Dave Parker's Eco Lodge

Coming up the mountainside after arriving by sea was such a relief. It was cooler, close to nature and away from the bustle. Just below the hotel there’s a lovely cool waterfall, and the two hotel dogs showed us the way. We’d traveled around Samoa and stayed at five hotels, but none matched David Parker Ego lodge for cleanliness, location or service. It has an atmosphere that’s hard to find. Lolita, who runs the place, is amazing. She looked after every guest with so much kindness, and we felt at home quickly. We came back several times during our stay for that extra bit of comfort. The rooms are simply furnished, each with a balcony looking across a lush valley to the sea. The whole property was extremely well kept. There was a sweet bird that looked like a Kiwi bird wandering around, though I never saw the gardeners I assumed must be there. We always chose to eat on the shared terrace, where the food was good and the view beautiful from morning through evening. Breakfast could be eggs, pancakes or a smoothie, all with home-grown fruit, and we could choose to eat in our room or on the terrace. It was calm and pleasant out there. We were also welcome to help prepare Sunday lunch, made in a truly authentic Samoan way. It was incredibly good, and all the staff were very nice. Mornings began with coffee or tea and the valley waking up. Birds moved along the balcony below, and it felt like flying with them. At night we could hear geckos and crickets and watch fruit bats down in the valley as darkness came. Such a peaceful place.

I really enjoyed staying here. The hotel is up in the mountains above Apia, with an amazing view out from the jungle. The staff were nice, and the restaurant food was really good.

Lolita and her team work hard to make you feel at home. Thanks to her suggestions, I saw a lot of Samoa and learned about its history and culture, and now I have plenty of reasons to return. For a first visit to Samoa, Dave Parker Eco Lodge is a great place to stay. It’s just outside Apia in a beautiful spot, with an amazing lookout over the city and ocean. Having dinner or coffee on the big veranda with that view is lovely, and you can also sit outside your room and enjoy the sights and sounds. The gardens and hotel are well kept, the rooms are clean, and the food is good.

A quiet, simple and cosy place, with a lovely view and great birdwatching. Lolita is a very caring host. She got up to welcome us and see us off, making sure things went smoothly for our very early flights. There’s a free shuttle to town at 8:30am and back at 3:30pm every day, which I thought was wonderful.