We have travelled to Samoa after seeing the amazing photo of To Sua Ocean Trench in a magazine and after searching few websites and looking through travel magazines decided to stay in two of the best resorts on the Island Sinalei and Coconuts.
We have previously travelled all around Fiji and Tonga and have something to compare with so I am speaking from experience.
We were overly disappointed with Sinalei as its proven to be bad in so many aspects. 1. The service is horrible, probably the worst I have seen in my life! In restaurant we spent an hour waiting for a waiter to bring us menus and we had to get their attention a number of times to then make the order. During breakfast couple next to us never got their breakfast. Most of the time they get the order wrong and you better check what they put on the bill at the end as every time there was something extra or wrong on our bill. 2. The food is very ok for the price they are charging. 3. The cocktails are horrible, even myself would probably make a better one. There was not a single cocktail on the menu with tropical fruits as you would expect in a tropical place, found that very weird. 4. they charge ridiculous amount of money for airport transfers, when they are charging so much for accommodation the least they could do is do transfers for free as other resorts do. 5. The rooms are nice but very modern and simple, there is no wow factor.
I can just imagine how much this disappointment someone may have if they choose this place for their honeymoon.

I was lucky to be transferred from Coconuts resort, to Sinalei, when the Coconuts resort stuffed up my booking and were booked out on the dates I was arriving. I have to say I am so happy that this happened! This resort was better than Coconuts. I would start by saying this place is quite small, no TV in the room either and everything, including the bar, closes very early, so if you are looking to party, this is not for you. I was there to relax, so it was perfect. A perfect garden setting, with a nice little beach on one side. I was staying in the house on the beach and it was lovely to wake up to waves crashing on the beach right outside. The view from the veranda was spectacular, the sunsets - very memorable. Drinks and food at the restaurant on the water were good, though I must admit the menu is quite limited, I think I tried everything there was to try in the time I spend here. The beach is very shallow, and the corals are mostly destroyed, by the tsunami. It was still fun snorkelling around the little lagoon. For something more interesting, go on a day tour that can be organized at the little shop. The boat takes you to a secluded spot where you get to snorkel for a couple of hours, perfect! Just wish they had some scuba diving equipment! I really wanted to go for a dive, but none are available on this side of the island. The resort is in a great condition, the rooms, though quite basic, have everything you need and are of decent size. It was great staying right next to the water, so I would highly recommend it, with the big veranda, I spent every evening enjoying the warm weather outside the room. I tried the massage while I was there, it was pretty good, not the best I've had, but worth a try for sure. All in all 4 out of 5. The major disappointment was the fact that everything closes so early and that there is nothing else to do but chill out. One of the waiters at the resort offered to take me on a tour of the island, which I did, this was cheaper than organizing a tour through an agent. It was brilliant and very enjoyable. I went over to Coconuts on Saturday, for a free "traditional lunch", they have a nice group of Samoan men showing you how to husk coconut and cook with it, you participate in "plate making" and listen to traditional songs, it was great! Also visited Coconuts for a fia fia night, it was great and worth a visit, since the other resort is only a stroll away. Overall, a great place to stay, recommend it, if you know how to keep yourself entertained!!

This hotel was simply stunning. Not one of your big end fancy hotels with all the trimmings, but boutique and intimate. It was by far one of the most wonderful palces we have ever stayed. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful but not hovering around you. You really felt as if you were in a remote paradise. The grounds are gorgeous, the beach is beautiful, and the pool - fantastic. Teh roomw as lovely and very big. And we loved the outdoor shower - in the morning looking up and seeing the beautiful sunshine and the trees. bliss.

Before coming we were tossing up between Sinalei and Coconuts (which is just up the road). After arriving, we were so very thankful we chose Sinalei. We went for a walk to inspect Coconuts, and the difference in appeal and feel was amazing. Considering they charge about the same Coconuts felt very budget and just not classy. Sinalei is all class.

We were going to have dinner at Coconuts, but after looking at the menu and having the staff treat us as if we were intruding a) on the property and b) on their time, we headed back to Sinalei. Sinalei's menu was much better and to be honest you coudlnt beat their location on the deck over the water.

We had a massage while we were there as well, and the little huts over the cliff edge were very relaxing. You felt as if you were a world away - oh hang on - we were! They really have done an incredible job of rebuilding this place. it truly is beautiful.

Samoa in general was very very pretty. The peoepl are so friendly and relaxed, it makes a nice change from other palces where you feel they are always trying to sell you something. Samoans will come up and say hello and ask where you are from and chat to you,then wish youa godo holiday and go on their way. Never once were were hassled, it was all just freindly talk. They really were such a wonderful people. If only people were so friendly everywhere.

Samoa and Sinalei - def worth a visit. We hope to be back one day.

I've just returned home from Sinalei and am already figuring out how to be there again next year. It took me a few days to work out I've taken a step back in time and this is a real live oasis. This is different less commercialised and seemingly more intimate than other pacific islands I've travelled to.The staff and management are very attentive, polite, modest and agreeable. My wife and I had one of the rooms set back from the beach which suited us perfectly, the decor was simple but perfectly suited. The room was cleaned every day, the shower was a novelty. Inside but outside but once again perfectly suited to the whole feeling and paradise type atmoshere the Sinalei exudes. It was nice to stroll through the beautifully kept gardens on our way to the beach or the pool but mostly the bar. The view of the coral reef and the beaches were picture perfect and what we went to enjoy. The fishing was awesome and the skipper typified the lovely nature of the local residents working in the resort.;The menu is quite good for a 4 star resort with fruit and fish the star attractions. Mostly we enjoyed our meals and ate breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday except once. My only gripe would be the hot food needed reheating on occasions.
The traditional Samoan firedance is a 'must see' and the highlight of the Fia Fia night held weekly. We visited Apia one day and that was enough. It was something we had to do but it was hot, busy and made us want to be back at Sinalei.
The shuttle transfers arranged by the resort are incredibly good and reliable, no worries there at all.