Taumeasin A Celebrity Hotspot

It’s busier than ever at Samoa’s luxury hotel, Taumeasina Island Resort. During the country’s closed borders, Taumeasina got to work on expanding their already impressive array of accommodation options to include executive and spacious family apartments in a new wing.

“What an amazing time we have been having since our borders opened on the first August 2022,” general manager Nathan Bucknall said.

“We’ve worked hard to keep our staff employed by staying open during the border closures and to offer our local guests a night out, a day by the pool or a weekend away from home.”

Since the borders reopened, the Resort has been busy with mainly Australian, Kiwi and American Samoan visitors.

But they’ve also had a few celebrities.

“We have been welcoming back family and friends from around the world, and it has been a touching time for all of us here at Taumeasina Island Resort,” Nathan said.

Taumeasina has always attracted famous exports of the country, from Rugby League and Union legends to movie stars, world leaders and boxing stars.

“We were fortunate to have been visited by hit TV series Riverdale’s KJ Apa, who hails from the village Moata’a where the beautiful Taumeasina Island Resort is located,” Nathan said.

“KJ was accompanied by his girlfriend, baby and family, as well as co-star Charles Melton. What an honour it was to have them staying with us.”

Former heavyweight boxing champion Joseph Parker and his family also returned to the Resort along with the Governor- General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro, who was in Samoa to help celebrate the country’s 60th Independence and the beginning of the Teuila Festival.

Another well-known sports star and repeat visitor of Taumeasina, Sir Michael Jones shared his thoughts of Samoa and why he keeps coming back.

1. What would you recommend as the must see tourist attraction in Samoa for first time visitors?

Robert Louis Stevenson homestead and Gravesite, a wonderful celebration of the famed Scottish writer affectionately named Tusitala (teller of stories) by Samoans, and connection between old Samoa and colonial times, plus worth the walk to view a panoramic vista of Apia and the surrounding districts. There are so many stunning natural beauty spots, so to do something different like visit a historical site (museum) and tramp up Mt Vaea to read the inscription on RLS’s grave and enjoy the view, is a must.

2. Favourite Samoan food dish?

Palusami (onions, coconut cream in taro leaves cooked in earth oven the traditional way-Umu) and taro.

3. What’s your favourite memory of Samoa?

Swimming at Taumeasina island and playing rugby on the beach which now sits beyond the Taumeasina Resort’s front pool as a young boy with cousins and local village boys.

4. Why should people come to Samoa over other Pacific Islands?

I am biased but I feel Samoa has one of the most authentic and vibrant cultural offerings and offers experiences that reflect and embody the true Polynesia, both ancient and contemporary.

5. You’ve been to Taumeasina Island Resort so many times. Why?

It showcases the beauty of Taumeasina island and the wonderful backdrop of the Upolu mountain ranges. It feels like you are a million miles away, on a secluded island, but you are five minutes from town, no one can offer that package.

6. What is your favourite thing to do at Taumeasina Island Resort?

Swimming and snorkelling in the warm vibrant South Pacific Ocean that gently envelopes Taumeasina … and eating all the divine food at the restaurant of course! •