3 Awesome Samoa Beach Fales on the South Coast for under $100

Samoa lies halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. A true South Pacific paradise, life in these glorious islands is guided by fa’a, the traditional Samoan way of life. Today you can experience authentic Samoa by staying in one of the friendly family-run Samoa Beach Fales dotted along the stunning south coast of Upolu, Samoa’s main island.

Read on for 3 Awesome Samoan Fales

Type of Accommodation: Beach Fale | Traditional
Location: Lalomanu Beach | Upolu | Samoa
Price Range: Cabin/Hostel $ | Budget $$ | Mid-range $$$ | Luxury $$$$
Links are to: Booking.com for free cancellation and the Genius programme and Tripadvisor for guest reviews and booking options.

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What’s a Fale?

In Samoan, fale means building. Beach fales are usually run by a family and are built with thatched roofs; some with open sides while others are enclosed. They’re low-key, simple, very affordable and may just be a mattress on the floor of a thatched open fale. But what a unique experience falling asleep to the sound of the Pacific ocean.

“Awesome Fales with Picture Perfect Views’

If that’s a bit too much like camping then you can also choose a fale with walls and a bed. For less than US$100 per night fales are popular with adventurous travellers who want to meet the locals in amazing locations. Visitors come for the stunning beaches and stay for the friendly people.

When’s the Best time to Visit?

The wet and hot season is November to April
The dry season is May to October
Cyclone season is January to March
So the best time to visit is June to September when it’s not too hot or wet.

1. Taufua Beach Fales – Popular – 2.5 Stars $

Location: Lalomanu Beach on the south coast of Upolu Island
Best for: Open fales on stunning beach, weekly feasts and shows, friendly, popular
Book: Read Reviews and book at Tripadvisor

If you’re looking for a laidback beach holiday, that’s gentle on the wallet then Taufua Beach Fales is your perfect match. These colourful fales lie along Lalomanu Beach, the most beautiful beach in Samoa. This is low key and rustic with a lot of character! Solo travellers, groups, and families are all welcome.

You can choose an open sided fale, or if you want more privacy, one with walls. If you adore views then you’ll love the clifftop villas. At this friendly family hotel you’ll experience authentic island life and feel like part of the community.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the price and all the guests dine together, so you’ll meet travellers from around the world. This gives Taufua a genuine communal feel.

In the evenings, the locals put on a fiafia show of dancing and fun and, usually on a Sunday your hosts cook your food in an umu (underground oven).

“You haven’t experienced beachfront until you sleep in a beach fale.”

Pick your Fale

Closed Fale Ensuite Mountain View Aircon – up to 3 guests (2 kids) 3 twin beds
Closed Fale Ensuite Mountain View with Fan – up to 3 guests (2 kids) 3 twin beds
Beachfront Open Fale (Mattress on Floor) – up to 4 guests (2 kids) 4 futons
Beachfront Enclosed Fale – up to 3 guests (2 kids) 1 double bed, 1 twin bed
Enclosed Ensuite Beach Fale – up to 3 guests (2 kids) 1 double bed, 1 twin bed

Handy Tips

Free coffee and tea available
Airport shuttle (surcharge) – 1.5 hours from the international airport
Bring your own snorkelling gear
Beach fales have shared bathroom facilities – bring your own towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap and mirror
Fales are close to nature – expect bugs so bring your own mossie net if you can (theirs may have a few holes)
Breakfast and dinner included in room rates
Children welcome
Beds are a bit hard
There’s a bar but sometimes they don’t have alcohol to make cocktails
Vegetarians are catered for but remind the staff.

Upshot

If you are searching for a traditional South Pacific experience then Taufua Beach Fales is an amazing slice of paradise. Book at Tripadvisor.

Find an Affordable Flight with CheapOair:

2. Litia Sini Fales – Attention to Detail – 2.5 Stars $

Location: Lalomanu Beach
Best for: Delicious food (special diets catered for), Closed Fales right on the Beach with Balcony, Beds for up to 5 guests
Book: At booking.com for Litia Sini Fales

Litia Sini Fales offers a more upmarket experience. Litia Sini is highly rated on Trip Advisor and is also located on stunning Lalomanu Beach. Sitting above the sand these beach fales are private with walls, windows and ceiling fans for balmy evenings.

Relax on your balcony with a book (or cocktail) and enjoy the incredible ocean views. You’ll appreciate your friendly host’s attention to detail, with fresh towels and flowers delivered to your fale every morning. You’re a short walk away from the two blocks of clean shared bathroom facilities with no waiting times.

“The food is out of this world. Fresh and different breakfasts and dinners everyday!”

Breakfast and evening meals are included in the price of your fale and everyone raves about the delicious food at Litia Sini. The friendly chef can prepare gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Check with the staff if you have any other specific dietary requirements. Food is a tasty mix of local and European cuisine.

“The water is crystal clear for some excellent snorkelling.”

When you’re not relaxing it’s time to experience some excellent snorkelling just beyond your fale. The snorkelling gear is free to use. The beach-side Cool Bar serves divine cocktails and a couple of nights a week a traditional show is put on by the locals. You can book a tour with your hosts to visit local villages and markets, feed the turtles and climb a volcano.