Stephanie & Warren Gynther and family and friends.
Savaii Escape
Savaii Escape
Your 9 day combination beach holiday and cycle tour
Experience the traditional culture of Samoa while riding between coral sand beaches. Nearly every night is beside the lagoon with good swimming and snorkelling.
| Description | Cycling | Beaches | Comfort | Adventure | Culture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A 9 day tour with 200 kms of cycling | Fales Motels |
| Description |
|---|
| A 9 day tour with 200 kms of cycling |
| Cycling |
| Beaches |
| Comfort |
| Fales Motels |
| Adventure |
| Culture |
Highlights include:
- Snorkelling in coral gardens
- Stunning sunsets on coral sand beaches
- Safe swimming every day on idyllic beaches
- Lava caves
- Blowholes
- Lava fields
While the trip is designed as a cycle tour, it is also suitable for non-riders who can travel in the support van. This works very well for family groups with children; the youngest rider to complete this trip was 8 years old. We also have. e-Bikes available to hire.
Cyclists should be comfortable cycling 40kms in a day with some hills. This trip can be coordinated with Friday evening flights from Auckland or Sydney and return flights the following Sunday to almost fit into five days leave.
Accommodation is a mix of fales and motels. See FAQs for Cyclists for more details.
The standard Savaii Escape runs from Friday night/Saturday morning to the following Sunday afternoon or from Wednesday afternoon to Friday.
Start Dates
The regular 2019 Savaii Escape runs from Saturday morning to the afternoon of Sunday week.
As most people will arrive the night before (Friday) we offer a variety of options for this night.
Arrival
If you are arriving the day before the trip, we can offer the following (all include airport pickup and transfer to our base on morning of start):
- Manono Island cabins (afternoon arrivals only),
- Tua O Maauga (budget motel),
- Le Vasa Hotel (if available as one night stays not available in high season),
- Village homestay (evening arrivals only).
If you are arriving several days earlier, feel free to organise your own accommodation as early bird bookings are often available online at prices we cannot match.
See also Flights and Planning pages.
Check the Map
Day 1 - Introduction to Savaii
After getting your bike fitted, ride the 3kms to the ferry terminal. The crossing takes a little over an hour and then it is a 19km ride to Lano. The road meanders beside the lagoon and is a delightful introduction to village life. Your arms will get tired from waving to the kids and calling out “bye-bye” as you pass. Along the way there are several good swimming spots on beaches and in fresh water pools.
Take the optional plantation tour to understand a bit more about village life. Learn how to tend the Taro and make a basket and watch coconut palm climbing.
The fale resort is on a sandy beach beside the lagoon at Lano. It's the perfect place to practise your snorkelling, or just laze in the warm water for an hour or two. Lano sometimes has a Siva show and umu feast. Dependent on numbers staying and availability of the dance team.
Day 2 -Ride to Manase
Look forward to a 32km ride on mostly flat roads. The middle section of the ride is through a jungle corridor before winding over the lava fields. There is time to inspect the LMS church with a metre of lava on the floor from the 1905 eruption. Relax at the Manase fales(some motel upgrades available), where again the water laps within a few metres of your feet.
Day 3 Over the hill
This is the big ride day. Although it is only 40kms to Vaisala, the 500 metres of climb can get a bit warm, so start early. If you stay with the van there is no compulsion to ride the hills, just throw your bike in the van and enjoy the company of your support crew.
The ride starts with a gentle meander through seaside villages before gradually heading inland and climbing through forest to avoid the lava cliffs.There are now two lava tube cave tour locations along the way offering the opportunity to see the swiftlets pretending to be bats as they echo-locate to their nests as well as a chance to admire the geology of the caves. The road climbs steadily to 200m before heading across the lava fields in a series of undulations* and down to Asau. Swim in the freshwater pools at the bottom of the hill before riding the last 3 kms to Vaisala Hotel or Va-I-Moana Resort.
Stay at either Vaisala, with its Somerset Maugham atmosphere and great beach or Va-I-Moana Resort with its great atmosphere and vibe.
Day 4 Explore Asau
Snorkel at the beach at Vaisala, Kayak to the island from Va-I-Moana, Visit the cocoa factory where Whittikers get their Samoa ingredients or just laze on the beach and relax at the bar. Local outrigger canoes (paupaus) are available for hire at Vaisala. School visits and plantation tours can be arranged.
