St. Therese Retreat: A hidden getaway

By Zaskiya Lesa 14 January 2016, 12:00AM

The St. Therese Samoa Retreat & Accommodation is tucked away in the peaceful village of Leauva’a, occupying 11 acres of land with its true to Samoan-design structures and refurbished buildings.

What used to be a retreat centre for the church clergies, nuns, and the late Cardinal Pio Taofinu’u, has now been opened to the public to escape and experience the tranquility of its ocean side views.

The resort is still owned by the Catholic Church.

However, it is now being managed and operated by six members of the church, an organization known as the “Little Helpers”. The group is made up of six businesswomen who have leased the retreat off the church and now supervise the grounds.

Subsequent to their takeover in 2013, St. Therese has now revamped 48 of their 50 rooms with the incorporation of a bar and restaurant arranged on an excellent deck looking out to sea past their recently included pool.

St. Therese is the perfect halfway point from the airport and the hustle and bustle of Apia. 

It has stayed true to its tranquil vibe, as the rooms do not include any television sets as guests are challenged to retreat and embrace their spiritual surroundings.

Manager and member of the “Little Helper” organization, Sina Fepulea’i, says what makes this place unique is guests can getaway and experience that religious feel while being surrounded by the tropical beauty of the Samoan seas and palm trees breezing through the cool air.

For the months of January and February, there is a special offer for a standard room for three people for $150. A family room of eight people is offered for $360.

The retreat has also been a host for many lively events, as well as many sports teams.

Just before the historical Manu Samoa and All Blacks game last year, St. Therese was home for our own Manu Samoa.

The grounds are a perfect retreat for sports teams to getaway as it provides a spacious and peaceful area for them to train as well as relax.

It has also been the ideal location for the “Opera under the Stars” event with Samoan stars Sol3 Mio and Marlene Devoe in 2013 and in 2014 with Isabella Moore and Benson Wilson.

Both events were fundraisers that provided funds for the Mulivai Cathedral and new cameras for the Catholic Television station.

The St. Therese Samoa Retreat & Accommodation is also working on their own garden with the aim of becoming self sufficient by growing their own fruits to provide for their guests and introducing a new organic feel to their restaurant and bar.

Take a drive to this hidden getaway and relax and feel the breeze while enjoying one of their signature cocktails ‘St Therese Happy Coconut’.

For more information visit their Facebook site ‘St Therese Retreat & Resort’ or website www.sttheresesamoa.com Phone: 42412

By Zaskiya Lesa 14 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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