
Return to Paradise Beach
Discover Samoa's stunning Return to Paradise Beach, famed for its dramatic lava rocks, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Perfect for snor...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Explore lava rocks safely

Return to Paradise Beach
Best Time
Explore lava rocks safely
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Samoa's stunning Return to Paradise Beach, famed for its dramatic lava rocks, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Perfect for snorkeling and sunset views.
"This is a beautiful resort in a great location with fantastic spots to watch the sunset and delicious food."

🌊 Tide-Aware Exploration
Check tide times before exploring the lava formations; they're best seen and safest at low tide.
🐠 Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear to easily spot fish and turtles right off the beach.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lava Rock Formations
Along the shoreline
Dramatic lava rocks create a unique, rugged coastline perfect for exploration at low tide.

Abundant Marine Life
Right off the beach
Swim with large schools of fish and spot occasional turtles in the clear, vibrant waters.

Spacious Beachfront Villas
Resort accommodation
Enjoy incredibly large, family-sized villas offering ample space and comfort for your stay.

Spectacular Sunset Views
Western-facing coastline
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tide
Day Visitor Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice on Hotel Options and Fiafia Nights
🌊 Tide-Aware Exploration
Check tide times before exploring the lava formations; they're best seen and safest at low tide.
🐠 Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear to easily spot fish and turtles right off the beach.
💰 Day Pass Value
A $30 day pass offers great value, usable as credit for food and drinks at the resort.
🍛 Mango Curry Must-Try
Don't miss the delicious mango curry, a highly recommended dish by visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Tide-Aware Exploration
Check tide times before exploring the lava formations; they're best seen and safest at low tide.
🐠 Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear to easily spot fish and turtles right off the beach.
💰 Day Pass Value
A $30 day pass offers great value, usable as credit for food and drinks at the resort.
🍛 Mango Curry Must-Try
Don't miss the delicious mango curry, a highly recommended dish by visitors.
☕ Coffee Preference
If you prefer brewed coffee, be aware that only instant coffee is standard at breakfast.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Return to Paradise Beach's stunning natural beauty, from its dramatic lava formations to the vibrant marine life teeming just offshore. The spacious villas and delicious food, particularly the mango curry, are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some guests noted minor areas for improvement, such as the pool area's amenities and the coffee options at breakfast.
"The good:
Big beach which is really interesting with lava formations right on the beach.
Large schools of fish and the occasional turtle right next to the beach and beautiful corals. Can be dangerous at high tide though.
Lots of family-sized accommodation. The villas are HUGE.
Really great food from the El e carte menu.
Very tidy grounds with no rubbish.
Water filters were great to have. Maybe include in each room?
FANTASTIC gym. Really surprised how new and well equipped this was.
The bad:
Only instant coffee for breakfast unless you order an espresso 🙁
Pool area really needs a tiled and shaded area. Maybe convert the lawn next to the pools for this.
Lounge furniture in our villa was very uncomfortable. It's outdoor furniture with wafer thin cushions.
Could spread out the breakfast buffet as you need to queue just to get a drink."
Marc Stevenson
"This is a beautiful resort in a great location, very close, maybe 7 minutes by car to the giant clam sanctuary. Has a couple of really fantastic spots to watch the sunset and they serve a delicious mango curry! I was there in March and it was very quiet which was nice 🙂."
Dave Westby
"My wife and i love Return to Paradise! We moved to Samoa in 2017 and this is the beach we spend our time at enjoying the sun and the beautiful beach. We have stayed at the Resort and the rooms are great and the staff and service is amazing. You can also spend the day at Resort which will cost you $30 per person but then you get to use that as credit to buy drinks and lunch. If you are in Samoa make sure you visit this amazing place."
Tahana Burgess
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Return to Paradise Beach is located on the south coast of Upolu island. From Apia, it's approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive by car or taxi. Taxis are readily available in Apia. If you're renting a car, follow the main coastal road south.
While local buses run on Upolu, they can be infrequent and may not go directly to the resort. Renting a car or taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Return to Paradise Beach.
Faleolo International Airport (APW) is relatively close to Return to Paradise Beach, about a 20-30 minute drive. Taxis are available at the airport for direct transfer.
