Earlier this month Newshub Travel pondered the question of where we should choose to travel once borders open: An old favourite, to visit family, or somewhere new.
If you are keen on something new, these five new Samoan retreats could be exactly what you are looking for.
Samoa tourism PR talks of its "crystal clear turquoise waters, stunning waterholes, lush rainforest trails and pristine reefs that abound with marine life" and it's hard to disagree with any of that.
Like Tahiti, Rarotonga and Fiji, Samoa can be an ideal holiday destination for families, couples and adventure seekers.
The island nation is hoping to welcome back foreign visitors in early 2022 after closing its borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic so for Kiwis keen to travel there, it's time to start thinking about the itinerary.
These five brand-new luxury stays have recently opened in Samoa, from waterfront villas to shady bungalows on private beaches.
Taumeasina Island Resort, Upolu
Located 45 minutes from the Faleolo International Airport and five minutes from Samoa's capital city, Apia, is this new four-and-a-half star resort.
Situated on its own private island, Taumeasina offers secluded and exclusive accommodation with newly built luxury units including waterfront ocean views overlooking the lagoon and sprawling mountains.
The resort promises customers "serene tranquility" with uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from their room's balcony.
Guests are also offered activities including snorkelling and kayaking as well as access to two large swimming pools. There is also a Fia Fia evening, where guests are invited to immerse themselves in dance, song, music, food and a unique fire and knife display.
Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Upolu
Located on the eastern side of Upolu is the four-star luxury resort of Saletoga Sands with poolside verandas overlooking a blue lagoon and outdoor canopies shaded by palm trees.
Saletoga Sands features 15 villas with private outdoor showers only a few steps from the ocean.
Cocktails and fresh local seafood are available at the resort's restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and FiaFia Buffet with chefs providing local Samoan specialties as well as international cuisines.
Kuki's by the Harbour, Savai'i
Located by the Salelologa Harbour in Savai'i, Kuki's features four self-contained, fully furnished villas, each with a large top deck and a lower deck that sits right over the ocean.
Guests can take part in the resort's activities like a refreshing dip in the Afu Aau waterfall a short drive from the resort, enjoy long walks to the Salelologa Wharf watching the sunset, or sip a glass of wine with a New Zealand sirloin steak dinner at Kuki's Harbourside Cafe.
Local cuisine is offered with the traditional Samoan breakfast Palolo.
Return to Paradise Resort, Lefaga
Awarded the 2021 Traveller's Choice Award by Tripadvisor, Return to Paradise Resort was named after the 1953 film of the same name and hopes to transport customers to a world of Hollywood glamour.
It's obvious why the resort's beach caught the eye of film location scouts and it has been beautifully preserved more than 67 years later.
Located on the main island of Apia, there are seven different categories of rooms to choose from, including beachfront suites and honeymoon suites for private luxury and relaxation.
The resort is 100 percent locally owned and operated, with over 60 villas available overlooking
the stunning coral reefs, lagoons and forest canopies that surround the resort.
Activities include kayaking, reef fishing and a waterfall tour.
The resort also has a day spa and a kitchen with locally caught seafood.
Amoa Resort, Savai'i
Nestled in a relaxing seaside village on the big island of Savai'i, Amoa Resort promises guests the chance to bask in the tranquility of Samoa with 15 intimate bungalows and villas.
Offering three types of self-contained accommodation options, customers can opt for some poolside living or large deluxe bungalows for a bit more privacy. Amoa offers nothing short of a culinary adventure, with the freshest seafood and sweetest fruit, all locally grown in surrounding areas, helping to support the local farmers.
The resort's restaurant's menu has been co-designed by award winning chef Joe Lam of Scalinis Restaurant Apia.
