Our Story

samoa's last 100% locally owned & Operated large Resort

100% Locally Owned & Operated

Return to Paradise Resort is the only large Resort in Samoa that is 100% Samoan owned and operated. A group of Samoan investors combined with an extended family from the village to build this beautiful resort that feels like a Samoan village on the beach.

This means that everything you spend at Return to Paradise creates profits that remain in the community creating meaningful jobs for the local villagers. This same extended family run the Resort so for them it is personal.

When you stay at Return to Paradise, you are being hosted by matriarch Ramona Su’a Pale and her extended family who have been guardians of this special beach for over a thousand years.

environmentally
friendly

supporting
locals

sustainable
Tourism

family
friendly

perfect
for Groups

Return to Paradise Movie Samoa

Hollywood Legacy (1953)

Return to Paradise Beach in Lefaga Samoa gets its name from the movie made here starring Gary Cooper and Roberta Haynes back in 1953. This was a spectacularly beautiful beach and Hollywood decided it was the perfect setting for the movie.

It was also a human rights first for Hollywood in that, apart from the four major parts, all the other speaking parts went to local Samoans, all of whom had no movie acting experience. This was a huge risk for the studio (United Artists) in the mid-1950s, and many theatres in the Southern US refused to show it.

The part of the chief Tonga was played by Mamea Matatamua, who later became a framer of the Samoan constitution. His oldest granddaughter Hinauri Petana is now board chairman of the Resort and Samoan Consul-General to Australia. Another granddaughter, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, is the first female Prime Minister of Samoa.

Hollywood Legacy (1953)

Return to Paradise Movie Samoa

Gary Cooper Roberta Haynes Return to Paradise movie

Guardianship of the Beach

The beach became famous and was renamed Return to Paradise Beach. It became an icon of Samoa and was deemed to be so valuable that the traditional land-owning families divided the beach amongst themselves to ensure that each family had customary ownership and hence guardianship over a piece of the beach so it could be preserved forever.

For over forty years, people, from businesspeople to large hotel chains, approached the chiefs responsible for the beach to request a lease for various resorts. The chiefs turned them all down, despite some offering significant financial incentives. They saw their responsibility as protecting the beach and using it only in ways that supported their values.

Guardianship of the Beach

Gary Cooper Roberta Haynes Return to Paradise movie

Migration and Su’a Paletoga’s Vision (1950s–1974)

In the 1950s, when the first Samoans started migrating for a better life, one of the chief families, Su’a Paletoga, was among the first to go to New Zealand. Su’a Pale had a vision to establish his family there and then to sponsor young Samoans for higher education. Over the next twenty years, dozens were sponsored by Su’a, many going on to achieve accolades and careers they could not have achieved back in Samoa at that time, such as doctors, statesmen, and academics. Others built families in New Zealand and became contributors to the New Zealand economy.

Su’a Paletoga’s dream had always been to return to Samoa and help Lefaga. However, he died prematurely in New Zealand at the age of 53 in 1974, and his dream seemed to die with him.

Migration and Su’a Paletoga’s Vision (1950s–1974)

Independence and Fetauimalemau’s Call (1961–2005)

In 1961, Samoa finally gained independence from New Zealand and became the first Pacific Island independent state. Two key figures in the independence movement were Mata’afa and his wife Fetauimalemau (“Fetaui”), who was also from the district of Lefaga and related to Su’a Pale. Fetaui was the daughter of Mamea Matatamua, the chief in the movie. Mata’afa became the first Prime Minister of Samoa but died after a short time in office.

Fetaui went on to serve her country in a number of roles, including United Nations Ambassador and later Consul in Auckland. At this time, she approached Ramona, the daughter of Su’a Pale, with a dream for her to take her family and return to Samoa to build her father’s dream for Lefaga.

Independence and Fetauimalemau’s Call (1961–2005)

Ramona and early investors RTP (1)

Ramona’s Return and Early Investors (2005–2009)

In 2005, Ramona returned to Samoa to build a house for her mother. After a couple of years of contributing to village life, the chiefs approached her and asked if she would be interested in leasing the beach and creating a special place for visitors to enjoy. One of the key chiefs in this approach was Lemalu Taufa’i, paralysed from the neck down due to childhood polio, who said to Ramona: “For years, people have come and gone and asked for our beach. I have never felt right about it. But when you came, God told me that you and your family have good hearts and you are the ones we can trust.”

Ramona’s family agreed and attracted investors from New Zealand. However, the global financial crisis saw those investors pull out. A second group of investors came on board and then they too had to pull out as the crisis worsened. A third group flew into Samoa to sign the agreement on the very day of the 2009 tsunami. Spooked by the disaster, they left the island never to return. Fetaui went on to serve her country in a number of roles, including United Nations Ambassador and later Consul in Auckland. At this time, she approached Ramona, the daughter of Su’a Pale, with a dream for her to take her family and return to Samoa to build her father’s dream for Lefaga.

