Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Full view
View all photos(1,276)1,276
Pool & Beach (311)
Videos (1)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
Avg. $277 /night, 2/10 - 2/11
$277
per night
$262
per night
$246
per night
Feb
Mar
10 Feb
Today
12 Feb
14 Feb
16 Feb
18 Feb
20 Feb
22 Feb
24 Feb
26 Feb
28 Feb
2 Mar
4 Mar
6 Mar
8 Mar
10 Mar
12 Mar
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
#1 of 1 resort in Matautu
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Return To Paradise Resort, winner of the 2019 Supreme Award of Excellence, is on a spectacularly beautiful private beach which was selected for the Hollywood movie Return to Paradise starring Gary Cooper movie 1954. With white sand and a rich coral garden, but just 25 minutes drive on a sealed road from the International Airport, the feeling is of being transported into a Samoan village. The Resort is owned and operated by a large extended Samoan family who have been guardians of this land for hundreds of years which makes it the only larger resort in Samoa that is still in Samoan hands. Selected for Masterchef NZ 2014 and holder of the Prime Minister's Cup for best culinary dish, the international and local team of chefs create world class dishes with a tropical twist. Dine with stunning views in the Rock Pool Bar, or amongst the spectacular carvings of Fine Dining Paradise Kitchen, or by the pools in the Cabana Cafe, and enjoy a range of signature cocktails, all served by an extended family who feel genuine priviledged to serve you. There a wide range of ethical local tours available including swimming with turtles in a secret location, and snorkelling in the village's own giant clam reserve. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Day guests are welcome and may swim at the beach if dining in the restaurants. A romantic and picturesque wedding location with a spectacular marble chapel and a dedicated wedding coordinator. Come as a guest, and leave as a part of the family.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Fitness classes
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Bicycle rental
Babysitting
Parking
Paid wifi
Personal trainer
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Bicycles available
Canoeing
Diving
Hiking
Snorkelling
Darts
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Karaoke
Patio
Squash offsite
Table tennis
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Children's television networks
Kids pool
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Makeup services
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Chapel / shrine
Concierge
Gift shop
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Desk
Housekeeping
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Landmark view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Modern
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Getting there
2 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
839 reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Return To Paradise Resort & Spa stands out for its vibrant cultural atmosphere and a wide array of amenities, including a modern gym and authentic cultural entertainment, which have garnered positive attention from guests. While opinions on the value proposition are mixed, with some citing the food as overpriced, many find the tours to be a good investment. Accommodations are generally spacious and well-appointed with stunning views, though a few guests have remarked on the need for updates and maintenance.
The service is often described as warm and attentive, although occasional lapses in room cleaning have been noted. Overall, the resort maintains high standards of cleanliness, with rare exceptions.
Atmosphere
Cultural
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Comprehensive
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
Traveller rating
- 567
- 173
- 54
- 27
- 18
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
A visit to Return to Paradise is a must! Its very relaxing and it really gives the sunny island holiday vibe. Its a photogenic place to be and the views is breath taking. Ive stayed at RTP multiple times and I was lucky enough to enjoy it this time round with my family. I'll run you through some of the highlight take aways.
The check in process was fantastic. The staff there were very welcoming upon arrival and allowed us to access our room an hour earlier as they said the room had been cleaned, it was a super hot day so we were greatful. They really went over and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant stay and to accomodate me and my family.
I booked into the beach front rooms, the rooms are very spacious, the beds are comfortable and so huge! Plus the cool airconed rooms was a nice escape from the heat when we needed. It had a balcony area that we spent alot of time on chilling out, soaking up the views of a white sandy beach and palm trees that was directly in front of us. The holidaying guests and workers would walk past and always greet us with a wave and smile.
The kitchen facilities came in very handy to prepare our snacks. The hotel is in a perfect location as theres a mini market thats approx 3 min drive (at the end of the road) if you cant find what your looking for in the shop thats availble at their hotel reception area.
The delicious buffet breakfast and dinner available served great value money, it had a good variety to choose from. This set us up for our day and was a nice way to end our day enjoying our meals with the morning ocean views and the evening gazing starlight. You can also order smain meals off the menu if your not that big an eater.
