Travelling from Northern Australia, couple Brett and Siena Morrisey, both aged 49, have fully embraced their time on the island. 

“We really, really love Samoa it’s fantastic, and we had never been before,” they say.

Brett has enjoyed his two week trip to Samoa, as he and his wife travelled extensively around both Upolu and Savai’i. 

On the way to the airport, both Brett and Siena regret that they couldn’t stay for the historic event of the Manu Samoa vs Wales test match. 

However, they had an experience of a life time, as they got to meet the team, “the national rugby team are staying here at the hotel and they are so friendly” Brett added. 

In support with his new friends, he purchased a Manu Samoa cap and will be there wishing them all the best in spirit. 

Sad to be heading home, the couple have been pleasantly surprised by how much they have loved the island. 

“We’ve enjoyed it all, there hasn’t been a bad day,” Siena said. 

This is a reflection on the hard work of the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel staff and the people of Samoa itself. “Hotel has been really great. The staff are good, and it’s so calm and quiet.”

The couple also spent time in Lalomanu with a local family and enjoyed traditionally umu cooked Samoan cuisine. 

The local Church also embraced the couple allowing them to experience one of the main elements of Samoan culture. Religion is very important to the people, and it is an honour to participate in such an occasion. The couple said that “it was a great experience”. 

Striking the perfect balance between relaxing on the beaches of Savai’i, and getting actively involved with kayaking and snorkelling, Brett and Siena were lucky enough to see some of the Sea Turtle indigenous to Samoa’s shores. 

Having learnt a great deal of Samoan while on their trip, they were pleased to be able to understand more and more of the local culture. “It’s such a beautiful language” Siena added. Samoa is best enjoyed when you throw yourself into local life, and this is doubtless the reason the couple enjoyed their stay. 

Another highlight was the welcoming display at the airport. Brett said, “When we arrived, there were four local guys playing in the airport. I didn’t realise it was live, they were playing beautifully and that was definitely a highlight.” The islanders love to sing and dance, and always welcome visitors in this manner. 

They also love to share food, which the couple found a great experience as the family they stayed with invited them to join them in their beach-side Fales and for a meal. “We all sat on one big table all together” Brett said excitedly.

They also experienced, not one, but four Fia-Fia nights, which are shows highlighting Samoan traditional culture. Enjoying each more than the last, they added that they would definitely recommend attendance!