Cuisine, Culture and Competitions at Samoa's Annual Festival

The Teuila Festival which started yesterday and is running until the 7 September is an annual celebration of Samoa’s unique and fascinating culture with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. Founded in 1991, the festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. www.teuilafestival.com

Each September, thousands pour into the capital city of Apia to witness the array of cultural displays that represent everything that is Samoan. The week long festival sees choir performances and dance competitions as well as the crowning of Miss Samoa. For a true taste of cultural Samoa, visitors can join the crowds in cheering on the teams at outrigger paddling regatta and witness the amazing skills of the Siva Afi fire knife dancers.

Culture vultures can take in the craft demonstrations such as wood carving, with carving competitions taking place everyday at the Samoa Cultural Village and participate in traditional weaving lessons. See the long-established art of tattooing the Samoan way, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation to create such distinctive warrior-like designs. Food lovers will also have the opportunity to sample the cuisine with food stalls serving up Samoa’s local specialities and a traditional Samoan barbecue on hand to feed the crowds.

On the last day, visitors are encouraged to come to the official prize giving ceremony to honour all those who have participated over the week, followed by the famous Alo Paopao celebration concert and beach party. For more information on Samoa and the Teuila Festival, visit www.samoa.travel.

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel

VISIT SAMOA THE ACTION CAPITAL OF THE PACIFIC THIS SUMMER AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER WARRIOR AT THE FIRST EVER SAMOA HALF IRON TRIATHLON ON 10 AUGUST 2013

Samoa is shaping up to become the Action Capital of the Pacific during the Southern Hemisphere winter months where sport-lovers can push themselves to the limit with a variety of sporting competitions, namely the inaugural ‘Samoa Half Iron Man’ Competition, on 10 August 2013 Samoa’s first long distance triathlon. Visitors are encouraged to get involved in all events and put their fitness levels to the test against the might of the Polynesians.

The Half Iron Man course runs across the main island of Upolu, a diverse landscape dotted with a lush green mountainous interior. Visitors are encouraged to come and find their inner warrior for the inaugural Samoa Half Iron triathlon. The 2km swim course will take place in Apia Harbour with the 90km ride passing through the villages to the east on the north coast of Upolu taking in some of the island’s most magnificent scenery. The 21km run is the final leg and takes in two circuits of the historic Apia Harbour. www.samoahalfironman.com

The event is the pinnacle of Samoa’s sporting summer calendar of ocean swims and multisport races. The Triathlon series is already well underway in Samoa with its fourth race taking place on 22 June 2013 providing a perfect warm up to the upcoming Samoa Half Iron Man. The Triathlon features both a long and sprint course, with the fifth race taking place on 20 July 2013 featuring an Olympic distance event with a 1km swim, 30km bike ride and a 4km run. In addition to the adult events, there is also the Tamatoa Kids Triathlon for budding athletes.

The Samoa Swim series 2013 is another perfect way to limber up muscles with some last minute training. The event runs from 31 July until 02 August 2013 and features three great swims in three days. Over this time, swimmers will cross the clear deep waters of the South Coast Tafatafa Lagoon, through the fish and coral at Falefa Falls with the final leg across the Mulivai Lagoon ending at Maninoa Beach. For experienced open water swimmers who still have the energy after the gruelling three days, there is the Pacific Open Water Challenge on 06-07 August 2013 with a 10km race around the Aggie Greys Resort Course on the first day followed by a gruelling 5km loop race around Apia Harbour on the second day.  www.swimseries.com

Find your inner warrior and come and test your strength against some of the best. For more information visit the events section on www.samoa.travel

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority

Tel: +44 208 877 4512

E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Interested in a Press Visit to experience the Samoa Half Iron Man yourself? Contact Samoa Tourism Authority's London Press Office for more information.

"Fish the Dream" at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa

Fishing Charters

SAMOA

Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa offers a range of Water Sports Activities to make your Holiday full of Fun and Adventure!!!