Day 5 To the western edge of the world
This is a gentle 20km ride to Falealupo with a number of attractions along the way: climb a giant banyan tree, realise the power of cyclones at the church (ruined in 1990) and hear stories about surviving cyclones at the House of Rock. Falealupo is a beautiful isolated beach at the western edge of the world; the sunsets across the coral sands are memorable and the swimming in the small lagoon refreshing.
Day 6 South coast ride
There are numerous villages on the 40km ride around the coast to Satuiatua. The road winds along the cliff tops and beside beaches through many villages. Stop at Lovers Leap for a nui (drinking coconut) and to admire the view.
Satuiatua Resort is located right on the beach under giant banyan trees. When the tide is right (greater than half) there is wonderful snorkelling amongst dense schools of fish and we have often seen whales breaching while we were enjoying a beer on the restaurant balcony. There is an opportunity to attend a tapa making session to see mulberry bark turned into cloth and a good plantation tour is offered by the resort, but the beach usually wins out as the best spot for the afternoon.
Day 7 R&R
Enjoy a day at the beach at Satuiatua. Snorkel, take in the cultural activities or just chill out and look for the whales. There is some surfing available nearby, but this is for experts only as its onto the reef and subject to strong currents at the lagoon entrance. There is no resident surf guide.
Day 8 Blowholes and waterfalls
It's the last big cycling day and while it's 45km, the ride is mostly flat and with a lot to see on the way (there is so much to see that some groups elect to take the van for part of this day). The blowholes seem to perform in almost any sea condition and tide but can be huge in a good southerly swell. The waterfalls at Afu Aau are probably the second most visited attraction on Savaii, and for good reason. Set in a shady, leafy valley the pool beneath the falls provides a very refreshing swim for all, with opportunities for the more confident to leap from the surrounding cliffs. Depending on your flights and preferences your last night will normally be at Florence's place, a small homestay with very interesting and entertaining hosts.
Day 9 Departure
Catch the ferry back to Upolu after an easy 10km ride, wave your sad farewells to this uniquely hospitable country and fly home (or if you are simply not ready to leave, stay a while longer).
*Undulations occasionally becomes a swear word as in - "another of Ross's undulating climbs". They are never very high, but they are repetitive and noticeable in the heat.
Extensions
Kayak Adventure
Include our Turtle Kayak and Nuusafee guided Kayaks over an extra two days.
This extension is added at the beginning of the trip - so arrive two days earlier.
Extension includes: Accommodation, transfers, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, guided kayak tour
Manono Island
Include a trip to the very traditional island of Manono.
Upolu South Coast van Tour
Explore the popular spots of Upolu on a one to two day van tour. These include:
- To Sua Trench
- Giant Clams
- Togitogiga falls
- Lalomanu Beach
Pricing
The standard trip is a supported bike ride.
Supported bike ride
Includes:
- Support vehicle traveling at your pace
- Services of driver as local guide on cycling legs
- Participants can travel in van at any time for as much of the journey as they want
- Bags are carried for you in the van
- Filtered water refills from the van
- Picnic equipment
We have new drivers and the feedback from guests in 2017 was that those on supported tours saw so much more, got a better understanding of Samoa and enjoyed the trip more. So we have made this a standard feature.
The driver will travel at the pace of the slowest person. Those wanting to travel independently still can.
Payment method
Trips can be invoiced in NZ$ or AUS$ (current exchange rate .95).
Visa and Mastercard are accepted but subject to a merchant cost surcharge of 4%.
Price includes:
- Airport transfers on arrival (when arrival night booked through us)
- Airport transfers on departure (when leaving on the day the tour ends)
- Accommodation on all 8 nights (Sat - Sat)
- 8 breakfasts
- 8 Dinners (7 dinner if staying at Lusia's on last night)
- Bike hire
- Savaii support van and Upolu transport
- Ferry to Savaii
Price excludes:
- Ferry from Savaii (22 tala pp inc bike)
- Airfares
- Additional recommended Tours (eg Dive Savaii 65 Tala)
- Customary fees
Price for Standard Tours
All Prices in NZD. These prices are as at January 2019 for trips booked now for 2019.