The previous times I've stayed were as a solo traveller which I really enjoyed but to be able return with my family there and show them this gem on the opposite side of Apia, they were amazed at how beautiful the views were amd the resort itself was. It really was the highlight of our family trip.
If you want to complete your Samoa trip you got to treat yourself and book into Return to Paradise its really worth it, you'll know what I mean when you get there.
The check in process was fantastic. The staff there were very welcoming upon arrival and allowed us to access our room an hour earlier as they said the room had been cleaned, it was a super hot day so we were greatful. They really went over and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant stay and to accomodate me and my family.
I booked into the beach front rooms, the rooms are very spacious, the beds are comfortable and so huge! Plus the cool airconed rooms was a nice escape from the heat when we needed. It had a balcony area that we spent alot of time on chilling out, soaking up the views of a white sandy beach and palm trees that was directly in front of us. The holidaying guests and workers would walk past and always greet us with a wave and smile.
The kitchen facilities came in very handy to prepare our snacks. The hotel is in a perfect location as theres a mini market thats approx 3 min drive (at the end of the road) if you cant find what your looking for in the shop thats availble at their hotel reception area.
The delicious buffet breakfast and dinner available served great value money, it had a good variety to choose from. This set us up for our day and was a nice way to end our day enjoying our meals with the morning ocean views and the evening gazing starlight. You can also order smain meals off the menu if your not that big an eater.
The previous times I've stayed were as a solo traveller which I really enjoyed but to be able return with my family there and show them this gem on the opposite side of Apia, they were amazed at how beautiful the views were amd the resort itself was. It really was the highlight of our family trip.
If you want to complete your Samoa trip you got to treat yourself and book into Return to Paradise its really worth it, you'll know what I mean when you get there.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 30 Dec 2024
Talofa Tino Thank you for your review. Theres so much great information in here - not only does it help us to be our best versions, but also gives great insight to prospective guests about traveling to Samoa, and to us here in Paradise. We appreciate you "returning" to Paradise and bringing family along with you - the best compliments we can receive is returning and referrals. It was nice being able to host Dad, and the extended family this time too. We often say - come to Paradise to relax, unplug and unwind. To sit on the deck and listen to the sound of the waves, wave and smile at people as they walk past, enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises, star gazing in the evening- enjoy a relaxing time, family time, personal time - there are different reasons that you may have arrived in Paradise -but we hope you always leave feeling refreshed. Thanks for also being kind and courteous to our staff... the small gestures of smiles, waves, "Talofa" are appreciated by our staff too! We look forward to your next visit, hopefully for longer, and in the not too distant future Kind regards
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favourite
Return to paradise is my new happy place. I loved every minute of my stay there and didn’t want to leave!
Every single person who works there is so kind, friendly and helpful. Nathan and Mamai were stands out for me and I’m sorry I didn’t get to know more of your names. Ramona the owner would often come round to our table in the evenings and have a chat with us, she is so personable and caring.
Yes they may be incredibly under pressure due to being understaffed so food and drinks may take longer to arrive but we quickly adapted to that. But seriously where do you have to be! Just sit back relax and enjoy the sunset, the ocean the warm climate! Embrace Island time!
The staff always had a smile on their faces and a friendly word to say no matter how many long hours and days they’ve been working. I really feel for everyone there being so understaffed, they are doing the absolute best they can and doing it well!
Fortunately we only encountered one “Karen” while staying here. She obviously wasn’t aware of what a wonderful place she was staying at but hopefully she managed to open her eyes and take in the beauty of the place and realise that her issues were minor.
The previous review about the buffet night only offering two curries and rice is simply untrue. There was a great selection of food at the buffet. Maybe this person didn’t have a very adventurous pallet.
I had a massage and afterwards I felt like I was floating on air it was incredible! I wanted to take that lady home with me. Also great privacy, my breasts were covered... unlike the previous reviewers….?
The concert nights were my absolute favourite and definitely the highlight of my trip. I will remember those nights for the rest of my life. They were so inspiring and entertaining and such an incredible display of their culture and their skills. The fire knives!!! Just amazing!
I could honestly write so much more about how incredible this place is, but you’ll have to go and check it out for yourself.
Some other honourable mentions were: excellent air conditioning facilities to escape the heat, meticulous daily housekeeping, water filter station and free wifi.
