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Young boy at a festival, ApiaSamoaSubmit to the languid charm of Samoa and youmay never, ever want to leave. Another enthrallingcombination of blinding white beaches, lushvegetation, extinct volcanic craters and plungingwaterfalls, Samoa is spectacularly beautiful and afascinating place to explore Polynesian history andculture. Traditional customs and values areparticularly strong here and visitors are warmlywelcomed to engage in special events andcelebrations. ‘Easy-going, merry and leisure-loving’is how Robert Louis Stevenson described thelocals in the 19th century, and not much haschanged since. Time seems to pass more slowlyhere and it is a great place to just sit back and takestock. The two principal islands of Upolu andSavai’i are scattered with areas of tremendousnatural beauty from dramatic mountains andpristine beaches to stunning sea cliffs, idyllicswimming holes and striking lava flows justwaiting to be explored.Upolu & ApiaUpolu is Samoa’s second largest and mostpopulated island, home to the bustling butlaid-back capital of Apia. The gentle coastal roadwinds around glorious bays and beaches to sleepylittle villages each of which is structured around avillage church and central malae, or green, makingthe communal way of life easy to observe.The north coast is rocky and wild, while the southcoast offers a series of white-sand beaches. Inland,the mountainous interior shelters tumbling fallsand incredible tropical vegetation. Renting a carand exploring the island is a great way to discoverits charms. Driving the Cross Island Road revealsmany of Upolu’s highlights including Villa Vailima,Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home just southof Apia, Papapapai Tai Falls, a spectacular cascadeplunging 150 metres, and O Le Pupu-Pu’eNational Park with its glorious hiking trails and lavatubes. You can also visit Mount Vaea, the burialplace of Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as oneof only seven Baha’i temples in the world.Along the south coast waterfalls and naturalswimming holes are the main draw, along withthe stunning Lalomanu Beach. Apia itself is alsowell worth exploring and the food and craftmarkets are great places to people-watch or pickup local delicacies.Sinalei Reef Resort, UpoluSinalei Reef Resort, UpoluThe island’s foremost resort, Sinalei Reef Resortoffers a range of accommodation from simpleguest rooms through to superb beachside suites.Complemented by lush gardens, a simply styledover-water restaurant serving high quality cuisine,white-sand beaches and a refreshing swimmingpool, the resort offers impeccable service andevery comfort you could imagine. The watersportscentre offers diving, snorkelling and surfing whilethere are also tennis courts and numerous localexcursions available.Villa Vailima, Upolu82Collecting coconuts, Samoa