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
I arrived from the airport at around 8pm,tired,and apprehensive.
The welcome was amazing,genuine,smiles,welcome drink,the..omg,was taken to my beach front villa.Could hear and see the waves crashing over the reef..then went inside.
I felt then I was in paradise,lovely,roomy , comfy and wow..
Left my bags unpacked and went to the Rock Pool Bar,for a snack and nightcap.
Amazing!!!
Back to my room,they had laid out every thing for the night.
The first day breakfast,buffet,wonderful...
This resort is one of the hidden treasures of our world,so much to do,,or so little,the family here treat you like family and their faith,pride,commitment,and friendliness ,,what can I say,it's like coming home.
I am totally in love with this place,the experience,pleasure,the resort,the beautiful beach and reefs,and the family that are proud to welcome you to their home.
Now with 3 days to go ,,will not say goodbye , till next time I Return to Paradise.
God bless you,your family staff,truly amazing.
Faafetai ,Peter Borrie.Auckland NZ.
Food and accommodation was amazing, Our room was exactly as promised—right on the beach. And the food was fantastic ! Choice of buffet style or A La Carte.
Fia Fia night was brilliant! So entertaining !
Our stay at Return to Paradise was everything we could have hoped for and more. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning surroundings and exceptional hospitality, I cannot recommend this resort enough. We will definitely be returning!
Wayne and Merryn
We had a 3 bedroom villa that overlooked the beach and it catered for all of our needs and all rooms had their own bathrooms and aircon to escape the heat. But the best place to escape the heat is the cool crystal clear blue waters of the resorts beautiful beach, where our family spent most of our time. And do yourself a favour and grab snorkelling gear from reception and explore the fish living among the reefs and rocks of the beach.
At an additional cost we attended the Fia Fia night and Maeva band night. Both were really entertaining, but the fire dancers during the Fia Fia night were an absolute highlight. The buffet dinner at both events were great, with traditional and western dishes.
Our package included the daily buffet breakfast which was really good, and the traditional donuts and pani popos were my favourites. One tip, get there early. At breakfast we also got the chance to meet the owner Ramona who took time out to check on us to see how our stay was going and share some history of the resort. Great to learn that we were also directly supporting the local families in the village.
The resort is well maintained, clean and secure. All of the staff were friendly and helpful.
We also hired a van which we picked up from the airport and were able to visit other local beaches and Apia city for shopping and markets. But the resort does offer a shuttle bus service to the city and paid tours to local sights like swimming with the giant clams and turtles.
We needed an early check-in, so if you enquire in advance and it's possible they can arrange it for a reasonable cost. We were also able to plan for a baby cot too. The resort also provided an early morning return transfer to the airport for our whole family as part of the package.
We loved our stay at the beautiful resort, with the beautiful people of Samoa. Trip of a lifetime to have fun, relax, eat and discover family roots. We will definitely return to paradise in Lefaga. Alofa tele ma fa'afetai i tagata uma i le faletalimalo!
P.S. Please thank Aunty Pisupo 😂 for her morning newsletter at breakfast, read it everyday not just for details on daily resort activities and tides but for the funny articles, keep up the good work aunty.
- The stuff is extremely friendly and nice. They are doing a great job, very good service
- Rooms are very big (we had a garden view room). Everything there what you need, iron, fridge, tea etc.
- food is very tasty, we loved the raw fish options
- the band is incredible!!! Never heard somebody singing like this. Absolutely worth to visit the show
Things to consider for the management:
- would recommend to adapt some cocktail recipes, with minimal effort they could be much better. E.g, Pina Colada with fresh pineapple. In general use more fruits, which are from Samoa, for the drinks 🍸
We enjoyed our stay a lot and really recommend to stay at this place. Thanks for the good time !
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.