I will be back next year and every year after that. Thank you so much Return to Paradise family for helping me discover my new happy place!
Every single person who works there is so kind, friendly and helpful. Nathan and Mamai were stands out for me and I’m sorry I didn’t get to know more of your names. Ramona the owner would often come round to our table in the evenings and have a chat with us, she is so personable and caring.
Yes they may be incredibly under pressure due to being understaffed so food and drinks may take longer to arrive but we quickly adapted to that. But seriously where do you have to be! Just sit back relax and enjoy the sunset, the ocean the warm climate! Embrace Island time!
The staff always had a smile on their faces and a friendly word to say no matter how many long hours and days they’ve been working. I really feel for everyone there being so understaffed, they are doing the absolute best they can and doing it well!
Fortunately we only encountered one “Karen” while staying here. She obviously wasn’t aware of what a wonderful place she was staying at but hopefully she managed to open her eyes and take in the beauty of the place and realise that her issues were minor.
The previous review about the buffet night only offering two curries and rice is simply untrue. There was a great selection of food at the buffet. Maybe this person didn’t have a very adventurous pallet.
I had a massage and afterwards I felt like I was floating on air it was incredible! I wanted to take that lady home with me. Also great privacy, my breasts were covered... unlike the previous reviewers….?
The concert nights were my absolute favourite and definitely the highlight of my trip. I will remember those nights for the rest of my life. They were so inspiring and entertaining and such an incredible display of their culture and their skills. The fire knives!!! Just amazing!
I could honestly write so much more about how incredible this place is, but you’ll have to go and check it out for yourself.
Some other honourable mentions were: excellent air conditioning facilities to escape the heat, meticulous daily housekeeping, water filter station and free wifi.
I will be back next year and every year after that. Thank you so much Return to Paradise family for helping me discover my new happy place!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Bring lots of suncream!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramona Su'aPale, Owner at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 11 Jul 2023
Talofa and thank you for your kind review, We are so glad that you found so much to be delighted in during your holiday with us. We are very pleased to be your happy place! Yes it is true that we are having very severe staff shortages as so many Samoans have been sent to NZ and Australia to pick fruit and the overwhelming majority of guests accept this and understand that some food service is a little slow, We are so proud of our staff who perform the two concert nights - the Fia fia Culture group and our fire knife dancers (Wednesday) are both National Champions and so are our Maeva String Band (Saturday nights). We aree glad you are coming back next year and we look forward to welcoming you when you Return to Paradise Alofa tele the Return to Paradise family
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
The narrative around this beautiful place only adds to the charm. Return to Paradise is all about family, whānau, aiga set on a stunning beach with everything you could wish for. You definitely arrive as visitors and leave feeling part of the aiga/family.
The history with Hollywood putting this place on the map is pretty special.
The staff are SO friendly. Nothing is a problem. Yes, it can take a few extra minutes to get what you want but you will always get it with a smile. The food available is not extensive but it is tasty and you can try many Samoan delicacies. You will not go hungry. Really enjoyed our pina colada's and 'niu'!
We were in a two bedroom villa each with ensuite. The rooms are comfortable and we had large covered outdoor space where we spent much of our time. The marble flooring is perfect in the heat and each room had air con. The cleaning staff visit daily to ensure you have all you need. The front office is always open for anything you may require.
There is so much to enjoy. We hired a car for four adults which allowed us to explore beyond the Resort but there are tours available each day and taxies, so a car is not necessary. The evening shows are spectacular, and more so as you recognise various staff members showing off their amazing skills.
We loved being hosted by Ramona, Raz and the family. The beach and sea is always fascinating and having two weddings onsite during our visit was fun! It is the perfect place for a relaxing break and a recharging of batteries. After the challenges of the last few years RTP offers a beautiful and friendly escape whilst supporting the local villages.
The history with Hollywood putting this place on the map is pretty special.
The staff are SO friendly. Nothing is a problem. Yes, it can take a few extra minutes to get what you want but you will always get it with a smile. The food available is not extensive but it is tasty and you can try many Samoan delicacies. You will not go hungry. Really enjoyed our pina colada's and 'niu'!