With the Pacific Ocean at your feet, explore an undiscovered haven for Game Fishing, Snorkeling and Surfing where conditions are second to none.

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa management were delighted to see the return of their game fishing boat, “Fish the Dream” recently. After several months of repair the 9 metre Catamaran and hydrofoil-blade runner is back in the water to do what it is best at… catching fish!!

The boat caters to 5-6 Anglers at a time and promises to live up to its name. Captain Tautua who hails from Saaga Beach is thrilled to be back at the helm of his much loved “Fish the Dream”. He adds a local twist to his fishing excursions by proclaiming his inherent connection to the Sea and knows like it like none other. Management supports Tautua’s claims, as he is yet to be proven wrong.

For more information please contact:

Samoa Tourism Authority, UK & Europe
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk

Visit: www.samoa.travel

New jewel for the treasured islands - Aga Reef Resort to open its doors March 2013

Samoa Tourism Authority is proud to announce the opening of Aga Reef Resort - the newest 4 star resort on the picturesque south coast of Upolu. Aga Reef Resort, the brain child of former Samoan Trade Commissioner to New Zealand, Apete Meredith, is the newest addition to Samoa’s stellar line up of deluxe beach front resorts and is expected to be one of the hottest beachfront properties amongst travellers to the islands.

Set along the beautiful Lalomanu Beach, recently included in Lonely Planet Top 10 Paradises on Earth, Aga Reef Resort has a private island which houses 3 island villas, a Sunset Bar for delicious sun downers as well as a swimming pool.

The island is connected to the mainland by an overwater walkway constructed carefully as to not disturb the beautiful coral clusters and marine life that feature in the waters surrounding the resort. Waterfront villas, Ocean View hotel rooms as well as the reception, main restaurant, bar, spa and the main swimming pool are located on the mainland section of the resort. The kitchen will be headed by Chef Kit Foe - an award winning chef from Wellington who plans to develop a seafood focused, European/Samoan fusion offering to delight Aga’s patrons.

“Many people naturally gravitate to the nation’s capital of Apia not realizing that the best beaches and waterfront resorts are found along south coast of Upolu,” says Samoa Tourism Authority. Aga Reef Resort joins Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, Seabreeze Resort and Coconuts Beach Club as one of the island’s signature boutique beach retreats.

Aga Reef Resort has released some amazing opening specials, visit www.agareefresort.com.

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority, UK & Europe
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel

Notes to editors:

Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific

The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails.

BE THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO GET MARRIED ON YOUR WEDDING DAY IN SAMOA

Samoa is the first country to see the dawn break and the islands of Samoa are fast becoming a popular wedding and honeymoon destination where early risers can be the first couple to get married on their wedding day.

Marriages in Samoa are legally recognised worldwide, with many of the hotels, resorts and tour operators offering wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators. Application forms for a marriage license must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia and this can be done through your local wedding coordinator.

Samoa is not short of churches for those looking for a religious wedding and formal service. For those looking to tie the knot in a more informal manner, Samoa has many striking beauty spots and breathtaking back drops including cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, uninhabited islands and sunset cruises. 

Newlyweds looking to plan a honeymoon can choose to stay in a honeymoon suite at a number of resorts on the pristine Lalomanu Beach. The location is perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to the beaches rich coral lagoons and boasts one of the best views in Samoa with Nu'utele Island in the distance and spectacular sunsets. Highlights include exploring the protected marine reserve or taking a guided walk to an extinct volcano crater to witness the army of flying foxes. 

There are many luxury hotels in Apia, Samoa’s capital, where newlyweds can pamper themselves with romantic couples’ spa treatments. Whilst in the capital, couples can explore the destination’s cultural heritage at the Museum of Samoa, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the Apia Fish Market. 

Those who like a little more adventure should hire a car and explore the different islands at their own pace. Activities range from swimming with turtles to the rainforest canopy walkway along a hanging bridge on the island of Savaii, to the Falease’ela River Walk through Samoa’s pristine natural environment or a scenic inland drive along the Le Mafa Pass on the island of Upolu. 