Savaii Escape - 9 Day Sat-Sun Fully supported NZD $1,440 pp ( AUD $1,370pp)
Single Supplement $150 (Subject to a minimum of two on the trip) AUD $142
Custom tours - If you are a group of 4 or more, want to start on a different day or want a different itinerary - just email us.
Child Price 5-11 Years old - NZD $800 (AUD $760)
eBike - Additional NZD $260 (AUD $247)
Accommodation on Arrival night (Friday)
- Includes transfers from Airport Friday and to Outdoor Samoa Saturday
- Tua-O-Maauga Motel $70 NZD pp (share double/twin)
- Homestay $65 NZD pp (inc light supper - suitable evening arrivals only)
- Manono Island cabins (ensuite) $80 NZD pp (inc dinner, not suitable for arrivals after 5pm)
- Manono Island Cabins (Shared facilities) $75 NZD PP (Inc Dinner, not suitable for arrivals after 5pm)
- Le Vasa Resort - various grades and seasonal pricing from $80 - $280 NZD pp Subject to availability for single night
Pricing for Custom Tours
As a general guide a custom tour for 4 is about the same price as 4 places on a standard tour.
For 2 people the price is about $200pp more than a standard start date.
Custom tours for larger groups have the biggest savings when there is one person to invoice and everyone is on the same itinerary.
Pricing for 2020
The NZD-WST exchange rate has moved steadily against NZ in the last 4 years and we have also worked to improve the quality of accommodation and bikes etc. As a result we expect a price increase of about $100pp for 2020 trips.
Family Savai'i cycling: brilliant
I've done a few cycle holidays now. It is great to be able to have someone organise critical logistics like the route, support vehicle and bikes. Frances and Ross, who own this business and coordinate your trip, are wonderful hosts.
We loved seeing Savai'i. A few things of note if considering a cycle on Savai'i:
* Savai'i is a wonderful place to cycle - roads with limited traffic, great views, and out of the way places to stay.
* The beach fales we stayed at are good. It is a bit like camping on a beach, but these are in dreamy locations. I will shortly publish some reviews of these if you are interested.
* At some locations, you can upgrade your accomodation to nicer rooms or locations - if your budget stretches that far. We chose to do this in a few places as my 16yo daughter was hard to get on the trip - I promised a few "upgrades" to placate!
* If you are cycle fit, the cycling is pretty easy. If you are not, I would say it is fine too. You may curse Ross "undulations" on one particular day, but I would say this: if 9 year olds can ride the entire trip, it is highly likely you can too.
* Our guide, Uilau was incredible. Slight adjustment to schedule? No problem. Help with kids? No issue. Insight into places you are seeing? On tap. Brilliant.
* I thought the whole tour to be really good value for money.
Cycling is a great way of seeing the countryside and Savai'i is a great place to do this - see some of the photos. And, if you go with an itinerary like we had, you get a great balance of cycling and 'rest days' along the way. The snorkeling / swimming on the beaches along the way is brilliant.
Finally, you may be thinking about balancing time between Savai'i and Upolu. They are quite different places. We thought 10 days doing Savai'i followed by 4 in a resort on Upolu was a really good balance, recognising you probably need 3 weeks+ to see both islands really well.
Visited July 2018
Full review on TripAdvisor
Excellent holiday for family and friends. (9 all together)
"Thankyou for a wonderful holiday in Samoa. The mix of accommodation styles and rest days suited everybody very well. It is impossible to choose a favourite part of the trip as there are so many wonderful places. The snorkeling at Vaisala was excellent, the boys even managed a couple of night snorkels. Warren took us to the crater and explained the formation of the islands and volcanos. He also let us know that the hills at the western end of the island were tougher than most of us were expecting. Everybody completed the ride around Savaii, but only 5 of us attempted the hill on Upolo. Shane made it all the way up".
Bike Samoa
"A great trip for people who like to combine exercise with a beach experience! Frances and Ross organised an excellent itinerary with a good mix of accommodation from fales on the beach to more upmarket resorts. Bikes were in very good condition and the backup service run by Peter and his crew meant anyone who didnt want to bike the hills had another option! Definitely recommended for a biking adventure close to home on a beautiful island".
Visited June 2013
Full review on Trip Advisor
Party of 6
"Our party of 6 thoroughly enjoyed our time in Samoa and and we would like to thank you both for doing all the groundwork.We were all first-timers to Samoa and I think all pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the people, their laid-back attitude and the tidy, well-kept villages.
