The Best Place to Stay in Apia, Samoa | Taumeasina Island Resort

If you’re looking for somewhere extra special to stay in Samoa - somewhere luxurious, relaxing, and incredibly family-friendly - look no further than Taumeasina Island Resort. Just a 5-minute drive from the heart of Apia, this dreamy resort sits on its very own private island and was the perfect base for our very first overseas holiday as a family of four.

First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt like a warm Samoan embrace. We loved the modern and spacious reception area and were warmly greeted by the lovely staff with flower necklaces and a refreshing tropical welcome drink. 

It was such a nice way to be introduced to the island vibes - and my daughter was absolutely thrilled with her flowers! We were then shown to our villa and given a helpful overview of the resort’s amenities and daily activities.

The Room

We stayed for four nights in a spacious two-bedroom self-contained villa with a stunning water view – and it had absolutely everything we needed for a comfortable family stay. There was a separate lounge with a TV, a full kitchen with cooking facilities, a washing machine (a huge bonus when travelling with kids!), and even drinkable tap water - something we really appreciated.

The two large bedrooms were airy and inviting, each with a king-sized bed, wardrobe, and plush dressing gowns. A cot was already set up for our 8-month-old, and our 3-year-old was thrilled to have her own space.

We also had a private balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the lagoon and Upolu mountains – the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks as the sun went down.

Beyond the Room

The resort itself is simply stunning - lush tropical gardens, swaying palm trees, panoramic ocean views, and an atmosphere of total tranquillity.

At the heart of the resort are two beautiful swimming pools, including a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the beach. One pool features a shallow area, ideal for little ones. 

The kids also loved playing on the beach - the resort even has beach toys available to borrow, which was a lovely touch. (There’s also snorkelling gear available for guests - we didn’t get a chance to use it this time, but I’ve heard the snorkelling just off the beach is great).

There’s even an amazing playground, a small on-site convenience and souvenir shop, and a full activity schedule with options like weaving, cooking classes, games, and more. The tour desk is super helpful for booking off-site excursions, and there’s also a well-equipped gym, spa, and wellness centre for when you want to unwind.

We hired a wonderful babysitter through the resort twice - once for a daytime adventure to explore Apia, and again for a lunch date and some rare poolside relaxation. Knowing the kids were safe and happy while we enjoyed some grown-up time was such a luxury!

On our first night, we joined the resort’s Fia Fia cultural show during dinner. We were treated to a great performance of traditional Samoan dancing and singing - it was a vibrant and joyful experience, and a definite highlight. (Didn't get any good photos though).

The Food

We were really impressed by the food at Taumeasina. Each morning started with a grand buffet breakfast - a generous spread of hot cooked options, tropical fruits, pastries, pancakes, fresh juices, and great coffee.

We enjoyed poolside lunches, relaxed dinners at the onsite restaurant, and even room service when we felt like staying in. The food was consistently fresh, delicious, and plentiful - we often shared plates with the little ones, which worked perfectly for us.

There’s a great bar with daily happy hour specials, and I highly recommend ordering a fresh coconut and sipping it while lounging by the pool.

Incredible Staff

One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the incredible staff. Everyone we encountered was warm, helpful, and genuinely caring - always greeting us with a smile. But it was their love for our kids that really made our stay memorable. They doted on our baby, holding and playing with him constantly. By the end of our stay, they all wanted a photo with him! It made the whole experience feel so personal and special.

The Details

Hotel: Taumeasina Island Resort

Location: Matautu St, Apia, Samoa

Reviews: 4.4/5 stars on Trip Advisor (based on 2000+ reviews)

Price: Rooms start from around $400 NZD per night (depending on season and room type)

Final Thoughts

I honestly couldn’t recommend Taumeasina Island Resort more if you’re heading to Samoa. Whether you’re travelling with young kids, on a romantic couples’ escape, or planning a special trip with friends - this place ticks all the boxes. It’s relaxed and luxurious, modern yet rich in culture, and the hospitality is second to none.

We absolutely loved our villa, the food, the facilities, and most of all - the wonderful team that made our stay so memorable. 

Definitely add this resort to your Samoa must-stay list.

Feel free to follow along on our latest adventures on Instagram.

Happy Travels,

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family travel, Luxury Travel, Oceania, Reviews, Samoa