Samoa is a hidden gem in the Pacific, says Julia Kapcia from New Plymouth, New Zealand.

The 31-year-old is touring Upolu with her partner, Robert Buttmor. Dear Tourist came across the couple at the Samoa Tourism Authority Cultural Village in Apia, where they participated in the ava ceremony, which was held there.

“I am originally from Poland but I am currently residing in New Zealand. We arrived on Sunday, rented a car and stayed at Vaiula Beach Fales, which is located in Tafatafa, for the last five days,” Julia said.

“I enjoyed swimming and snorkeling, especially I got the chance to see a giant clam for the first time in my life.

“Together with my partner, we mostly loved walks on the beach, which felt really relaxing and staying in a traditional Samoan house was the first time for both of us.”

Julia said a highlight was swimming and snorkeling with the turtles and seeing giant clams.

“I was amazed at just how breathtaking the natural beauty of what Samoa has to offer. We have been to the To Sua trench and also to Togitogiga waterfalls; they are spectacular places to visit and experience.

“We wanted to travel somewhere tropical with beautiful beaches and Samoa was just the right place for it,” she said.

Julia also said she got the chance to try the local foods.

“We have been eating a lot of seafood, like grilled fish or coconut cream with raw fish; there was also some palusami which is made up of taro leaves and coconut cream.

“I also got a taste of the local beer which was Vailima and that was great.

“The people here are very welcoming, they always greet you with a smile and then there is the warm hospitality that follows,” Julia stated.

Julia said Samoa is not crowded, which is a bonus.

“We are planning to explore Savaii and what it has to offer, which I am really looking forward to,” she said. 

“I hope to see more turtles and maybe swim with them and that would be lovely. For me and my partner, we love doing water sports so he goes surfing while I go snorkeling or just lying on the beach and have no care in the world,” she said.

Julia added she is definitely going to consider returning to Samoa. 

“I recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful and at the same time peaceful tourist destination that Samoa should definitely be on their list of to travel to.

“Samoa has an amazing culture, which makes them unique and different from other countries. 

“The only way to find out is to actually travel to Samoa and have the chance to explore and experience it firsthand.”