I must say we were very grateful for the support van. Only 2 of the party, Nick and Ingrid did not make use of the van and Ingrid, a NZ age group champion cyclist, actually rode all the way. What we found challenging was the heat and the route was overall more hilly than we had thought it might be, although you did warn us in your excellent handbook. The van was restricted to carrying a maximum of 3 bikes (at a pinch) and fortunately we had one or two of Peter and Sarah's sons on occasions to ride one of the bikes, so we coped.
Accommodation on the whole was very good with the best fale resorts being Manase and Satuiatua, while Vaisala with its ensuites was a real bonus! And Amanaki Hotel was a great place to finish, their meals were excellent value.
Two comments: You may envisage at some stage getting a trailer to carry bikes for a fully supporting vehicle. Sarah is a big woman and getting 3 bikes on board plus Sarah plus bodies was nigh impossible!!
A warning to clients with medical conditions. I think it imperative that they should take a fully supported tour. Quite frankly, with my cardiac arrhythmia and age (76), I wouldn't have made it without the support van.Otherwise, it was a wonderful experience and we are very grateful to you both for giving us the opportunity. Thank you very much.
Kind regards"Jim Hudson, September 2012
Logistics
"Hi Ross
Thanks so much for organising the logistics and bikes during our recent trip to Savaii.
I was lucky to get some great riding in whilst there but did make one of my trips twice because it was just so enjoyable and challenging.
Based at La Legato resort I headed up to the crater rim on the bike one afternoon and have to say the mix of heat and vertical rise ensured this would be an excellent workout for even a very fit cyclist.
The 5 km road start is perfect for clearing the cobwebs and then it is a good hard climb up to where the crater man lives. This trail is rough and does require some skill in places (Or you can push over the worst parts if needs be).
Once at the top you can pay your money and walk the last 250m to the crater proper (That’s one big hole!) or rest on the grass and chat with crater man, who happens to be a real nice guy who is not just focussed on taking your money.
The return run can be awesomely wild or relaxingly mild depending on how often you pull in the brake lever and you could expect to be back at the bar in a couple of hours round trip for a regular mountain biker
I returned early one morning and not only enjoyed the temperature much more but also managed to get up close to the traditional Samoan way of harvesting the breakfast fresh each day. Had some lovely conversations with the locals who were out in force walking up the hill to get their breakfast and were generally concerned for my mental wellbeing in wanting to ride up there!
This ride was the highlight of the whole Samoa trip
Thanks again for everything!"Tristan Leov, September 2012
Start Dates
The regular 2019 Savaii Escape runs from Saturday morning to the afternoon of Sunday week.
As most people will arrive the night before (Friday) we offer a variety of options for this night.
Arrival
If you are arriving the day before the trip, we can offer the following (all include airport pickup and transfer to our base on morning of start):
- Manono Island cabins (afternoon arrivals only),
- Tua O Maauga (budget motel),
- Le Vasa Hotel (if available as one night stays not available in high season),
- Village homestay (evening arrivals only).
If you are arriving several days earlier, feel free to organise your own accommodation as early bird bookings are often available online at prices we cannot match.
See also Flights and Planning pages.
Check the Map
Day 1 - Introduction to Savaii
After getting your bike fitted, ride the 3kms to the ferry terminal. The crossing takes a little over an hour and then it is a 19km ride to Lano. The road meanders beside the lagoon and is a delightful introduction to village life. Your arms will get tired from waving to the kids and calling out “bye-bye” as you pass. Along the way there are several good swimming spots on beaches and in fresh water pools.
Take the optional plantation tour to understand a bit more about village life. Learn how to tend the Taro and make a basket and watch coconut palm climbing.
The fale resort is on a sandy beach beside the lagoon at Lano. It's the perfect place to practise your snorkelling, or just laze in the warm water for an hour or two. Lano sometimes has a Siva show and umu feast. Dependent on numbers staying and availability of the dance team.
Day 2 -Ride to Manase
Look forward to a 32km ride on mostly flat roads. The middle section of the ride is through a jungle corridor before winding over the lava fields. There is time to inspect the LMS church with a metre of lava on the floor from the 1905 eruption. Relax at the Manase fales(some motel upgrades available), where again the water laps within a few metres of your feet.