We were in a two bedroom villa each with ensuite. The rooms are comfortable and we had large covered outdoor space where we spent much of our time. The marble flooring is perfect in the heat and each room had air con. The cleaning staff visit daily to ensure you have all you need. The front office is always open for anything you may require.
There is so much to enjoy. We hired a car for four adults which allowed us to explore beyond the Resort but there are tours available each day and taxies, so a car is not necessary. The evening shows are spectacular, and more so as you recognise various staff members showing off their amazing skills.
We loved being hosted by Ramona, Raz and the family. The beach and sea is always fascinating and having two weddings onsite during our visit was fun! It is the perfect place for a relaxing break and a recharging of batteries. After the challenges of the last few years RTP offers a beautiful and friendly escape whilst supporting the local villages.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramona Su'aPale, Owner at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 11 Jul 2023
Talofa and thank you for coming to spend time with us. It was a real privilege to have you and your family here with us in Paradise and our family of staff really enjoyed your company. We are glad you found so much to enjoy while you were here. We may be a little biased, but we love our beach too and we are proud to share this beach that has been in our family for 1000 years with guests. We hope to see you again next time you Return to Paradise Alofa tele the Return to Paradise Family
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had always heard good things about Return to Paradise so had high hopes but was unfortunately let down. The place is quite run down and needs some attention. Our room was extremely dated, only one power outlet worked in the whole room, the lights didn’t work in the bedroom or laundry/kitchen area.
After our first night, we placed all our towels and sheets on the bathroom floor as we would at our hotels we stay at expected them to be replaced, however, when we returned later that evening expecting to jump into our freshly made bed, we were disappointed to find the dirty towels and sheets were exactly where we left them on the bathroom floor and our room hadn’t been cleaned.
My husband went to reception and asked for some new towels and came back with 2 towels which had brown stains over them.. I hate to think what these stains were… disgusting.
The food was just okay, quite expensive for what it is and came out cold and stale.
Unfortunately due to these factors, I will not be recommending this place to anyone. You can get so much more for your money at other resorts on the island.
After our first night, we placed all our towels and sheets on the bathroom floor as we would at our hotels we stay at expected them to be replaced, however, when we returned later that evening expecting to jump into our freshly made bed, we were disappointed to find the dirty towels and sheets were exactly where we left them on the bathroom floor and our room hadn’t been cleaned.
My husband went to reception and asked for some new towels and came back with 2 towels which had brown stains over them.. I hate to think what these stains were… disgusting.
The food was just okay, quite expensive for what it is and came out cold and stale.
Unfortunately due to these factors, I will not be recommending this place to anyone. You can get so much more for your money at other resorts on the island.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Consider other options on the Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 20 Feb 2024
Talofa Paptraveller98 Thank you for your feedback. Id love for you to contact me directly so you can give us some more information including only 1 power outlet working in a room. That doesnt seem right at all (because there are lamps, kettles, TVs, and so on in the room). Also we dont have laundry's in our rooms or villas. We also have signs in the room - if you leave your towels on the floor we know to replace them so we defintiely should have. But we defintiely do not change the sheets every day but every 3 days. We are committed to protecting our environment which includes reducing uncessary washing - you can request to have your sheets changed at any time but they would not be changed after 1 night unless evidently dirtly. But as you have mentioned your room wasnt cleaned - so we would love to have more details so we can investigate and improve. We apologise for any towels with stains - not sure what you think the stains are? but most likely burn marks from over-heating in the dryer, paint marks (very common with hand printed clothing which is common in Samoa). But stained towels should not be issued to our guests. We prefer to not soak our linens with too much bleach - its very harmful to the environment. And we also apologise you did not enjoy our food - we are trying to guess which food you mean (stale = bread ?) .. Once again we thank you for your feedback. We understand that you wont recommend us - but please do feel free to send us more details to help us to improve. You can email us on gm@returntoparadiseresort.com OR guestservices@returntoparadiseresort.com
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We won’t be returning
During our time in Samoa, we stayed in 4 different locations, all the other locations were superior to Return to Paradise, although some cost less per night.
I would not purchase the food plan, the food we ate at other venues was of better quality for a similar price. Bring your own food or make the most of the opportunity to visit other locations.
The only change to the A la Carte menu during our stay was a change in the main meat in the curry & the addition of cheese or egg to the hamburger. The food looked nothing like the website photo.
