Moanalei Villas opened about a month ago, with the last three villas of seven initial villas set to be available in June. Currently two Signature Villas, priced at around A$1900 a night and two View Villas at around $A1600 are operating along with the on-site Tasi Restaurant, open for dinners on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The villas all have private pools and high spec design, with the Signature product including a private driver and car for the duration of stay, mini bar refreshed daily, tropical breakfast delivered each morning, plus a clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, stove and other amenities. Butler service and a private chef can be hired if desired. The View Villas have less inclusions but come with breakfast. A site visit of the just opened property was a pre-famil highlight for travel product managers, conference and incentive organisers and media attending Samoa Tourism Exchange (STE), which wraps up later today.
Chantelle Solofa, operations and restaurant manager at Moanalei, says STE was the first chance for agents from around the world to view the property.
She says the villas have already gained traction with honeymooners, other couples, corporates and families.
‘We’re targeting high-net worth travellers and Australia-New Zealand are our main market.’
The Kiwis also checked out more familiar product, including Tanoa Tusitala Hotel which revealed a new-look mock-up room. All 95 rooms in the resort will be progressively upgraded to the new standard.
The hotel has also had renovations to its pool area, gym equipment and outdoor walkways, with more to come.
Sheraton Aggie Grey Hotel and Bungalows has a simple message for agents – we’re fully opened and operating. The hotel has a niche with business and government meetings but also appeals to leisure travellers who want a break from the beach to explore Apia.
Taumeasina Island Resort will have a pool renovation and soft refurbishment on island rooms and public areas over the low season.
GM Tuiataga Nathan Bucknell says demand is likely to be about the same as last year – which was strong.
‘I think a lot of people will be looking for a short-haul holiday this year and that will obviously benefit us out of New Zealand.’
At the value end of the market, Insel Fehman Hotel has had a major transformation with many of the rooms refurbished, a new (larger) restaurant and plans for a second function room. The hotel is ideal for sporting and school groups, reunions and family occasions.
Lava Hotel, which opened in 2024, is a fairly new option on the waterfront for business travellers. It has a conference room for 200 and meeting room for 30 but a lot of business is done there over a cocktail or beer by the pool.