Ramona’s Return and Early Investors (2005–2009)

Ramona and early investors RTP (1)

Tsunami Samoa 2013 RTP

Tsunami, Tragedy & Rebuilding
(2009–2011)

Following the devastation of the tsunami, the dream of the resort was put on hold for many months. This was a heartbreaking time as 34 friends and family were among the 165 people who lost their lives. Ramona and her family turned their attention away from the resort dream and got deeply involved in rebuilding the homes and lives of so many shattered families.

Tsunami, Tragedy & Rebuilding
(2009–2011)

Tsunami Samoa 2013 RTP

Community Funding & first steps (2011)

But then a group of brave Samoan business owners got behind Ramona and pooled their money to build this dream. In 2011, the jungle that came right down to the beach was cleared by hand for what has now become Return to Paradise Resort.

Community Funding & first steps (2011)

Locals Samoa building Return to Paradise Community

Construction Setback &
Unwavering Loyalty

Halfway through construction, the banks pulled their lending offers, claiming that customary leases could not be trusted. Funds ran out and the project was halted. One Friday, 150 construction workers were laid off pending alternative funding. But on Monday, they all showed up for work. They were so committed to seeing Return to Paradise Resort built in their village that they insisted on working for no pay until more funding could be found. These amazing men and women worked unpaid for two months before alternative loans were secured and their wages were back-paid.

Construction Setback &
Unwavering Loyalty

Locals Samoa building Return to Paradise Community

The Resort That Love Built

Lefaga had an unemployment rate of over 75%, yet these are the people who came together to build this special place. It does not have manicured perfection, but it has been created by Samoans with architecture, carvings and gardens all designed to make guests feel special, part of us, and very, very welcome.

The Resort That Love Built

Honouring Fetaui &
the Fetaui Centre

Sadly, Fetaui passed away before the resort was completed. However, her daughter Fiame, now Samoa’s Prime Minister, graciously gave her blessing for the resort’s conference facility to be called the Fetaui Centre in her memory.

Honouring Fetaui &
the Fetaui Centre

Wedding Chapel by the Sea Samoa

Chapel by the Sea (2018)

In 2018, Chapel by the Sea was built. It is a unique all-marble chapel with spectacular sea and beach views. It is the fulfilment of Ramona’s family vision to provide a sanctuary for weddings, baby dedications and other family occasions.

Chapel by the Sea (2018)

Wedding Chapel by the Sea Samoa

Deputy PM and Roberta Haynes award

Roberta Haynes Reunion (2019)

The first event in the Fetaui Centre welcomed actress Roberta Haynes, the original love interest of Gary Cooper in the Return to Paradise movie. Roberta returned from Hollywood for a celebration weekend and was embraced by all of Samoa. A red carpet of flowers welcomed her for a re-showing of the movie and a gala ball where she was guest of honour. At the ball, she announced that Samoa had embraced her so lovingly that she wanted her ashes brought back to Return to Paradise Beach when she passed, where she felt she truly belonged.

Roberta Haynes Reunion (2019)

Deputy PM and Roberta Haynes award

trip advisor

Awards & Accolades

Return to Paradise has now won a host of national and international awards. It is the current holder of the Supreme Award of Excellence for Resorts in Samoa, a spectacular achievement for a resort that is 100% owned and operated and up against so many international resorts. Return to Paradise has also won the Prime Minister’s Culinary Cup and numerous entertainment awards including the Champion String Band Cup, as well as a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence as a result of many very positive guest reviews.

Awards & Accolades

trip advisor

Roberta Haynes Memorial Samoa

Roberta Haynes Memorial (July 2019)

Roberta Haynes died on 4 April 2019 at the age of 91. True to her wishes, her son Jonathan and his family brought her ashes back to Samoa for a large memorial service held in Chapel by the Sea on 23 July 2019, where she was honoured by the surviving members of the cast. Next to the chapel is a small museum celebrating her life as a Hollywood icon and a true pioneer of women’s rights in the entertainment industry.

Roberta Haynes Memorial (July 2019)

Roberta Haynes Memorial Samoa

Paradise Beach Samoa Drone

Guardian of Heritage

Ramona does not see herself as a resort owner but as the guardian of a heritage—a resort in Paradise that is 100% owned by Samoans and staffed by their extended family. Everything you spend here goes back into the local community, creating meaningful jobs for families who are very grateful for your support.

