Events at Return to Paradise
Traditional samoan events & Food
Experience Samoan Culture & Food
Immerse Yourself in Authentic Samoan Culture at Return to Paradise Resort
We invite both our resort guests and day visitors to experience a vibrant array of cultural events that celebrate the rich heritage of Samoa. Every Wednesday, be captivated by our award-winning Samoan Fiafia show featuring dazzling fire-knife dancers, complemented by a delicious traditional Samoan buffet. Saturdays come alive with the lively performances of the famous Maeva string band during our delectable dinner buffet, creating a festive atmosphere for all. On Sundays, join us for our renowned traditional Sunday lunch, a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Discover unforgettable moments and celebrate Samoan traditions with us at Return to Paradise Resort.
Book your cultural experience today and make your stay truly memorable!
environmentally
friendly
supporting
locals
sustainable
Tourism
family
friendly
perfect
for Groups
1 NZD ≈ 1.70 WST
1 AUD ≈ 1.80 WST
Fiafia Night - Cultural Fire Knife Show
Join Our Award-Winning Fiafia Traditional Fire Show & Buffet Every Wednesday at Return to Paradise Resort
Experience authentic Samoan culture with our award-winning Fiafia Traditional Fire Show and delicious Samoan buffet, exclusively hosted every Wednesday at Return to Paradise Resort. Starting at 6:30 PM, enjoy an enchanting evening filled with vibrant Samoan dances, mesmerizing fire performances, and captivating cultural storytelling that highlight the rich heritage of the islands.
Open to both resort guests and day visitors, our Fiafia Night features a mouth-watering selection of traditional Samoan cuisine, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Set against the stunning backdrop of our resort, you’ll experience an unforgettable night under the stars, ideal for creating lasting memories.
Due to high demand, we highly recommend booking your spot early to ensure you don’t miss out on this popular event. Whether you’re eager to dive into local traditions or seeking a unique evening experience, our Fiafia Traditional Fire Show & Buffet at Return to Paradise Resort is a must-see highlight of your Samoa stay.
$95 WST per adult
$45 WST per child (under 12)
Reserve Your Spot Today and Celebrate Samoan Culture with Us!
Return to Paradise Movie Night
Experience an unforgettable evening of fine dining and cinematic history with our Dine Gold Class at the Movies every Thursday night at Return to Paradise Resort. Join us in the Gary Cooper Lounge to watch the iconic 1953 film “Return to Paradise”, starring Hollywood legend Gary Cooper and Roberta Haynes, filmed right here on our pristine beach. Enjoy a delectable dinner and refreshing drinks delivered directly to your seat as you immerse yourself in this historic movie that pioneered the inclusion of indigenous actors in major Hollywood roles.
Discover the profound impact “Return to Paradise” had on Samoa and explore the legacy of Chief Tonga Le Mamea Matamua and his granddaughter, Prime Minister Fiame Mataafa. Pay your respects at the serene gravesite of Roberta Haynes, overlooking the beach she loved. For just $20 WST per person, your admission supports our village medical fund, making your evening both enjoyable and meaningful.
Book your Dine Gold Class Movie Night today and celebrate Samoan heritage with an exclusive cultural and culinary experience at Return to Paradise Resort!
Events & Food Reviews
They are very talented musicians, singers, dancers and showmen and create very entertaining shows. Every dollar paid to the resort goes back into the local community. Highly recommended for a very relaxing holiday.
Sue and Mike
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are vacations that you enjoy, and then there are places like Return to Paradise Resort & Spa — where you truly feel moved. Samoa is stunning, yes, but the heart of this resort is its people. Every single person we encountered made us feel welcomed, cared for, and part of something truly special.
A big thank you to the reception ladies for their warmth each day and to the management team, especially Mika, who went above and beyond to help us relocate to a new apartment with such ease and kindness. His efforts were beyond appreciated.
The restaurant staff — Lima, Fetalai, Mampupo, Ahkey, and Victoria — are incredible. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind, they made every dining experience delightful. Behind the scenes, the talented chefs Satui, Asati, and Kolio cooked up meals that were not only beautifully presented but full of flavour and tradition.
We were lucky enough to join tours led by Tasi and Stan — both passionate and knowledgeable guides who brought the island to life with their storytelling. These tours are a must for anyone visiting Samoa.
The cultural shows blew us away. The passion and pride of the performers — Ioana, Mai Mai, Moa, Hun, Tupu, Elisara and team — were contagious. Every performance was emotional, authentic, and unforgettable.
Each day, we were greeted by Tia, whose cappuccinos are simply perfect. He is a true barista and a ray of sunshine — every cup came with a smile and warmth.
The Lomi Wellness Spa is another gem. Thank you to Gather, Aperila, Opo, and Toe for creating such a peaceful, healing environment. Your hands and hearts made every treatment feel like therapy.
