I just got this wild idea about going to Samoa. I am looking for a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery and friendly people. We also like to be close to a town so we can stroll, dine in, etc. Can anyone coment please? BTW we have been to Nadi Fiji and loved it there so how does it compare to Samoa/ Thank you. Larry

I have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific, have been to Samoa several times and IMO if you want the real deal South Pacific experience go to Samoa. Apia was considered before an International Airport was built at Nadi. As a result Fiji became very accesible, consequently tourism, luxury resorts and all types of accommodations flourished. Samoa did not become a major tourist attraction and remained very much a SP paradise. The stuff that Michener, Maugham and Stevenson wrote about. It is still very much like that. Hot, laid back, friendly and religious. That doesn't mean there are no decent places to stay. Aggie Greys is a South Pacific icon and ther are many village type accommodations that give you the local experience. A short plane ride away is American Samoa. More Volcanic than Samoa, initially a culture shock and very much a step back in time. Don't miss it.

If you are going tro stay at Aggie Grey's in Samoa, remember that there are two. There is Agie Grey's hotel in Apia and there is Aggie Grey's resort about 45 minutes from the airport.

Our neighbours recently spent a week at the latter and raved over it. Good pool, nice beach, friendly people. (Service in the resort on "island time" though). Even though they stayed at a resort the rest of their visit was very much in with the locals as Samoa has not (as yet) been totally touristified.

The resort rates better than the hotel as far as accomodation standards.

Excellent info. Thank you. BTW are there lizards of any size or shape there? I know thats an unusual question but my wife has a bit of a phobia about them. Thanks again. Larry

Not sure about Lizards ( I may have seen very tiny ones, nothing to be scared about!) however it is famous for its Green Turtles. Other highlights include Robert Louis Stevenson's house "Vailima", the markets and trips around the Island. While the new Aggie Greys is an excellent resort, the old Aggie Greys is in a very central location in Apia and a short walk to most things. Brando, Wayne, Michener etc. have all stayed there and it has fales named after them. The restaurant scene is not all that great and you probably find yourself eating at the hotel most times. The "umu" is the traditional method of cooking. Anyway I have to do a business trip in November and I will checkout the Lizards, but the friendliness of the people would more than compensate for any other inconveniences.

Thank you sir. That would b much appreciated. As for lizards, even the small ones my wife is phobic about t his. I remember how she oaverreacted when a tiny gecko walked on her toe in Aruba. Irrational, yes but of course it fits the definition. I would really like to fell the real So. Pac. too so I hope it works out. Cheers, Larry