The restaurant service staff at Return to Paradise seem to be lacking in training. They seemed unable to ensure that there were plates, cups, bowls available during the breakfast buffet. Although there seemed to be many staff available. This was not the case in any of the other locations we dined at, including 3 locations on Savaii & 2 on the same coast as Return to Paradise.
On checking the bill on the day before checking out, we had been charged for food, this was removed, but the question is why was it on the bill in the first place? and if that is the standard way things are processed then explain that when people ask for the bill, but that the lines will be removed before checkout.
As to the Cable TV, this was not available in the unit where we stayed, although we could have requested DVD's. Luckily we were not there to watch TV. So if you need/want to have a TV double check before booking.
Also if you need WIFI in your room, then double check before booking as the WIFI didn't reach to our rooms.
If travelling with small children do some research to check that you are comfortable about the rip which is on the beach, it may be worth looking at other options with safer beaches.
Families may also wish to try and find a location with a playground.
The highlight was the Rock Pool bar manager.
Have a look at other options before booking at Return to Paradise, my experience is that there are better options for the same dollar spend.
During our time in Samoa, we stayed in 4 different locations, all the other locations were superior to Return to Paradise, although some cost less per night.
I would not purchase the food plan, the food we ate at other venues was of better quality for a similar price. Bring your own food or make the most of the opportunity to visit other locations.
The only change to the A la Carte menu during our stay was a change in the main meat in the curry & the addition of cheese or egg to the hamburger. The food looked nothing like the website photo.
The restaurant service staff at Return to Paradise seem to be lacking in training. They seemed unable to ensure that there were plates, cups, bowls available during the breakfast buffet. Although there seemed to be many staff available. This was not the case in any of the other locations we dined at, including 3 locations on Savaii & 2 on the same coast as Return to Paradise.
On checking the bill on the day before checking out, we had been charged for food, this was removed, but the question is why was it on the bill in the first place? and if that is the standard way things are processed then explain that when people ask for the bill, but that the lines will be removed before checkout.
As to the Cable TV, this was not available in the unit where we stayed, although we could have requested DVD's. Luckily we were not there to watch TV. So if you need/want to have a TV double check before booking.
Also if you need WIFI in your room, then double check before booking as the WIFI didn't reach to our rooms.
If travelling with small children do some research to check that you are comfortable about the rip which is on the beach, it may be worth looking at other options with safer beaches.
Families may also wish to try and find a location with a playground.
The highlight was the Rock Pool bar manager.
Have a look at other options before booking at Return to Paradise, my experience is that there are better options for the same dollar spend.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramona Su'aPale, Owner at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 19 Jul 2023
Talofa, Some of the comments in this review are completely valid and we are working hard on these, We want to ensure all our guests that if there is anything you are not happy with in your stay please let our managers know while you are here and we will do whatever it takes to make things right for you. That is who we are and we are committed to giving you a wonderful holiday kind regards The Return to Paradise Family
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at Return to Paradise was exactly that “Paradise ❤️ ” The villas were extremely spacious and our three kids enjoyed the size of the beds and the clean air conned rooms. The buffet was beautiful at the fia fia night and the staff were very kind and helpful. Highly recommended and no wonder they say “Return…🙌🏽”
Read more
Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 3 weeks ago
Talofa! Thank you for your kind feedback. It was wonderful having you all stay with us. We do look forward to your "Return to Paradise" - you are all always welcome with your Paradise family. Kind regards
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I stayed at Return To Paradise Resort in Samoa. The staff were very friendly, but upon arrival there was a big mix up with our room and another couple staying, they were not able to remedy this immediately which created a lot of confusion and meant the other couple's expenses were being charged to our room (this was settled eventually but a bit frustrating)!
We could see that once upon a time the resort would have been beautiful. But today it is looking a bit tired, and run down in places. Our room was clean and tidy. However the lamp and phone didn't work, and the pillow cases were torn. The curtain rail was not secured to the wall well and it fell down while were there. The shower base also leaked all over the bathroom floor, and some of the bath towels we were given had stains on them.
Because the phone didn't work, reception would knock at our door after 10pm 2-3 visits (when we were in bed) trying to prematurely sort some issues with the rental car.