The beauty of this place wouldn’t be the same without the meticulous care of Fatu and his groundskeeping team. The gardens are lush, vibrant, and absolutely breathtaking. And the housekeeping staff quietly worked their magic every day — keeping everything spotless and welcoming.
A huge thank you also to Sirah, our kind and reliable taxi driver. She got us where we needed to go safely and always with a lovely conversation and smile. She was a joy.
This isn’t just a resort — it’s a community of caring souls who love what they do. We’ll carry this place and the people in our hearts forever.
Samoa is a very poor nation, and this resort is not owned by a multinational corporation but by local Samoans — a huge achievement they can be proud of. Every dollar you spend goes into the local economy. Before the resort opened, the village had 75% unemployment; today, it's 0%, with around 150 people employed. So, your stay directly contributes to improving the lives of many local families.
Things to Know
Location: The resort is isolated — about an hour’s drive from Apia and 40 minutes from the airport. This gives it a peaceful, village-like atmosphere, which I loved.
Transport: A return taxi trip to Apia costs around 200 Tala. We hired a car for 140 Tala per day, which I recommend if you'd like to explore on your own rather than book tours.
Driving: Roads are in poor condition, and hire cars tend to be worn. However, everyone drives slowly (and on the left-hand side).
Beach: The beach is coral-based, so bring sand shoes. The resort provides snorkels and goggles, but they're in poor condition. That said, we rarely saw more than 12 people on the beach — it was wonderfully uncrowded.
Pools: The pools are great — perfect temperature, clean, and never crowded. Some areas need maintenance, but it's not a dealbreaker.
Kids: Not ideal unless your kids are self-entertainers and love swimming.
Food:
Prices are typical for a resort. One kitchen serves both the restaurant and bar, so the menus are nearly identical. Good variety and generous portions.
For a treat, head to Paddles in Apia for dinner, or Milano Café for breakfast or lunch.
Must-Do Attractions:
Giant Clam & Turtle Sanctuary – Very close to the resort. Entry is 20 Tala and includes free use of fins, goggles, and floatation noodles. The clams are about 200m offshore, but the bay is calm.
Fire Knife Show at the Resort – Absolutely stunning.
Band Night at the Resort – Lots of fun.
"Return to Paradise" Movie Night – The beach and resort are named after this film. The night includes a documentary-style video about the resort's construction, showing the incredible challenges they overcame — from cyclones and financial setbacks to COVID.
To Sua Ocean Trench – A unique swimming hole, worth the trip.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Stunning stain glass windows and a beautiful wooden ceiling.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – An interesting visit for literature or history buffs.
What to Pack:
Snorkel, goggles, and beach shoes
iPad or laptop with downloaded movies (TVs run on poor internet)
Plenty of books
Snacks (local options are limited)
Entertainment for kids
All the clothes you'll need — humidity means nothing dries overnight
Tip: If booking a Garden Room, request a second-level corner room if available.
Areas for Improvement:
Because the resort is locally owned and funded, it’s not perfect — but it’s also not meant to be a luxury resort.
Some maintenance is needed (e.g. pool resurfacing, aging fixtures), but nothing major is missing.
Due to high humidity, mold grows easily. Some bathroom sealants are stained — not dirty, just part of the tropical environment.
Internet is poor. Either turn on international roaming or buy a local SIM at the airport. I purchased a 30GB SIM from Digicel for 50 Tala and had strong reception across the main island. The resort is planning to switch to Starlink soon, which should help.
Communication: Some staff have limited English and are very polite — so polite they may say “yes” even when unsure what you're asking. We had a few misunderstandings (including a missed tour) due to this.
Advice: Be patient and kind. Don’t be a Karen. Smile, explain things clearly, and they will do everything they can to help.
Final Thoughts
None of these minor issues would stop us from returning. The incredible location, warm ocean, and — most importantly — the genuinely kind, welcoming people make Return to Paradise Resort a place we 100% recommend.
The resort is locally run and managed meaning all your fees are well spent in the community.
Totally recommended!
The Rockpool Bar overlooking the beach is the place to be as the sun sets - thank you Percy! The food is delicious and there is plenty to do every evening - do not miss the Fia Fia dance! Tasi and Stan are the best tour guides who will take you to beautiful places both near and far. This place now holds a special place in my heart. Do yourself a favour and get a Lomi massage by Fabe. One of the best I have ever had!
See you soon Ramona and family, we will be back!
They are a wonderful family and i’ll be honest; food options could be more BUT at what cost? they try to keep things local and it’s well and fine to say we support local but that means sometimes forgoing options you may be used to at home.
The staff are incredible ◡̈ they support local music and dance groups on the island and if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in culture, the long term owners of the land are the best people to do that with.
