WHERE TO STAY
Nestled amongst 50 acres of tropical gardens, amidst tall swaying palms, close to the international airport, the 150-room beachfront resort of Aggie Grey's Lagoon (www.aggiegreys.com) is the best place to stay if you're looking to combine sun, sand and rounds at Penina Golf Club. Although the rooms don't quite compare with those of most international chains, the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, large pool and decent array of restaurants makes this the first choice of accommodations for many visitors to the islands. The resort’s sister hotel, the legendary Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows an hour away in Apia, makes a perfect base for those wishing to tackle the Royal Samoa and Faleata courses and visit Stevenson's tomb.
WHEN TO GO
The best time for golfing is from May to October, the dry season, when temperatures tend to hover in the mid-20s and the humidity is relatively low. Typhoons are a risk in the latter and early months of the year; January is typically the wettest month.
GETTING THERE
Jumpers for goal posts (above): sticks make do for pins at Royal Samoa
Charles McLaughlin
Hide and seek (below): the view from the tee at the par-three sixth. Can you spot the green?
Samoa is best visited as a tag-on from Fiji. Air Pacific flies direct from Hong Kong (10 hours; www.airpacific.com.hk) to Nadi International Airport, the main gateway to the Fijian islands. From there, the carrier flies three-times weekly to Samoa's Faleolo International Airport (three hours).
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HK Golfer・Feb/Mar 2011
HKGOLFER.COM