Day 3 Over the hill
This is the big ride day. Although it is only 40kms to Vaisala, the 500 metres of climb can get a bit warm, so start early. If you stay with the van there is no compulsion to ride the hills, just throw your bike in the van and enjoy the company of your support crew.
The ride starts with a gentle meander through seaside villages before gradually heading inland and climbing through forest to avoid the lava cliffs.There are now two lava tube cave tour locations along the way offering the opportunity to see the swiftlets pretending to be bats as they echo-locate to their nests as well as a chance to admire the geology of the caves. The road climbs steadily to 200m before heading across the lava fields in a series of undulations* and down to Asau. Swim in the freshwater pools at the bottom of the hill before riding the last 3 kms to Vaisala Hotel or Va-I-Moana Resort.
Stay at either Vaisala, with its Somerset Maugham atmosphere and great beach or Va-I-Moana Resort with its great atmosphere and vibe.
Day 4 Explore Asau
Snorkel at the beach at Vaisala, Kayak to the island from Va-I-Moana, Visit the cocoa factory where Whittikers get their Samoa ingredients or just laze on the beach and relax at the bar. Local outrigger canoes (paupaus) are available for hire at Vaisala. School visits and plantation tours can be arranged.
Day 5 To the western edge of the world
This is a gentle 20km ride to Falealupo with a number of attractions along the way: climb a giant banyan tree, realise the power of cyclones at the church (ruined in 1990) and hear stories about surviving cyclones at the House of Rock. Falealupo is a beautiful isolated beach at the western edge of the world; the sunsets across the coral sands are memorable and the swimming in the small lagoon refreshing.
Day 6 South coast ride
There are numerous villages on the 40km ride around the coast to Satuiatua. The road winds along the cliff tops and beside beaches through many villages. Stop at Lovers Leap for a nui (drinking coconut) and to admire the view.
Satuiatua Resort is located right on the beach under giant banyan trees. When the tide is right (greater than half) there is wonderful snorkelling amongst dense schools of fish and we have often seen whales breaching while we were enjoying a beer on the restaurant balcony. There is an opportunity to attend a tapa making session to see mulberry bark turned into cloth and a good plantation tour is offered by the resort, but the beach usually wins out as the best spot for the afternoon.
Day 7 R&R
Enjoy a day at the beach at Satuiatua. Snorkel, take in the cultural activities or just chill out and look for the whales. There is some surfing available nearby, but this is for experts only as its onto the reef and subject to strong currents at the lagoon entrance. There is no resident surf guide.
Day 8 Blowholes and waterfalls
It's the last big cycling day and while it's 45km, the ride is mostly flat and with a lot to see on the way (there is so much to see that some groups elect to take the van for part of this day). The blowholes seem to perform in almost any sea condition and tide but can be huge in a good southerly swell. The waterfalls at Afu Aau are probably the second most visited attraction on Savaii, and for good reason. Set in a shady, leafy valley the pool beneath the falls provides a very refreshing swim for all, with opportunities for the more confident to leap from the surrounding cliffs. Depending on your flights and preferences your last night will normally be at Florence's place, a small homestay with very interesting and entertaining hosts.
Day 9 Departure
Catch the ferry back to Upolu after an easy 10km ride, wave your sad farewells to this uniquely hospitable country and fly home (or if you are simply not ready to leave, stay a while longer).
*Undulations occasionally becomes a swear word as in - "another of Ross's undulating climbs". They are never very high, but they are repetitive and noticeable in the heat.
Extensions
Kayak Adventure
Include our Turtle Kayak and Nuusafee guided Kayaks over an extra two days.
This extension is added at the beginning of the trip - so arrive two days earlier.
Extension includes: Accommodation, transfers, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, guided kayak tour
Manono Island
Include a trip to the very traditional island of Manono.
Upolu South Coast van Tour
Explore the popular spots of Upolu on a one to two day van tour. These include:
- To Sua Trench
- Giant Clams
- Togitogiga falls
- Lalomanu Beach
Pricing
The standard trip is a supported bike ride.
