Faofao Beach Fales

The kids playing in the water were such a wholesome sight, and dinner was huge. One plate could easily feed three people. We felt right at home thanks to hosts who were absolute legends. Staying here was pretty much the peak Samoa experience for us, and we had a fale-tastic time with the whole fale-mily.

The beach is so clean, the water is crystal clear, and there are plenty of fish. Snorkelling was okay a little farther out, where the coral is slowly coming back, and they can lend you snorkels. Walk west along the shore for a full view of the sunset. The dinner hut bar opens earlier in the evening, so you can grab a drink and sit on the beach. Breakfast and dinner were delicious, and dinner cost 35WST per person per night, which felt worth it for the generous servings. The owners and staff were welcoming and looked after us well. The authentic beach fales were comfortable, and the shared facilities were really good. We stayed two nights, though a week would have been easy. After driving around the whole island, this was one of the best spots and nicest beaches we found.

Breakfast came with the stay and was delicious, home-cooked by the owners. The bathrooms were in good shape, the fales were clean, and the staff were very friendly. There’s a power outlet in the eating area for charging your phone and things. These are exactly as advertised, little wooden shacks by the beach, so don’t expect a hotel room. Still, waking up to the ocean and having a private beach was hard to beat.

The family running the place are really friendly, and the food was delicious. You’re only a few steps from the ocean, which feels like a little paradise. The waves can get loud at night, so light sleepers might have trouble. We had good weather, but I’m not sure how comfortable it would be in heavy rain.