Some resorts may offer shuttle services, but it's best to inquire directly with your accommodation or arrange a taxi in advance for the most reliable transport.
Renting a car provides the most flexibility to explore nearby attractions like the Giant Clam Sanctuary, which is just a short drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the beach itself is generally free. However, if you wish to use the resort's facilities for the day, there's a $30 per person day pass which can be used as credit towards food and drinks.
Day visitor access to the resort facilities is typically available during daylight hours. It's advisable to check with the resort directly for specific opening and closing times.
While not always necessary, booking a day pass in advance, especially during peak season, can ensure your access and allow you to plan your visit more smoothly.
The day pass grants you access to the resort's grounds and beach area, and the $30 fee is credited towards your food and beverage purchases, making it a good value for a day out.
Day visitors are welcome to enjoy the beach and purchase food and drinks. However, access to private guest accommodations and certain exclusive resort areas may be restricted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, snorkel amongst fish and turtles, explore the unique lava rock formations at low tide, relax on the large beach, and enjoy the resort's amenities if you have a day pass or are staying there.
Yes, snorkeling is excellent right off the beach, with large schools of fish and occasional turtles visible in the clear waters.
Snorkeling is generally good throughout the day, but visibility can be best in the morning before the water gets too stirred up. Always be mindful of the tides.
Day visitors can utilize the resort's restaurant and bar facilities using their day pass credit. Restroom facilities are also available.
The gym is surprisingly well-equipped and modern, offering a fantastic workout facility for guests.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort offers delicious food, with a highly recommended mango curry and a good à la carte menu. Day visitors can use their pass credit here.
Breakfast is typically included for resort guests. Day visitors can purchase breakfast items from the restaurant.
The resort has a restaurant with an à la carte menu and also offers a breakfast buffet. Some guests noted that the buffet could be spread out more to avoid queues.
While instant coffee is readily available, if you prefer brewed coffee or espresso, you may need to order it specifically from the restaurant.
The menu usually offers a variety of dishes. It's best to inquire with the restaurant staff about specific dietary needs or options available.
📸 📸 Photography
The lava rock formations, the expansive beach, and the vibrant ocean offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the sunset views!
Golden hour, especially during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the clear water and marine life offer unique shots.
Absolutely! The abundant fish and turtles are fantastic subjects for underwater photography if you have the right gear.
Drone regulations can vary. It's crucial to check with the resort management and local authorities regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.
Capture the dramatic contrast between the dark lava rocks and the turquoise water, the vastness of the beach, and the vibrant colors of the sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Lava Formations
These formations also play a crucial role in the beach's ecosystem. They provide shelter for various marine life and contribute to the interesting underwater topography that makes snorkeling so rewarding. The contrast between the dark, porous lava and the bright blue of the Samoan waters is visually stunning. Many visitors find these formations to be a highlight of their trip, offering a different perspective than typical sandy beaches. Remember to wear sturdy footwear if you plan to do extensive exploring on the rocks.
Marine Life Encounters
To make the most of these encounters, it's recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear. While the resort may offer rentals, having your own ensures a comfortable fit and availability. The best times for snorkeling are generally when the water is calmest, often in the morning. Always be mindful of the currents, especially closer to the lava formations, and never touch or disturb the marine life. Respecting the natural habitat ensures that these beautiful creatures can be enjoyed by future visitors.
Resort Amenities and Day Visits
The resort also features a fantastic and surprisingly well-equipped gym, which is a pleasant surprise for fitness enthusiasts. While the pool area is enjoyable, some guests have suggested enhancements like tiling and shading to improve the experience. For dining, the à la carte menu is praised, though the breakfast buffet could benefit from better organization to manage queues. Even if you're just visiting for the day, the $30 credit makes it an attractive option to experience the resort's ambiance and cuisine.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit