The iconic Return to Paradise Resort and Spa in Matautu, Lefaga has reshuffled its operations, utilising the current downtime to focus on the resort's values – the foremost being faith in God.

Assistant General Manager of Return to Paradise, Melanie-Rose Tuailoa said the time afforded by the slowdown in business is a “luxury”, not available in other countries.

Reshuffling to focus on its first ‘resort value’ is one way they’ve adapted to the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the manager.

“We have used the downtime of COVID-19 for focusing on our mission statement and values," Ms. Toailoa told the Samoa Observer.

We’ve been able to have daily prayers with all staff who wish to participate – this is luxury that is hardly afforded in other countries – and we do not wish to take this for granted. Faith in God is our first Resort Value.

The balancing act of keeping the resort open, employees on the payroll and the business afloat amid the current economic climate has taken a lot of adapting.

At the start of March 2020, before Samoa’s borders were closed to tourists, Return to Paradise employed 129 people. Currently they have 59 staff.

Employees are upskilling at every opportunity and diversifying their hospitality know-how by trying their hand in new departments of the resort.

“We have used the downtime of COVID-19 for internal staff training – expecting better of ourselves and our people…taking all available opportunities to have our staff in locally provided and funded training…having our staff…try new departments,” Ms. Toailoa said.

“We have used the downtime of COVID-19 for ongoing Resort maintenance…reviewing and updating our processes – to suit [the] current state, and to prepare for what is to come…looking for all ways to save costs! 

"Although it hasn’t been easy – there are also some fantastic people and businesses across Samoa who are supportive as we continue to believe ‘we are in this together’."

Focusing on locals, Return to Paradise has lowered their room rates, made allowances for day guests and renegotiated their three-bedroom villa arrangements to accommodate more people than usual.

Some charges on check-in and check-out times have been removed, there is more advertising, and sponsorships and special rates have been created for local weddings and meetings.

Even the food and beverage menu has been amended to cater to local tastes.

The gift shop has been re-arranged, now offering more of what locals want.

“We have lowered our prices. We have made (fixed term) allowances including day guests who book To’onai able to use the Pools on Sundays…added additional bedding in our 3-bedroom villas to be have individual bedding for 8 (standard is 7)," Ms. Toailoa said.

"We have earlier check in times and check out times – without additional charges.

“We’re taking advantage of as many advertising opportunities as we are able to, and including some sponsorship. We have special local Wedding and Conference packages also – including more takeaway options. 

"We have amended our Food and Beverage menus – doing our best to cater to local demand. Our gift shop is less for souvenirs, and more to what our local guests may be looking for.”

For most of the past year the resort has been open on weekends and other days based on local demand. 

To add to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 restrictions, Return to Paradise said the information on staff numbers is changing often as some employees opt for the Recognised Seasonal Employees (R.S.E.) scheme that takes them to Australia and New Zealand.

Public transport offerings and increased fuel costs are also affecting employee attendance.

“[It’s] changing very frequently, in particular now with the R.S.E. opportunities. Public transport offerings also affected our workers ability to work (less available – increased petrol costs),” said Ms. Toailoa.

“For the most part of the past year, our Resort is open weekends and only on other days where we have group bookings. The Teuila week we are only open on weekends with about 40 guests per night.”

Return to Paradise is 100 percent locally owned. It is named after the 1953 Hollywood movie starring late American actress Roberta Haynes and Gary Cooper. 

Ms. Haynes,  a native of Texas, played Maeva in the movie. She is interred at the resort.

In the Apia area, front desk receptionists at Hotel Insel Fehmarn Samoa and Taumeasina Island Resort report hosting “a few guests” this week with a higher number of guests booked for the weekend.