Nadja McKellow has ticked Samoa as one of the best places to visit for romance.

She is in Samoa with her husband to celebrate their honeymoon and according to her; it has been a magical experience. 

After being married for more than seven months, she finally was able to have quality time with the love of her life.

The mother of three is originally from Germany, but she has been staying in New Zealand for more than seven years now.

This is her first time in Samoa. Arriving in Samoa more than five days ago, she was astounded by the beauty of the island.

“The highlight for our trip was swimming in the To Sua Ocean Trench and snorkeling in the reef. I have never snorkeled on a reef before, I mostly saw it on the movies, but it was quite nice to see it for myself.”

“To Sua is a magical spot, just looking down and seeing the water. Getting to swim in it with the cave above up, it’s nice.”

“I like swimming. You kind of letting all the daily routines go and just not worry about anything, instead of thinking where to get the next meal from and things like that.”

“Just experiencing nature, seeing natural features like that makes me happy. Being one with nature and the same time appreciating it,” the 30-year-old said.

Being a part-time working mother, Samoa allows her to relax.

“We have kids but we left them at home with their grandparents. We miss them but it is quite nice to get a holiday.”

“Having children, you cannot compare it to anything. They are just beautiful and I would not want to have it any other way.”

“It is kind of like our honeymoon, we got married last year in July, but buying a house and those things came in between. But it was just nice that we were able to go on a holiday.”

Speaking to the Dear Tourist team, she shares that coming to Samoa was an eye opening experience.

“It is a beautiful island. It has a really nice culture. We had a fiafia night here at the hotel. We also did a scenery tour around the island. I learned about traditional cooking.”

“I saw the making of the coconut milk, which I did not know how to make. But the Fiafia night was extraordinary, with people singing the songs and seeing the women and men dance, it was something special.”

“I have never seen it before. Kind of like the movie Moana with their clothing and the singing.”

She adds they have always wanted to travel to Samoa but they never had the time.

“I am certainly relaxed being here in Samoa, the weather is nice. It took a while to get used to the heat, but it’s really nice. The water is warm and it is really good.”

“The people are really friendly. New Zealanders are friendly but Samoa is a bit more. They smile a lot and that general happiness about them. I think it is part of their culture.”

“I guess if I booked a hotel myself, I would have chosen to stay in a fale. That way we get to experience more of the Samoan culture and meeting the locals,” she said.

They will be leaving for New Zealand today and she says they will certainly return next time, but probably visit Savaii.

“I will miss the good weather and warm water, also the fresh fish, the seafood and the fruits.” 

“We have bought necklaces and wristbands, picture of a turtle drawn on coconut fiber to remember this trip.”