The food was just ok, the buffet breakfast didn't offer a great variety. We were given a couple of vouchers for free cocktails but they wouldn't let us use them at the restaurant only at the bar beside the restaurant (this detail wasn't mentioned on the voucher). We had to pay for one of those cocktails.
Water was not easily accessible, as we were told we couldn't drink the tap water and we had to go for a walk to one of their water stations top up our water.
They told us that the cultural show was included with our booking, and all we had to do was pay for the buffet dinner. After checking out we realized we had been charged for the show as well. This was disappointing too.
Sadly the resort's beach was not suitable for swimming, as there is a very strong rip tide, and big swells. They had someone guarding the beach the entire time to prevent any swimming, which was sensible. But when you go to a tropical resort you do expect to be able to swim :(
This resort was very isolated, far away from any pharmacy and quite a drive to many of the islands main attractions. Taxi's are not reliable, and the drivers we had didn't speak or understand much English.
This is a Samoan owned and operated, family run resort, they are very proud of what they have created, but they could do with a pair of fresh eyes to raise the standard of the facility they offer. We tried to lean into the positive during our stay, but honestly not the best holiday experience for the investment made! So unfortunately, we wouldn't recommend this resort to our friends and family!
We could see that once upon a time the resort would have been beautiful. But today it is looking a bit tired, and run down in places. Our room was clean and tidy. However the lamp and phone didn't work, and the pillow cases were torn. The curtain rail was not secured to the wall well and it fell down while were there. The shower base also leaked all over the bathroom floor, and some of the bath towels we were given had stains on them.
Because the phone didn't work, reception would knock at our door after 10pm 2-3 visits (when we were in bed) trying to prematurely sort some issues with the rental car.
The food was just ok, the buffet breakfast didn't offer a great variety. We were given a couple of vouchers for free cocktails but they wouldn't let us use them at the restaurant only at the bar beside the restaurant (this detail wasn't mentioned on the voucher). We had to pay for one of those cocktails.
Water was not easily accessible, as we were told we couldn't drink the tap water and we had to go for a walk to one of their water stations top up our water.
They told us that the cultural show was included with our booking, and all we had to do was pay for the buffet dinner. After checking out we realized we had been charged for the show as well. This was disappointing too.
Sadly the resort's beach was not suitable for swimming, as there is a very strong rip tide, and big swells. They had someone guarding the beach the entire time to prevent any swimming, which was sensible. But when you go to a tropical resort you do expect to be able to swim :(
This resort was very isolated, far away from any pharmacy and quite a drive to many of the islands main attractions. Taxi's are not reliable, and the drivers we had didn't speak or understand much English.
This is a Samoan owned and operated, family run resort, they are very proud of what they have created, but they could do with a pair of fresh eyes to raise the standard of the facility they offer. We tried to lean into the positive during our stay, but honestly not the best holiday experience for the investment made! So unfortunately, we wouldn't recommend this resort to our friends and family!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Hire a car as this is located at quite a remote part of the island.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ramona Su'aPale, Owner at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 28 Dec 2023
Talofa Play-Fully Thank you for your review. We are disappointed that we fell well short of your expectations for your trip with us. I'm sorry I cant comment on the mix up with charges - including your complimentary show. But please feel free to send me more details directly so I can check this with you. This also includes about the taxi company - as we are happy to share any feedback so we can all improve. There are no excuses for a lamp not working (that would be able to be remedied instantly with a bulb or a new lamp) and so I hope our team were able to instantly remedy issues like this during your stay. Presently we are trying to put a greater emphasis on protecting our environment - so we aim to only use products / chemicals including in our washing that have less negative impact on the environment like some of the bleaches and detergents do. This does mean that our towels may discolour and we are working with suppliers on what products are best. For the complimentary cocktail vouchers - the staff were correct - these were only redeemable at the Rock Pool Bar. But we appreciate your feedback and will trial extending these to the 2 other outlets also. For the drinking water - it is recommended that you do not drink tap water - most of us drink it without problem however we also never recommend doing so. We provide complimentary water bottles upon check in - and have 4 water filter stations around the site. The filter stations are to minimise the single use bottles. We are sorry these were too far a distance from your room. If we add in others this is someting we can also look at again - to ensure each room doesnt have too far to travel. Our beach has 2 distinct moods – at high tide, it is rough and wavy and at low tide it is calm and excellent