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:
Samoa Tourism Authority
Tel: +44 208 877 4512
E-mail: samoa@representationplus.co.uk
Visit: www.samoa.travel


Notes to editors:
Samoa: The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific
The islands of Samoa - The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific - are the true heart of Polynesia. Ten islands of stunning wild beauty, Samoa - or Independent Samoa as it is now known so as to avoid confusion with American Samoa, is paradise waiting to be explored. From powder soft beaches, to warm tropical seas, colourful coral reefs alive with marine life. The rugged, lush interiors reveal endless wildlife, waterfalls and hiking trails. 

Travel Package:
Samoa’s Seabreeze Resort has recently been chosen as one of the winners in the following categories, Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific and Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards. This private resort provides the ideal romantic getaway for honeymooners and those seeking luxury and intimacy without blowing the budget.  
Austravel has a 17 day holiday combining the Seabreeze Resort in Samoa with Auckland and Sydney from £2,995 per person.  The holiday includes return international and internal flights with Qantas and Air Pacific, three nights accommodation at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney, three nights at the Mercure Auckland hotel with an additional stop-over at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney again before going on to spend nine nights at the four star Seabreeze Resort in Samoa.  Price based on departures May 2013. For more information, visit www.austravel.com or call 0800 988 4834.

SEABREEZE RESORT IS HONOURED IN THE 2013 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE HOTELS AWARDS

"What a great day for an amazing location" as owners & staff celebrate, the luxurious Seabreeze Resort announced today that it was chosen as one of the  winners  in the following categories Top 10 Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific  Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travellers’ Choice® awards.

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers’ Choice winners.”

Seabreeze is no stranger to receiving awards and in 2012 Seabreeze was the overall winner of the New Zealand food & wine challenge.  With the focus on exquisite cuisine, personal service, and genuine Samoan hospitality, Seabreeze provides a standard of accommodation and services that makes this intimate resort more than another resort in Paradise, but one of the most sought after resorts for total exclusivity in Samoa!

Opened in July 2011 and hidden amongst coconut palms, this private resort provides the ideal romantic getaway for Honeymooners and those seeking luxury, intimacy and a place that is surpassed only by the beauty of its coastline & the genuine hospitality of its staff!

Owners of Seabreeze Chris & Wendy Booth say: “Today is a proud day for Seabreeze, this has been a team effort, & an awful lot of hard work by all of us.  With the exception of our head Chef every member of the staff have been hand trained here at Seabreeze, taking young villagers & turning them into trained professionals is a rewarding experience. It has created a feeling of belonging for all of us, with an exciting future ahead of us Seabreeze has some exciting new plans to unravel and with guests enthusiasm at a peak we are determined to continue to exceed the expectations of our guests.” 

Fall Hook, Line and Sinker for the Islands of Samoa

In the first week of May 2011, the islands of Samoa become the capital of the piscatorial event calendar as the 2011 Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament kicks off. Samoa will host a plethora of boats and over one hundred anglers from many different countries all competing for winning positions at the event which is one of the highlights of Samoa’s calendar year and a fascinating spectacle for visitors.

Passionate anglers will find plenty to rock their boat in Samoa including black and blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, giant trevally and masi masi. Visitors can join one of the professional fishing operators and charters based in Apia and head to sea for a few hours, or opt for an adventurous charter to a secluded destination or off the coast of one of Samoa’s ten islands for the day or even live aboard for a few nights to appreciate the views inland of Samoa’s stunning coastline and diverse terrain from the open water.

2011 offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Samoa, sure to impress even the most seasoned traveller. From swathes of tropical beaches on the South coast of Upolu to exhilarating volcano treks on the island of Savai’i, Samoa has something to offer for every visitor. The islands of Samoa are the perfect antidote to an adventure filled journey, make Samoa your choice of destination for the perfect honeymoon, family trip of a lifetime, or the pinnacle of a journey down under!