Schafer family of 9 before they set sail on their South Pacific family adventure
Founders of the travel agency Cheap Tickets Canada.com and Brigham Young University alumni who live near Victoria, British Columbia are on a yearlong adventure to the South Pacific for the entire year 2013! The best thing about it is that Samoa is on their list of destinations.
The wonderful and fascinating Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel after the award ceremony
Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel, the Honorary Consul of France in Samoa, who is also co-founder and Managing Director of Polynesian Xplorer and the General Manager of Virgin Cove Resort ,was awarded and decorated with the high ranking President of the Republic of France award “Ordre national du Me`rite (National Ordre of Merit), for distinguished services to France. This making her one of the the 30,000 officer of the order.
The special ceremony was held at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum on Thursday, 30th of May, 2013 and blessed by Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga. The prestigious President of France Award, was presented by His Excellency Francis Etienne, Ambassador of France to Samoa. Continue reading
Just a short 15 minute boat ride from popular Lalomanu lies the picturesque and peaceful island of Namu’a where you can experience authentic Samoan living at it simplest. There is no electricity on the island so at night the gentle light of oil lamps and candles combined with the lapping of the lagoon’s tranquil waters on the sand and the rustle of palms swaying in the breeze create the ideal atmosphere in which to relax and simply be.
During a recent visit to Samoa I was lucky to accompany a friend who selected Namu’a as the ideal place for her niece to celebrate her 16th birthday. Her choice turned out to be perfect for this special day with many surprises in store for us – a Fautasi (Samoan longboat) rowed by 40 local village men welcomed us on arrival to catch some last minute coaching tips from skipper Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel; a visit by a rather large turtle– there are many to be seen in the marine sanctuary that surrounds the island; and an impromptu serenade over lunch from our hostess, Sala.
As pictures tell far more than words, let this video of our experience better whet your appetite for the chance to realize your dreams of the perfect piece of Pacific paradise!
Polynesian Xplorer now has an exclusive contract to market the 11 beach fales on the island which is perfect for young families as well as couples. For more information on pricing (breakfast, dinner and transport are included in the sale price), availability and to book your memorable stay, please visit:
http://www.samoaaccommodation.co/Accommodation/Namua-Island-Beach-Fales-Aleipata-Upolu-Island
Prices quoted there are per couple, per night.
The Mangrove Garden, which opened in May 2011, provides a unique alternative to the traditional Samoan Beach Fale. Nestled under the shade of two enormous Pula trees and tucked in behind the mangroves, this enchanting garden provides a shady setting for a meal or a magical place to stay overnight. The Garden is located on the banks of a river where it drains into the lagoon at Saanapu-Tai on the south coast of Upolu.
The accommodation currently comprises three Fales nestled under shady trees along the river and one original treehouse. Four more Fales and a riverside deck and bar are soon to be constructed.
All room rates for the Fales include breakfast and dinner.
Inside Mangrove Fale
The Restaurant (available to guests and non-guests for lunch and dinner) offers a variety of international and national food at affordable prices (fresh seafood caught in adjacent lagoon, steaks from cattle raised in Samoa, chicken and pork)
Restaurant, Mangrove Garden
Our specialty is preparation of the Umu – a variety of Samoan foods (fish, pork, taro, breadfruit, palasami) prepared on an open oven. Polynesian Xplorer is pleased to offer its Samoan To’onai Xperience – Sunday Samoan Lunch – here. For rates and departure times contact Polynesian Xplorer: res@polynesianxplorer.com
Umu Feast, Mangrove Gardens
Mangrove Gardens provides a perfect base from which to experience Samoan village life in this part of Upolu. Activities include walking tours in the mangroves. Swimming & snorkeling on nearby pristine beaches; paddling local outrigger-canoes (pao pao) or enjoying the dances performed by local community members.
Mangrove Xplorations in a Pao Pao
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