Supported bike ride
Includes:
- Support vehicle traveling at your pace
- Services of driver as local guide on cycling legs
- Participants can travel in van at any time for as much of the journey as they want
- Bags are carried for you in the van
- Filtered water refills from the van
- Picnic equipment
We have new drivers and the feedback from guests in 2017 was that those on supported tours saw so much more, got a better understanding of Samoa and enjoyed the trip more. So we have made this a standard feature.
The driver will travel at the pace of the slowest person. Those wanting to travel independently still can.
Payment method
Trips can be invoiced in NZ$ or AUS$ (current exchange rate .95).
Visa and Mastercard are accepted but subject to a merchant cost surcharge of 4%.
Price includes:
- Airport transfers on arrival (when arrival night booked through us)
- Airport transfers on departure (when leaving on the day the tour ends)
- Accommodation on all 8 nights (Sat - Sat)
- 8 breakfasts
- 8 Dinners (7 dinner if staying at Lusia's on last night)
- Bike hire
- Savaii support van and Upolu transport
- Ferry to Savaii
Price excludes:
- Ferry from Savaii (22 tala pp inc bike)
- Airfares
- Additional recommended Tours (eg Dive Savaii 65 Tala)
- Customary fees
Price for Standard Tours
All Prices in NZD. These prices are as at January 2019 for trips booked now for 2019.
Savaii Escape - 9 Day Sat-Sun Fully supported NZD $1,440 pp ( AUD $1,370pp)
Single Supplement $150 (Subject to a minimum of two on the trip) AUD $142
Custom tours - If you are a group of 4 or more, want to start on a different day or want a different itinerary - just email us.
Child Price 5-11 Years old - NZD $800 (AUD $760)
eBike - Additional NZD $260 (AUD $247)
Accommodation on Arrival night (Friday)
- Includes transfers from Airport Friday and to Outdoor Samoa Saturday
- Tua-O-Maauga Motel $70 NZD pp (share double/twin)
- Homestay $65 NZD pp (inc light supper - suitable evening arrivals only)
- Manono Island cabins (ensuite) $80 NZD pp (inc dinner, not suitable for arrivals after 5pm)
- Manono Island Cabins (Shared facilities) $75 NZD PP (Inc Dinner, not suitable for arrivals after 5pm)
- Le Vasa Resort - various grades and seasonal pricing from $80 - $280 NZD pp Subject to availability for single night
Pricing for Custom Tours
As a general guide a custom tour for 4 is about the same price as 4 places on a standard tour.
For 2 people the price is about $200pp more than a standard start date.
Custom tours for larger groups have the biggest savings when there is one person to invoice and everyone is on the same itinerary.
Pricing for 2020
The NZD-WST exchange rate has moved steadily against NZ in the last 4 years and we have also worked to improve the quality of accommodation and bikes etc. As a result we expect a price increase of about $100pp for 2020 trips.
Family Savai'i cycling: brilliant
I've done a few cycle holidays now. It is great to be able to have someone organise critical logistics like the route, support vehicle and bikes. Frances and Ross, who own this business and coordinate your trip, are wonderful hosts.
We loved seeing Savai'i. A few things of note if considering a cycle on Savai'i:
* Savai'i is a wonderful place to cycle - roads with limited traffic, great views, and out of the way places to stay.
* The beach fales we stayed at are good. It is a bit like camping on a beach, but these are in dreamy locations. I will shortly publish some reviews of these if you are interested.
* At some locations, you can upgrade your accomodation to nicer rooms or locations - if your budget stretches that far. We chose to do this in a few places as my 16yo daughter was hard to get on the trip - I promised a few "upgrades" to placate!
* If you are cycle fit, the cycling is pretty easy. If you are not, I would say it is fine too. You may curse Ross "undulations" on one particular day, but I would say this: if 9 year olds can ride the entire trip, it is highly likely you can too.
* Our guide, Uilau was incredible. Slight adjustment to schedule? No problem. Help with kids? No issue. Insight into places you are seeing? On tap. Brilliant.
* I thought the whole tour to be really good value for money.
Cycling is a great way of seeing the countryside and Savai'i is a great place to do this - see some of the photos. And, if you go with an itinerary like we had, you get a great balance of cycling and 'rest days' along the way. The snorkeling / swimming on the beaches along the way is brilliant.
Finally, you may be thinking about balancing time between Savai'i and Upolu. They are quite different places. We thought 10 days doing Savai'i followed by 4 in a resort on Upolu was a really good balance, recognising you probably need 3 weeks+ to see both islands really well.
