Samoa Beach Resort

At 2,800 a night, I expected much more. The room smells strongly of mold whenever you enter, the food is poor quality and crowded, and the line isn’t worth it. Staff were rude and unhelpful. It’s wildly overpriced, and I’d avoid staying here unless you want to regret it.

There was plenty to keep families busy, and the entertainment was top-notch. I found the beds a bit hard, though my husband really liked them.

Our 12-year-old had a blast at the kids club and with all the activities, while the 3- and 1-year-olds loved the pools and beach. The kids’ room downstairs was a nice feature too. We had a two-bedroom apartment with a sea view and private pool, and the beach area and activities were highlights. The food was only okay, though. Every other day it was good, but on the off days the beef was really tough. Still, we had a great trip and would return and recommend it.

The beach access and natural setting are the resort’s best assets. The warm, shallow water is family-friendly, and you can swim out to beautiful coral reefs, so bring water shoes. The pool layout works well, with shallow and deep areas, and food and drinks are conveniently served there. Buffet meals offered good variety, and the king beds were comfortable with effective AC. Kayaks and SUPs were free to rent. Our stay also had some real drawbacks. We had to switch rooms because of cleanliness, and both rooms showed wear, including rust, leaks, and mold in the corners. Soundproofing was poor, so evening entertainment could be heard clearly until 10 PM. There wasn’t much to dry wet clothes on, and room cleaning was inconsistent. For the premium price, the dated rooms and maintenance problems were disappointing. Breakfast and dinner had a good selection, including vegetarian and kid-friendly options. Drinks cost a lot, though that’s in line with resort prices. Staff had a relaxed Brazilian approach to timing, especially with water sports equipment, which added to the laid-back feel. It’s a decent resort with a great location and amenities, but the room condition makes it feel overpriced. There may be better value elsewhere nearby.