Tropical Elegance Aga Reef

The Aga Reef Resort is located on the South east coast of Upolu in the idyllic village of Lalomanu, a place that boasts one of the most photographed beaches in the world. However there is much more on offer in the Aleipata district than a place to call a surfer’s paradise or a mecca for sun worshippers.

In its sixth year of operation, the upmarket Aga Reef Resort offers a totally different vibe while complementing this magnificent stretch of coastline considered one of the jewels in Samoa’s crown. You’ll get a sense of this as soon as you enter the gates of this stylish resort and appreciate why they have been named “Australasia’s Best Relaxation Retreat” by the World Boutique Hotel Awards for two consecutive years.

Aga Reef oozes tropical elegance with its stylish contemporary exterior without losing the natural warmth of genuine Samoan culture and hospitality. What started off as one man’s vision over twenty years ago to create a lasting monument to honour his devoted wife has turned into a stunning 16-room boutique luxury resort offering a tranquil escape for pure unadulterated relaxation.

One unique feature of the sublime waterfront property is the man- made island, Meti’s Island connected to the main hotel area by an impressive bridge giving you a sense of an escape within an escape. The elysian islet is named after the founder himself, Lauofo Meti Meredith who envisioned a structure that would protect the lagoon and provide a reserve where marine life can flourish for generations to come.

Well that vision paid off because the lagoon is teeming with many different colourful species of fish and marine life with guests enjoying daily visits from the friendly sea turtles. Canoes and snorkel gear are available to guests and it is a must-do activity to experience the sheer magic of the reef and the best part about it is that its literally right outside your door if you’re staying in one of the villas.

All the villas have a private balcony suspended over the water and for honeymooners and solo travellers looking for peace and tranquillity, the designers of the Aga Reef Resort had you in mind with each spacious villa and hotel room created to give you privacy in luxurious settings making you feel you are the only person at the resort. After a day out exploring awe-inspiring waterfalls and ocean trenches, it was pure bliss to retreat to luxury in my waterfront villa where I encountered the world famous beds the resort is renowned for – add the natural sound effects of the ocean waves and you’re in for the best sleep money can buy (waking up to the lagoon and ocean view is a second best).

Aga Reef has the best of many worlds and the resort is nestled between mountain and sea providing a double dose of dramatic vistas. If you’re wanting to wake up to a tranquil lagoon and reef which opens up to the vast ocean beyond then I recommend the Waterfront villas but if towering majestic mountains covered in lush tropical jungle is your idea of bliss, book yourself into the island villas on Meti’s island. The ocean view hotel rooms are accommodating of families or larger groups with interconnecting doors and they welcome children three years of age or older.

Food is important here and if you’re a seafood lover like me, I recommend the seared tuna cooked for lunch or the palumalau pave (snapper fillets with garlic mash, watercress, caramelised onion and lemon hollandaise) for dinner, which were both divine.

All meals are best enjoyed out on the wide deck overlooking the ocean where the reception and the Tualupetu Restaurant are located. After you catch your breath from taking in the awe-inspiring view of the lagoon and vast ocean, you are encouraged to do absolutely nothing while you cool off in the infinity pool or lounge poolside with one of their delicious cocktails. From the deck you can enjoy lunch with a stunning view or a romantic dinner under the stars while catching a dreamy Lalomanu sunset that has to be seen to be believed.

The cherry on the top would have to be the lovely attentive staff who embody the warm and friendly Samoan traditional hospitality. The boutique resort is family owned and you get the sense when are staying at Aga Reef that you are a part of that close knit family which means; on arrival, just like you would do at home – kick off your shoes, sit back and relax.