Matautu Holidays from NZ$1,352

Good for short stays. Upgraded some amenities like bathroom cupboards but not kitchen ones. However it was just right for an overnight traveler

The resort does seem to be the most up market in the area but it has a long way to go before it rates as well as a 5 star resort at say, Fiji. The rooms are nice but are not regularly deep cleaned. Washing machine and shower frames all dirty. The beds are terrible, I asked for a new mattress but it was no better. They are noisy with any movement, you can feel the springs and they are very firm. The shower head holder in my room was broken, reported it and maintenance replaced the head but left the actual broken part, so still no good, but I gave up on it and used as is. The staff are mostly lovely, I liked the waiters and the activity team, but some of the managers are not very friendly. I asked for a banana at breakfast, waiter had to ask the chef. The chef came out with the bananas and gave me an absolute filthy look over it ( im not sure why?). I have found that although the activity staff as nice guys alot of the activities dont go ahead or aren't really advertised when starting. For example every day pool volleyball is advertised, a net was never put up. Food is ok, but takes a long time to be served and several times parts of our orders were missed. One manager made me provide a receipt for missed fries as he didn't believe I had paid for them, yet he wasnt even there when I ordered. Main pool has some lining missing from the bottom, 5 star resort should have this fixed. The resort would benefit having waiters work the pool decks for drink orders saves us going to bar

On arrival I paid for our accommodation and was charged in Samoan Tala my booking was in NZD. When I checked my bank account the next day I found I had been charged substantially more than the amount confirmed in my booking. I raised the issue with reception and was told they would investigate. After receiving no response to a follow up email to reservations I eventually contacted the General Manager who resolved the issue promptly. Before our stay I was asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. I advised that it was my birthday and requested that my group be booked into the cultural night and dinner on our first evening. I confirmed this again at check in and was assured the booking would be made. However when we arrived there was no booking for us. It also made me question why guests are asked about special occasions if there is no intention of acknowledging them. My birthday was eventually recognised but only after I raised my concerns with the General Manager about all the issues we experienced so it did not feel genuine. The accommodation is tired and not worth what we paid. Many of the staff seemed disengaged, ordering food or drinks often meant waiting an hour or more with some orders forgotten altogether. The food was often disappointing. The rooms were not serviced daily and when they were the service usually consisted of little more than replacing the towels. The highlight of our stay was the stunning beach and the wonderful group I travelled with.

It is a great place to spend your vacation. We would stay here again if we come to Samoa. However, one recommended improvement is to add mosquitos repellent devices to the rooms and restaurant

Very beautiful and relaxing stay