Savai'i Explorer: The Unspoiled Heart of Polynesia

This morning you cross to Savai'i aboard the regular car ferry, a scenic ninety-minute voyage over the sparkling strait with views of both islands and, perhaps, dolphins or flying fish. On arrival, you begin exploring the wild, unspoiled island as you transfer along the coast. You visit the moving lava fields of Saleaula on the north coast, walking across vast fields of black lava that poured from Mount Matavanu in eruptions between 1905 and 1911, burying villages and leaving a hauntingly beautiful black landscape; the preserved shell of the old church, half-buried in lava, and the poignant 'virgin's grave', mysteriously left untouched by the flow, are moving and unforgettable. As you continue, you take in the raw volcanic beauty and timeless village life of the island. As the sun sets over the unspoiled coast, you settle into your accommodation, immersed in the peace and raw beauty of Savai'i.

A full day exploring the dramatic south coast of Savai'i and its spectacular blowholes. The highlight is the extraordinary Alofaaga blowholes near Taga, where the powerful ocean surges through lava tubes in the black volcanic coast and erupts in towering jets of spray, thundering dozens of metres skywards with a roar, a raw and thrilling display of the ocean's power (local villagers may throw coconuts into the tubes to be launched high into the air). You take in the wild, rugged beauty of the surrounding coast, black lava, crashing surf and endless ocean, and explore more of the dramatic south, perhaps visiting coastal villages, beautiful beaches and viewpoints. The raw, dramatic beauty of the coast is captivating. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having witnessed one of the great natural spectacles of Samoa. Relax this evening in the peace of the unspoiled island, savouring the raw beauty of Savai'i.

Today you explore the lush green interior and ancient heritage of Savai'i. You swim beneath the beautiful Afu Aau (Olemoe) Falls, which cascade into a magical, clear jungle pool perfect for swimming, surrounded by rainforest, a refreshing and beautiful spot. You also venture into the jungle to the mysterious Pulemelei Mound, the largest ancient structure in all of Polynesia, a vast stone pyramid hidden in the forest whose purpose is still debated, a fascinating and atmospheric glimpse into Samoa's ancient past. Along the way you pass timeless traditional villages, plantations and lush rainforest, glimpsing the rhythm of island life. The combination of refreshing waterfalls, clear pools and ancient mystery is captivating and reveals the lush, green, ancient heart of the island. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having explored the beautiful interior and ancient heritage of Savai'i. Relax this evening in the peace of the unspoiled island.

Today you experience the pristine rainforest and wild coast of Savai'i. You visit a rainforest preserve, such as Falealupo or Tafua, walking forest trails rich with birdlife and flying foxes, and, at Falealupo, crossing a thrilling canopy walkway high among the treetops of an ancient forest, with spectacular views over the canopy and coast. You also explore the wild western tip of the island, perhaps visiting the beautiful, remote beaches and the site near the legendary 'edge of the world', where you can stand at one of the westernmost points on earth and watch the endless Pacific. The pristine rainforest, thrilling canopy walk and wild, remote coast are captivating and reveal yet another facet of unspoiled Savai'i. As the sun sets over the wild coast, you return to your accommodation. Relax this evening in the peace of the island, savouring the raw, pristine beauty of the largest island in Polynesia.

A final full day experiencing the profound traditional culture and beautiful beaches of Savai'i, where fa'a Samoa thrives at its most authentic. You explore traditional villages of open, thatched fale, learning about the Samoan way of life centred on the extended family, the chiefs and the church, seeing traditional crafts such as siapo (bark cloth) and fine mat weaving, and experiencing the genuine, famous warmth of the Savai'i people. You also relax on a beautiful, uncrowded Savai'i beach, swimming and snorkelling in the clear lagoon, and soaking up the peaceful, timeless atmosphere of this unspoiled island, where you may have a glorious beach almost to yourself. The warmth of the villagers and the beauty of the empty coast are captivating. As the sun sets over Savai'i for the last time, you enjoy a final island evening, reflecting on the raw beauty and deep culture you have experienced in the timeless heart of Polynesia.

This morning you bid a fond farewell to beautiful, unspoiled Savai'i and cross back to Upolu aboard the ferry, taking in a final scenic voyage over the sparkling strait. On arrival, depending on your flight time, you may have a little time to relax or pick up last souvenirs, siapo cloth, fine mats or coconut oil, before being transferred to Faleolo Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the raw, beautiful and timeless heart of Polynesia, the vast black lava fields and buried church, the thundering blowholes, the jungle waterfalls and clear pools, the pristine rainforest and canopy walk, the ancient Pulemelei Mound, and the profound traditional culture and empty beaches of the most unspoiled island in the Pacific. The images stay vivid long after you land, the black lava coast, the erupting blowholes, the clear jungle pools and the warm smiles of the Savai'i people. Savai'i offers a genuine journey into the timeless soul of the Pacific, and you depart already treasuring its raw, unspoiled beauty.