Samoa's Untouched Beauty Provides A Breathtaking Backdrop For Nuptials And Newlyweds

SAMOA’S UNTOUCHED BEAUTY PROVIDES A BREATHTAKING BACKDROP FOR NUPTIALS AND NEWLYWEDS

As dawn breaks on the morning of ‘the big day’, couples can be the first in the world to marry on their chosen date as Samoa is the first country to see the sun rise. The group of islands are fast becoming a popular destination for couples to tie the knot and newlyweds to begin their new adventure together.

Many hotels, resorts and tour operators offer wedding and honeymoon packages with in-house wedding coordinators to ensure smooth planning of the big day. They will also be able to assist with the application forms for a marriage license which must be filed fourteen days prior to the wedding with the Justice Department in Apia. Whether it is a traditional, formal service in a church or a more informal location by a cascading waterfall, Samoa’s breathtaking scenery will provide a picture perfect backdrop for one of the most memorable days in a person’s life.

Newlyweds looking for a honeymoon hideaway can live the life of luxury with a stay in a luxury villa or the honeymoon villa at the Seabreeze Resort, voted one of the Top Ten Hotels for Romance in the South Pacific by the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards. Relax, dine and indulge whilst lazing on a hammock soaking up the sun or watching the starry skies. The newly opened Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa continues the theme of relaxation with a stunning boutique retreat that oozes luxury and comfort as couples can unwind with sublime spa treatments.

Samoa’s rich cultural heritage can be explored through the Museum of Samoa, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the Apia Fish Market. For those that like to live a bit more of an active lifestyle, soft adventure activities range from snorkelling through the coral reefs to the rainforest canopy walkway along a hang bridge on the island of Savaii and the Falease’ela River Walk through Samoa’s pristine natural environment. Couples can also embark on their own road-trip, hiring a car and exploring the different islands at their own pace.

The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific and the true heart of Polynesia; the islands of Samoa are a paradise waiting to be explored and possess the ideal attraction for every type of wedding and honeymoon. Whether it’s an island hopping adventure, tranquil beach paradise or a once in a lifetime trip, a celebration of love and unity may well end with falling in love with Samoa itself.

SAMOA’S ANNUAL TEUILA FESTIVAL, 25 AUGUST – 06 SEPTEMBER 2014, IN ITS 24th YEAR

A true celebration of Samoan and Polynesian culture, the Teuila Festival is an annual event now in its 24th year, with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. The festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. This year’s festival will be running from 25 August to 06 September. Visitors will experience Samoan dance, arts, gastronomy and even traditional tattooing. www.teuilafestivalsamoa.com.

Every year thousands pour into the capital to witness the extravanganza that is the Opening Ceremony, held this year on 01 September. The opening is a proud display of Samoan culture with a floral parade, the Siva Afi fire knife dancers and native music setting the scene for a further five days of festival fun.  Another spectacular display is the Chief’s Fiafia show, where iconic dances and entertainment represent the cultural heritage of different South Pacific Islands.

The Festival has much in store for those who like to dabble in the creative side of things, with arts and crafts fairs providing the opportunity to partake in traditional weaving lessons, wood carving and cocktail competitions, which take place every day at the Samoa Cultural Village. Visitors can also see the long-established art of tattooing the Samoan way, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation to create distinctive warrior-like designs. Food lovers will find their calling among the many food stalls serving up Samoa’s local specialities and a traditional Umu demonstration on the Wednesday will see food served from an underground oven to feed the crowds.

There are many other activities and events taking place throughout the week including the fautasi, traditional Samoan long-boat, regatta, the Best of Samoa show, Miss Samoa Pageant and the Scotsman’s Trail (a land and water based challenge where participants will traverse the island). On the last day as the festival draws to a close, visitors are encouraged to come to the official prize giving ceremony to honour all those who have participated over the week. For more information on Samoa and the Teuila Festival, visit www.samoa.travel.