Hotel Review: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

Situated on an exclusive artificial island just outside the capital Apia, Taumeasina Island Resort boasts breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic mountains of Upolu.  The resort opened in July 2016 and is named after The Legend of Sina. The myth of Sina and the Eel tells the tale of how the first coconut tree came to the islands.

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A grand lobby leads to the swimming pool and peppered around are coconut palm trees and pretty tropical plants which makes for a good first impression.

Who for

For anyone wanting to be near the capital but still enjoy all the facilities of a resort hotel.  It is also extremely popular for weddings and conferences. Many come here to get married or just to renew their vows in romantic surroundings.

Accommodation

There are 80 beautifully appointed ocean view rooms and a mix of 25 fully self-contained two and three bedroom waterfront villas located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the pool. The villas are surrounded by tropical greenery, with private balconies overlooking the lagoon and Upolu mountains which makes a wonderful backdrop to the sounds of the sea lapping onto the sand.

Taumeasina Island Resort bedroom, Samoa

The design of the hotel has been sensitive to the environment and reflects the Samoan culture with the resort actively promoting sustainable tourism and aiming to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Food and Drink

There are three restaurants from fine dining to all day snacks and can enjoy locally inspired cocktails at one of the resorts’s stylish bars. Sina’s Restaurant offers views of the ocean and the Samoan sunset whilst Lapita’s Restaurant (the main restaurant) brings you live entertainment every night and seasonally inspired menus. The latter offers a more casual dining experience with a particularly good cooked breakfast or try out Samoan cuisine a fusion of Asian, Polynesian and Western gastronomy.

A FiaFia night is held weekly at Lapita’s and is not to be missed. A FiaFia night is a cultural evening showcasing Samoan dances and songs along with a buffet of Samoan cuisine and culminating in a thrilling fire knife dance.

Facilities

Along with a large, fresh water swimming pool that stays open till 10pm and its own private beach the resort has an array of activities including a water sports pavilion, tennis court (the only resort with a tennis court in Samoa) and a children’s playground to cooking classes.

There is also a Spa and Fitness Centre complete with signature treatments using locally sourced products. For those that like a daily run there is an outdoor circuit with gym equipment stationed around the island.

Taumeasina Island Resort, free kayak rental

A plus is that Taumeasina Island Resort is the only resort in the the Apia area that has free kayaks, catamarans and snorkelling gear available to guests. If the weather is on your side you can take a catamaran out to popular snorkelling site Palolo deep.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, it’s free throughout

Price

Booking.com

What’s nearby?

Taumeasina Island Resort is the only island resort in Apia and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The resort is located 45 minute drive from Faleolo International Airport (APW) and a 5 minute drive from the capital city Apia.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (the author’s former home and burial site) is well worth a visit.

With a population of around 37,000 Apia is a vibrant, busy town and you can join the locals celebrating mass in the catholic cathedral or get a taste of local life in Fugalei market, the city’s produce market. Nearby Vaiala Beach offers excellent snorkelling and swimming.