo Art Gallery at Siusega in a beautiful garden setting. Browse and choose from the prints, paintings high quality handcrafts and jewellery. The perfect reminder of Samoa.

A great evening to rendezvous at Rendezvous Restaurant at Maluafou (21224).

Try the open garden area or go inside in air conditioned comfort, We love their starters like sashimi, oka and poke. Then choose from a wide range of dishes featuring the freshest local produce.

SUNDAY
If you’re up early, go to the Fish Market on Beach Road. There’s fresh uncooked and cooked food. Grab some samples and enjoy the early morning bustle as people get their Sunday lunch and their copy of the ‘Sunday Samoan’.

The perfect day to drive out to the east coast beaches at Lalomanu, hire a fale and enjoy a day at the beach. Sunscreen, bottled water and a chilly bin of cold beverages and food or book in at Taufua Beach Fales (41051) and enjoy their prepared to’onai (Sunday lunch).