Photo of the Day – Savaii, Samoa
A room with a view - Samoan beach fale at Manase Beach, Savaii
Savaii is not just the largest of the Samoan Islands, it’s the largest island in Polynesia outside Hawaii and New Zealand. But don’t let the size of Savaii fool you, there are few signs of modern life on this unspoiled island consisting primarily of small villages. Tourist facilities are limited compared to most South Pacific islands but if you’re looking for budget accommodations you’re in luck. Samoan beach fales are traditional thatch huts scattered all along the coast and usually in the most scenic locations. Options range from the very basic (like the one above which is open for anyone to use) to small collections of fales offering access to shared bathroom and restaurant facilities starting around $20 a day. If you choose one of the open fales, expect a friendly and inquisitive visit from the local villagers. While I loved the views from the beachfront fales, I’m kind of attached to indoor plumbing so I chose a bungalow for my stay on Savaii.
