From peaceful, sparkling beaches to one of the friendliest living cultures in the world, Samoa does it better.

There’s nothing like an island holiday. Time slows down, the sound of the ocean creates a backing track and all worries are left behind. And nowhere does this feeling resonate more than Samoa.

From the moment you step off the plane, Samoa envelops you with a warm, welcoming embrace. The island nation is in a league of its own, and we have six experiences that prove it.

1. A day on the beach

Samoan beaches are endless, and the very picture of a tropical island getaway – all with zero crowds at any time of the day. What’s more, the water is so clear there’s no need for a snorkel and goggles to spot fish and coral below the surface.

While white-sand beaches are just about everywhere, Lalomanu – widely considered the best beach in Samoa – is a good place to start. Lined with beach fales to settle in for the day, and boasting striking views of the smaller outer islands, there’s no surprise it was once voted in the top 10 best beaches of the world by Lonely Planet.

Take a day trip over to the uninhabited Namu’a Island from Upolu’s south-east coast for incredible snorkelling. The surrounding waters are also a popular home for hawksbill turtles.

2. Immersing in local culture

Samoans are (rightly) very proud that theirs is still a lived culture. Discover what this entails at the Samoa Cultural Village in Apia: witness a welcome ceremony, see traditional cooking practices (and try the tasty results), learn about traditional tattoo methods and their meanings, and lots more.

It will all help you appreciate the fiafia nights held by many hotels around the country, usually open to walk-ins as well as guests. Here you can enjoy traditional dancing, singing and music, all while munching on hearty Samoan cuisine, served up buffet-style.

Of course, there’s a more modern culture to Samoa as well. The famous author of Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson, lived out the final years of his life in a grand but secluded home in the mountains above Apia. Guests can visit the house and the Scottish author’s gravesite.

3. Relaxing stays

Samoan accommodation is varied and unique to the country. No matter what type of holiday you’re looking for – adventure, family-friendly, business, large groups, boutique or luxury – there’s somewhere to stay with your name on it.

Travellers tend to stay on the two main populated islands, Upolu and Savai’i, which is where you’ll find most of the accommodation options.

On Upolu, try the luxurious and adults-only Seabreeze Resort. Particularly popular among couples, these 11 exclusive villas and suites are perched on a clifftop, surrounded by coconut trees and overlooking the clear turquoise ocean.

Or book into the absolute beachfront Return to Paradise Resort. It has a couple of claims to fame, from being the only Samoan-owned and operated resort to being the filming location for the 1952 movie of the same name.

For a truly Samoan experience, book into Taufua Beach Fales. Sleeping in an open fale on the beach is a near-camping experience you can’t have in many other places around the world, and these are literally on Lalomanu Beach.

Over on the quieter Savai’i, Amoa Resort offers a comfortable space right across from a crystal clear beach guests have all to themselves. And the boutique Savaii Lagoon Resort offers just 10 rooms, right on a golden sand beach, beside the lagoon.

4. Wild swimming you won’t forget

Don’t feel like dealing with sand? Waterfalls, natural pools and unique ocean trenches all invite you to spend the day in swimmers on a trip to Samoa.

To Sua Ocean Trench must be top of your list; climb the steep ladder into two caves that are joined by an ancient lava tube and fed by the ocean. Piula Cave Pool offers an easy ocean-fed pool alternative for anyone who isn’t ready to tackle the height of To Sua’s wooden ladder.

Sauniatu, Afu A’au and Togitogiga Falls are all popular swimming spots for a cool dip surrounded by Samoa’s lush green rainforest.

5. Taking in the natural beauty

Exploring Samoa’s rich nature might give the impression that it remains untouched. That’s thanks to the government’s efforts to keep the country clean and tidy, plus the locals’ respect for their land.

For a relatively small country, Samoa boasts a large variety of terrains. Spend time in tropical rainforest-covered mountains, towering over the beaches, or adventure through O Le Pupu-Pui National Park on Upolu to reach the peak of Mt Fito. Don’t want to walk? Take Le Mafa Pass scenic drive for similar views.

Visit the fascinating Saleaula Lava Field on Savai’i, where five villages were buried under molten lava by the 1905-1911 Mt Matavanu eruption.

There are many waterfalls to catch your eye, like the 100-metre high gorge Papapapaitai Falls or stunning Sopoaga Falls. And you can see water travel against gravity at Alofaaga Blowholes.

6. Feasting on wholesome dishes

Eat as the locals do and enjoy a rich and hearty spread of home-raised meats and root vegetables like talo (taro) and ulu (breadfruit), with plenty of fresh fruit for dessert. Typically, these will be cooked on the umu, an above-ground earth oven that uses heated rocks and banana leaves to cook meals to perfection.

Start planning your Samoan adventure at samoa.travel.