A look at the fascinating To Sua trench from afar
Located on the Southeast Coast of Upolu Island, Lotofaga is one of the villages that make up the Lotofaga Electoral Consistency together with Vavau’ and Matatufu who are all included in the political district of Atua. Having a population of 1,089 people it is the setting for Fuipisia and Sopoaga waterfalls and the To Sua Trench.
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 following post is reproduced – with permission – from the June 6th edition of the national newspaper, Samoa Observer. The quotes of Vaimasenu’u have been edited to more accurately reflect the words spoken in the interview.
Source: Samoa Observer, June 6th
Samoa is preparing for a momentous day tomorrow, where here in Apia’s Harbour, two large cruise ships will be docking on the same day. Two stately ‘princesses’; the elegant ‘Danae’ from Classic International Cruises, and the luxurious ‘Ocean Princess’ from Princess Cruises will be sailing into our harbor in the early morning.
We’re welcoming a number of French visitors to Samoa next week and they’ll be experiencing Manono. Thanks for sharing with your friends and don’t forget to visit and “like us” on our Polynesian Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/polynesianxplorer) Fa’afetai!!
Samoa celebrated World Wetlands Day, held on February 2nd every year, to celebrate the 1971 adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar. This year’s theme is “Wetlands, leisure and tourism – take a breath of fresh air“ to link to the International Year of Forests. Lake Lanoto’o is the first Ramsar Convention Wetland site in Samoa – a pale green crater lake at the center of the volcanic ridge on Upolu Island.
When our Co-Founder Vaimasanu’u Zita Martel called the principal of Aana #1 Secondary School, Mrs Sara Fui, that she has chosen her school to provide the cultural performance at Faleolo International Airport for the inaugural flight of Virgin Samoa, Mrs Fui had to ask again if she was sure she called the right school! The excited principal told Zita Martel that her school has never been invited to any official opening in the history of the school and are quite nervous as it’s such a huge occasion. To perform in front of the Prime Minister of the country and cabinet ministers, members of parliament, diplomatic corps and the top management of Virgin Samoa and 200 invited guests can be daunting for a school and their principal who have never performed in public before.
When you’re dodging traffic in the heart of bustling Apia, or sipping your morning latte in a smart coffee shop on the waterfront, it’s hard to imagine that in less than an hour you can be transported back in time to another, slower and infinitely more soothing time and tranquil place – the island of Manono. With no roads, no traffic, no horns blaring and no dogs barking, you can enjoy the rustle of a tropical breeze through the palms, the roar of the surf outside the lagoon, the giggle of children at play, or the melodies from choir practice emanating from a village church. A visit to Manono provides an opportunity to really feel the true spirit of Samoa by walking gently around the tiny island and meeting many of the residents who have farmed and fished from this jewel of an island for many generations. The following video was made by one of our guests – if you would like to have a similar experience, click here to make a reservation. Manono is a small, peaceful island and, as we want to keep it that way, places are limited.
In an event arranged by Polynesian Xplorer, the new Virgin Samoa’s aircraft named Tapu’itea landed in Samoa and was welcomed home after its inaugural flight on Friday. The Polynesian Xplorer team welcomed media and VIP guests with traditional Samoan lei’s and Aana #1 Secondary School students danced and sang on the tarmac to welcome the new craft.
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