AUGUST 2014

Dear Lesley

We have indeed just returned from our holiday in Samoa. The weather was lovely and warm but quite showery at least it was warm rain!.

Tanoa Tusitala Hotel - This hotel was very centrally situated but not really suitable for a holiday, fine for a couple of days en route to a resort or for people just to see Apia and move on. It is really geared for corporate and business conferences. The upstairs room (408) we had was lovely and spacious with a garden to look on to, very small balcony with 2 chairs and very comfortable king size bed. Food was average but of course easy to access outside restaurants. Nice swimming pool. The facilities become overloaded when filled with corporate guests ie insufficient staff, catering facilities.

I would certainly not recommend the spa and beauty salon on site. The massages are far too strong and I have sustained a moderately severe injury to my left hand. I have now experience of Apia doctors, clinic, hospital with X ray dept! All very kind places! I was not sure whether to formally report it as I know it was accidental and I feared for their livelihoods, however I stated what had occurred and they promised me to be more careful and gentler to customers in future, the price I thought was very expensive also.

Sinalei Reef Resort - This resort was lovely and we were given number 16 Garden view room (no upgrade), 14/15/16 are very nice, one back with garden and sea view. If two families wanted to stay, 14 and 15 are adjoining. Beach fales too near the water and very noisy wave motion, ocean view villas probably the best. Garden view 10 and 11 not the best and 8 and 9 too far away from things near generator. Gorgeous pool and very friendly helpful staff. Food mediocre and tummy upsets rife (I was very bad and others also) Breakfast was not buffet style so you had to order everything you wanted so only just ample for me, bit small for men. Beach very picturesque but you had to watch a strong current whilst swimming. Overall nice resort and the pool its best feature, due to my mishap at the last resort, I only ventured to have a facial but their beauty salon was situated at waters edge and people said they enjoyed their treatments there.

So we had a mixed holiday but it was nice and warm and made some good friends. If we return to Samoa again I would try other places.

I was so grateful to you for booking seats in row 2 on plane as my flight home was fraught with toilet stops!

All your arrangements worked like a dream.

Pauline and John