for swimming and snorkeling. We see it as getting two beaches for the price of one. Our daily letter provides information on the best and safest time for swimming. So you are quite right - its not a calm beach at high tide and we recommend swimming at the recommended times - safety is always first. We are 25mins drive from the airport, and 45mins away from Apia - the main town where most of the pharmacies are located. The closest well-stocked supermarket to us is a 15minute drive If you need medication we do suggest to bring it with you, we sell and provide basic items onsite. We have over 1 kilometre of beachfront and so we coastal based with a distance to travel to most places (although we still consider ourselves a close drive to the Airport) Once again, we really do appreciate your feedback - we agree with the fresh pairs of eyes, and thats exactly what we are doing. There are no excuses for much of what you have raised like a lamp not working, below standard linens, or incorrect charges. Also about other areas mentioned - it all helps us to review, and grow. Thank you again
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had such a wonderful stay at Return to Paradise. The fali are private and beautifully decrated and fitted out. Large bathroom with walk inshower, water hot and plentiful. Plenty of large towels. Comfy bed, air con if you need it. We had an ocean front fali so could see the ocean fron the bed. The staff teams in all areas were friendly and helpful and went the extra mile to make our stay the best. The entertainment was wonderful especially the singing the cultural dancing we loved how inclusive it was and how we were made so welcome. The food is delicious with local dishes to try on the menu. The beach is beautiful clean and kept spotless. Safe swimming and snorkelling form the beach sheltered by the reef. 4 pools on site one great for kids. Plenty of sunbeds all round the resort and lots of tree shade. The only suggestion is that the keys to the rooms have a large key ring or peice of wood attached to them and guests are encouraged to leave keys at reception when they are visiring outside the resort. We lost our keys on a day out. Thankfully they were found and returned the next day. On reflection we should have left them at the resort for safekeeping. We had a wonderful time and a truly.memorable stay for all the right reasons. Thank you Return to Paradise we hope to come back another time.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 6 Sept 2023
Talofa Penelope Thank you for your feedback - you are very right about the keys! Loosing keys has happened to many of us and so a great idea is to encourage our guests to leave them at reception for safe keeping when venturing out or just in case! we found car keys on the beach this morning too - and its super helpful whenever guests find anything that they are given to reception :) we are glad you managed to your keys in the end however! We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us - enjoyed our beach, pools, our staff and our rooms. Also our Saturday night show - the Maeva (string band) - of dancing and singing is a guest favourite. They have been the National champions for 3 years running - the are naturally talented but they also practice to be as good as they are - thank you for mentioning them as we are super proud of Fuifatu and his team! (Ps you dont need a gym in Samoa - you can just get up and dance with them... its alot of cardio too!)
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rained almost continuously for 4 days and septic tank couldn’t cope. Toilets blocked in heaps of rooms. Power went off in our room when outside light was turned on. They replaced fuse in fuse box. Removed outside light bulb and taped over faulty switch. Had to use a torch to find our room at night. Resort had plenty of umbrellas for guest use. Service in restaurant ok, food pretty good. Breakfast pretty average ( no bacon).
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Beach often closed for swimming (dangerous)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 24 Jul 2024
Talofa Apisai57 Thank you for your feedback. We definitely understand your disappointment - the rain last week was unexpected especially for dry season. We were not properly prepared for this weather and it did create areas of flooding. It is dark around the Resort in places, the beach is dark on purpose for the turtles at night time however we do understand how dark it can be particularly if youre not familiar with the area and so we have installed more lights around the Resort and are sourcing more to add as many as we reasonably can. Sorry about the bacon - we dont always have bacon available on the buffet, its all imported in Samoa and so we use alternatives particularly if we can find local alternatives Thanks again
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’m not hard to please, I just expect to get the level of service and facilities applicable to the hotel/ resorts rating. Yes, the resort is located in a very scenic spot and the Ocean Front Villas have lovely views. The beach was as expected given the Pacific Islands are usually surrounded by reef. But, the food was very ordinary if not bad and overpriced. The same menu, with limited choice, was used for both lunch and dinner every day. What had me bewildered was that the Fish and Chips was battered Basa, a farmed ( usually Vietnam) catfish from SE Asia. I told the waitress I didn’t want that horrid stuff so she said I could have Snapper instead. I got battered Tuna, easily recognised by its colour. Why Basa is on the menu in a 4 star, Pacific Island resort is more than unexpected. Its fillets sells in Woolies and Cole for A$15 a kilo.
