Perhaps because it’s the center of Samoan myths and legends that there is certain romanticism and mystery that surrounds the village of Falealupo.

One couple from Alaska has certainly been captivated by its beauty.

Dear Tourist meets Donna and David Mccarrie at the Fugalei Markets where they tell the reason they came back to Samoa after a first time visit last year.

“We came here last year this time and we’ve come back this year because we fell in love with Falealupo in Savai’i,” said Mrs. Mccarrie.

“First off, they have the fales on the beach that you can just rent and then there are bathrooms in the camp and you can have fires on the beach and the beach was so beautiful all the way out to the reef.” 

“We’ve just found thousands of shells available and it’s very low key. It’s quiet and peaceful and no one bothered us. No one was trying to sell us anything – it was just so nice. The people who run the Falealupo Beach Resorts out there were so wonderful.”

Mrs. Mccarrie’s sister now lives in Samoa which makes it even sweeter to make their visits to Samoa every year.

“We came all the way from Alaska where it’s snowing right now,” said Mrs. Mccarrie. 

“My sister lives here and we have always wanted to come to Samoa. My sister and her husband are the president of the church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints Mormon Church missionaries.”

The couple had just come back from spending the last week in Savai’i where they returned to some favourite spots such as the rainforest canopy walk in and the lava fields.  

The couple was going to do some more exploring in Upolu. 

Dear Tourist asked them what stood out the most during their travels. 

Mrs. Mccarrie said: “First of all I just want to say the people here are so friendly and so patient. Everyone has been so kind when we didn’t know where we were going and people are just so kind to people from outside.” 

“And the beaches are spectacular; there are no big crowds on the beach. We have yet to be on a beach where anybody else was there. Every place we have been, we were the only ones there so that was nice.”

According to the couple, Samoa’s appeal was that it was unspoiled and stress free.

“I would say that Samoa is the best kept secret in Polynesia,” said Mrs. Mccarrie.

Her husband Mr. Mccarrie agreed and told us why he preferred Samoa over more popular island destinations that were advertised widely. 

“I come here for the quiet, we can go to Hawaii any time we want but I would rather come here and relax and just stop. There’s no stress here.”

The couple was planning to make their visits to Samoa a yearly affair if possible. 

“Oh yes, we will continue to come back to Samoa and next time we come we would like to visit Fiji too.” 

“We want to go and see the other Pacific Islands like Tonga, Vanuatu, and Fiji as well,” said Mrs. Mccarrie. 

“All of the Samoans who live here that have relatives outside should tell them to encourage the Palagis to come to Western Samoa. I think it would be good for the economy too.”