We did a couple tours with the resort; all a resounding 5 stars! One was organised last minute because we were all ready to go and the organiser called one of his cousins to take us! A family indeed ◡̈
The views are next to none and it really is true that they have a coral reef right off their private beach and you can see so many fish, at your doorstep!
The rooms are certainly dated, but everything works! bring your own toiletries if you’re particular about what shampoos or body washes you prefer, it’s actually worth getting the small sizes for this. If not, they do provide soap and shampoo but that’s about it!
Maeva String Band Night
Experience an unforgettable Saturday night with our Maeva String Band and Cultural Show at Return to Paradise Resort. Every Saturday, our talented staff, current National String Band Champions for Samoa and recent TV3 National String Band competition winners, deliver a spectacular performance that blends the best of Samoan and Western music. Be mesmerized by their melodic tunes and enjoy exhilarating Samoan cultural dances that highlight our island’s rich heritage.
Event Highlights:
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy top-tier performances from the acclaimed Maeva String Band, known for their musical excellence and captivating stage presence.
- International Buffet: Indulge in a delicious international buffet starting at 6:30 PM, featuring a diverse selection of mouth-watering dishes.
- Showtime: The captivating show begins promptly at 7:30 PM, seamlessly transitioning from dinner to entertainment.
- Ticket Pricing:
- Adults: $99 WST
- Children Under 12: $55 WST
- Children Under 5: Free
Limited Availability:
This hugely popular show often sells out, so we strongly recommend booking your spot in advance to ensure your place for an exceptional evening.
Join us every Saturday night for the perfect blend of fine dining and world-class entertainment. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or seeking a memorable night out, our Maeva String Band & Cultural Show offers something special for everyone.
Book Your Saturday Night Experience Today and Celebrate Samoan Culture with Us!
Traditional Samoan Sunday Lunch
Experience Samoan hospitality with our To’ona’i Sunday Lunchtime Feast at Return to Paradise Resort. Every Sunday from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, join us in the Paradise Kitchen traditional fale restaurant for a delightful culinary experience that blends authentic Samoan flavors with European delicacies.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Samoan Cuisine: Savor a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as oka (marinated raw fish), Fai ’ai I’a (fish in coconut cream cooked in a coconut shell), umu roasted pork, taro, breadfruit, and an assortment of fresh vegetables akin to a Māori Hangi.
- Family-Friendly Pricing: Enjoy this sumptuous feast for $75 WST per person, with half-price for children under 12 and free for those under 5.
- Cultural Entertainment: Delight in the harmonious melodies of our staff singing group, enhancing your long lunch with soulful tunes and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Become Part of the Family: Experience a weekly popular tradition where guests truly become part of a Samoan family, celebrating community and togetherness.
- Authentic Experience: Engage in a beloved Samoan tradition that offers a genuine taste of local culture and cuisine.
- Delicious Variety: Enjoy a mix of traditional Samoan dishes and European favorites, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Don’t miss out on this enriching and flavorful experience! Our To’ona’i Sunday Lunchtime Feast is a must-visit event for both resort guests and day visitors seeking to embrace the true spirit of Samoan culture.
Book your Sunday feast today and join us for an unforgettable taste of Samoa at Return to Paradise Resort!
Samoa Events FAQ
Find answers to some of the most common questions about our events in Samoa. If you have any additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly – we’re here to help!
Are the events held every week?
Yes, our cultural events take place weekly at Return to Paradise Resort. To ensure your spot, we highly recommend booking in advance. If you’re not staying at our resort, please contact our reception team to confirm event schedules. We sometimes have to cancel events due to due to unforeseen circumstances.
Can Day guests attend the events?
Absolutely! Our cultural events are open to both resort guests and day visitors. To secure your place, we strongly encourage making a reservation ahead of time, as our events are often fully booked.
Is the buffet included in the event ticket price?
Yes, the ticket price covers both the entrance fee to the show and the delicious traditional Samoan buffet. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and exquisite cuisine all included in your ticket.
How can I book a spot for an event?
You can reserve your tickets by contacting our reception desk, visiting our website, or booking directly through your resort concierge. Early reservations are recommended to guarantee your attendance.
What should I do if I need to cancel my reservation?
If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us as soon as possible by contacting our reception team. We will assist you with the cancellation process and discuss any available alternatives.
Do you offer group bookings for events?
Yes, we accommodate group bookings for our cultural events. Please contact our reception team in advance to arrange special reservations and discuss any group requirements.
Are there vegetarian or special dietary options available at the buffet?
Yes, our traditional Samoan buffet offers a variety of dishes to cater to different dietary preferences, including limited vegetarian options. Please inform our staff of any specific dietary needs when making your reservation.
