Samoa Beach Fale: a million dollar view without the price tag

Samoa Beach Fale: a million dollar view without the price tag

Samoa Beach Fale may be rustic, but the views can't be beat

Samoa doesn't have much in the way of luxury accommodation. Aside from a host of three-star resorts spread across the two main islands and a motley collection of motels and lodges in Apia, there's only the Samoa Beach Fale left to choose from.

At first impressions they may seem a bit basic, but scratch the surface and you will find beauty and tranquility on par with the most luxurious resorts.

For those unfamiliar with this charming offering, a Samoa Beach Fale is essentially a small wallless wooden hut on stilts with wooden floors and a thatched roof. Palm leaf blinds can be drawn down to provide protection and privacy, but other than that they are fairly open.

Oh, and I should probably mention that they're usually located over the most pristine turquoise waters and bright white sand beaches you'll ever see!

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Inside they are pretty simple. There is usually a thin mattress, a pillow and a mosquito net. In the more “modern” establishments you may have electric lights - otherwise a solar lamp, a flashlight or even just a candle is your only source of light in the evening.

Basically a slight step up from camping: pretty rustic, but the setting is as stunning as the best luxury resorts. In fact, at Regina’s Beach Fale on Savai’i, the tide was coming up right around the bottom of our patio. In the afternoon I sat reading while the water washed over my feet, just like in a luxurious overwater bureau.

It's really a brilliant idea. Samoa is the hottest country we've ever stayed in, and stuffy hotel rooms with tired ceiling fans slowly circulating hot air are the norm. It's still scorching hot on the coast, but there's usually a light breeze.

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Fale offers the best of both worlds, offering million dollar views and direct beach access while keeping you cool.

Staying in a beachfront property won't break the bank either. Most establishments include two meals in the price - usually breakfast and dinner. We've found that thanks to the generous portions at mealtimes, we rarely need much more than a snack between meals to keep us going.

Per night, including two meals, would normally be between $60 and $80 per night. £30 for food and accommodation for two people is pretty impressive, no matter what your budget is.

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It's nice to see that Samoa has remained true to its culture and preserved its traditional architecture, unlike other Pacific islands that have allowed luxury resorts and club-med establishments to permeate their landscapes to cater to foreign demand and dollars.

Samoa, in keeping with its national psyche, has proudly said no and preserved its heritage.

Kia and I have stayed in some amazingly luxurious places on assignment. When we arrived at our first beach fale, I turned to her and realized that some people pay hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars for a view like this.

We smiled smugly and went swimming.

Lonely Planet South Pacific contains a comprehensive travel guide to Samoa, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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