There are no other restaurants close by so you are forced to eat at the resort.
We thought we lost our room key so reported it. Having found it an hour later we informed 3 different staff members over 2 days, including the woman on reception and the manager. All 3 said the 100 tala would be depleted from our account. Upon checking out it wasn’t which of caused a bit of confusion.
Other than those issues we enjoyed our stay for 2 nights
There are no other restaurants close by so you are forced to eat at the resort.
We thought we lost our room key so reported it. Having found it an hour later we informed 3 different staff members over 2 days, including the woman on reception and the manager. All 3 said the 100 tala would be depleted from our account. Upon checking out it wasn’t which of caused a bit of confusion.
Other than those issues we enjoyed our stay for 2 nights
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Ask about the fish before ordering, not that it’s makes a difference
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mel Toailoa, Other at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Responded 13 Dec 2024
Talofa Olfella B, Thank you for your feedback. We apologise that our Restaurant dinner menu was not made available to you during your stay. We have an all day menu from 1100 to late, and then a dinner menu from 1800 from the Restaurant. Our dinner men includes more fish options such as seared Tuna and Fish of the Day. We do normally use Basa in our fish and chips and sorry to hear that you found / find it horrid. We definitely should have been able to accommodate a simple request from you using Tuna. Not normally Snapper). We are surrounded by a big beautiful ocean, however alot of our waters are protected from fishing, and/or the fish is exported. The fish sold on the side of the roads by our local fisherman vary day to day so we use these in fish of the day, but not fish and chips. We do have Oka, Poke, Sashimi available on the all day menu which are generally made with fresh tuna. We will however continue to look for new suppliers to have more fresh fish available consistently. And you are quite right - we are far from other restaurants. The nearest restaurants being a 20min drive away. Our local shops are 5km away, and we are 20mins (in the opposite direction) from the closest local supermarkets. For the room key - we should have adjusted the key immediately when you returned it to reception- not only upon your check out. Having dealt with 4 different people regarding your key (including a Manager) we can understand how this would have been frustrating for you, and apologise for our poor internal communication. Once again, we do appreciate your feedback. It helps us to improve, and also ensure we have provided our guests with the right information both before stay, and while staying with us.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Talofa
You can contact the Resort directly on the email provided on the webpage for specials. Email addresses cant be shared here due to guidelines
Talofa Lynda, thank you for your inquiry. We have dedicated staff who do guests' wash and fold service daily at a modest price. This is the most energy efficient and sustainable way for us to take care of your laundry needs, and to ensure that you spend your holiday relaxing - not doing laundry! Hope to see you soon
Talofa, cars can be hired directly here at Return to Paradise from carefully selected trusted car hire companies. we have shuttles to Apia town 3 times a week, and we have tours almost every day including giant clams, swimming with turtles, Savaii Island and lots of beaches and waterfalls, lots to choose from, Hope to see you soon, the Return to Paradise Family
I would be happy to send you a copy of the menu but I don't have a copy but I did not have a bad meal the whole time I was there there was plenty of Verity good to hear from you and enjoy.
please provide your email address and I be sure to send you one
…
"Recommend hiring a car through the resort. Having this gives great options for getting around the island. Driving is also an experience 😀"Read full review
"High tides can prevent you from going into the water, but there's always the resort pools. If your has a kitchenette, stock up at the local market"Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
$196 - $256 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
SamoaUpoluLefagaMatautu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
115
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingRETURN TO PARADISE RESORT & SPA - Updated 2025 Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about Return To Paradise Resort & Spa
Which popular attractions are close to Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Giant Clam Sanctuary (3.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Return To Paradise Resort & Spa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and fitness classes during their stay.
Does Return To Paradise Resort & Spa have airport transportation?
Yes, Return To Paradise Resort & Spa offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Return To Paradise Resort & Spa offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Does Return To Paradise Resort & Spa have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Return To Paradise Resort & Spa accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.