Visited July 2018
Full review on TripAdvisor
Excellent holiday for family and friends. (9 all together)
"Thankyou for a wonderful holiday in Samoa. The mix of accommodation styles and rest days suited everybody very well. It is impossible to choose a favourite part of the trip as there are so many wonderful places. The snorkeling at Vaisala was excellent, the boys even managed a couple of night snorkels. Warren took us to the crater and explained the formation of the islands and volcanos. He also let us know that the hills at the western end of the island were tougher than most of us were expecting. Everybody completed the ride around Savaii, but only 5 of us attempted the hill on Upolo. Shane made it all the way up".
Stephanie & Warren Gynther and family and friends.
Bike Samoa
"A great trip for people who like to combine exercise with a beach experience! Frances and Ross organised an excellent itinerary with a good mix of accommodation from fales on the beach to more upmarket resorts. Bikes were in very good condition and the backup service run by Peter and his crew meant anyone who didnt want to bike the hills had another option! Definitely recommended for a biking adventure close to home on a beautiful island".
Visited June 2013
Full review on Trip Advisor
Party of 6
"Our party of 6 thoroughly enjoyed our time in Samoa and and we would like to thank you both for doing all the groundwork.We were all first-timers to Samoa and I think all pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the people, their laid-back attitude and the tidy, well-kept villages.
I must say we were very grateful for the support van. Only 2 of the party, Nick and Ingrid did not make use of the van and Ingrid, a NZ age group champion cyclist, actually rode all the way. What we found challenging was the heat and the route was overall more hilly than we had thought it might be, although you did warn us in your excellent handbook. The van was restricted to carrying a maximum of 3 bikes (at a pinch) and fortunately we had one or two of Peter and Sarah's sons on occasions to ride one of the bikes, so we coped.
Accommodation on the whole was very good with the best fale resorts being Manase and Satuiatua, while Vaisala with its ensuites was a real bonus! And Amanaki Hotel was a great place to finish, their meals were excellent value.
Two comments: You may envisage at some stage getting a trailer to carry bikes for a fully supporting vehicle. Sarah is a big woman and getting 3 bikes on board plus Sarah plus bodies was nigh impossible!!
A warning to clients with medical conditions. I think it imperative that they should take a fully supported tour. Quite frankly, with my cardiac arrhythmia and age (76), I wouldn't have made it without the support van.Otherwise, it was a wonderful experience and we are very grateful to you both for giving us the opportunity. Thank you very much.
Kind regards"Jim Hudson, September 2012
Logistics
"Hi Ross
Thanks so much for organising the logistics and bikes during our recent trip to Savaii.
I was lucky to get some great riding in whilst there but did make one of my trips twice because it was just so enjoyable and challenging.
Based at La Legato resort I headed up to the crater rim on the bike one afternoon and have to say the mix of heat and vertical rise ensured this would be an excellent workout for even a very fit cyclist.
The 5 km road start is perfect for clearing the cobwebs and then it is a good hard climb up to where the crater man lives. This trail is rough and does require some skill in places (Or you can push over the worst parts if needs be).
Once at the top you can pay your money and walk the last 250m to the crater proper (That’s one big hole!) or rest on the grass and chat with crater man, who happens to be a real nice guy who is not just focussed on taking your money.
The return run can be awesomely wild or relaxingly mild depending on how often you pull in the brake lever and you could expect to be back at the bar in a couple of hours round trip for a regular mountain biker
I returned early one morning and not only enjoyed the temperature much more but also managed to get up close to the traditional Samoan way of harvesting the breakfast fresh each day. Had some lovely conversations with the locals who were out in force walking up the hill to get their breakfast and were generally concerned for my mental wellbeing in wanting to ride up there!
This ride was the highlight of the whole Samoa trip
Thanks again for everything!"Tristan Leov, September 2012
Falealupo
Waking to the first rays of the sun
Blowholes at Taga
Band at Vaisala
Falealupo
Manase fales
Sunset
Fiafia nights
Lano Umu preparation
Another Guy
Lava tube cave
Aopo
Afu Aau Falls
John Williams Church
Vai-I-Moana
Falealupo from Restaurant
Preparing Palusami
Satuiatua
Never too old
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