When you come to Return to Paradise Resort, you are not just visiting a resort. You are being hosted by the very families who have owned this land for over a thousand years. We trust you will experience the spirit of Return to Paradise Resort. Have a special time at the resort, and then go on your way. One day soon, you too will want to Return to Paradise.

Stay at Return to Paradise

Guardian of Heritage

Paradise Beach Samoa Drone

Before the fire is lit, there`s this.

The laughter. The quiet focus. The pride of putting on something that`s been part of our culture for thousands of years.

Every Wednesday night, our team doesn`t perform for you — they share something sacred with you.

Fiafia Night. Every Wednesday. Return to Paradise Resort & Spa.
📍 Lefaga, Samoa

Tag someone who needs to experience this below...

#FiafiaNight #SamoaCulture #ReturnToParadiseResort #VisitSamoa #SamoaExperience #PacificCulture #IslandLife #TravelSamoa #Samoa

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Before the fire is lit, there's this.

The laughter. The quiet focus. The pride of putting on something that's been part of our culture for thousands of years.

Every Wednesday night, our team doesn't perform for you — they share something sacred with you.

Fiafia Night. Every Wednesday. Return to Paradise Resort & Spa.
📍 Lefaga, Samoa

Tag someone who needs to experience this below...

#FiafiaNight #SamoaCulture #ReturnToParadiseResort #VisitSamoa #SamoaExperience #PacificCulture #IslandLife #TravelSamoa #Samoa

There’s something about nights like this.

The sun fades, the torches light up, and the whole place starts to feel alive in a different way. Music, movement, laughter, it all comes together in a way that feels uniquely Samoa.

Fiafia Night isn’t just a show, it’s a moment. One you feel, one you remember.

Join us tonight at Return to Paradise Resort and Spa.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #FiafiaNight #SamoaExperience

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Open post by returntoparadiseresortsamoa with ID 18166050352418808

There’s something about nights like this.

The sun fades, the torches light up, and the whole place starts to feel alive in a different way. Music, movement, laughter, it all comes together in a way that feels uniquely Samoa.

Fiafia Night isn’t just a show, it’s a moment. One you feel, one you remember.

Join us tonight at Return to Paradise Resort and Spa.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #FiafiaNight #SamoaExperience

Easter Sunday isn’t about rushing plans or filling time.
It’s about slowing down… being present… and remembering what really matters.

It’s sitting beside the people you love, sharing a meal, having conversations that don’t feel rushed, and taking a moment to give thanks — for family, for life, and for everything we often take for granted.

By the ocean, with the chapel standing quietly in the background, today feels a little different. Calmer. More meaningful. The kind of day you actually remember.

Our Easter To’onai is just a part of it — the table, the food, the space to gather. But what makes it special is who you share it with.

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend today with your family, to just sit, eat, talk, and be together — we’d love to have you here.

📞 Call 35055 to reserve your table

#ReturntoParadiseResort #EasterSunday #FamilyTime #SamoaLiving #Toonai

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Easter Sunday isn’t about rushing plans or filling time.
It’s about slowing down… being present… and remembering what really matters.

It’s sitting beside the people you love, sharing a meal, having conversations that don’t feel rushed, and taking a moment to give thanks — for family, for life, and for everything we often take for granted.

By the ocean, with the chapel standing quietly in the background, today feels a little different. Calmer. More meaningful. The kind of day you actually remember.

Our Easter To’onai is just a part of it — the table, the food, the space to gather. But what makes it special is who you share it with.

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend today with your family, to just sit, eat, talk, and be together — we’d love to have you here.

📞 Call 35055 to reserve your table

#ReturntoParadiseResort #EasterSunday #FamilyTime #SamoaLiving #Toonai

Easter weekend begins here.
Four days of food, music, and moments shared by the ocean.
Join us at Return to Paradise this weekend.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #EasterInSamoa #IslandWeekend

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Easter weekend begins here.
Four days of food, music, and moments shared by the ocean.
Join us at Return to Paradise this weekend.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #EasterInSamoa #IslandWeekend

This is it — the final days of March, now at our lowest rate.

For a limited time, enjoy Return to Paradise from just $500 Tala for 2 nights, or $275 Tala for 1 night, available only for the remaining days of the month.

Beachfront stays, quiet mornings, and the full resort experience — now within reach for a short window.

Call Reservations on 35055 to access the Local Special.
Or book online to access year-round deals:
Beachfront Accommodation Samoa | Return To Paradise Resort

Secure your stay before these final dates are gone.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #SamoaResort #FlashSale #IslandEscape #BeachfrontStay

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Open post by returntoparadiseresortsamoa with ID 18046157789751444

This is it — the final days of March, now at our lowest rate.

For a limited time, enjoy Return to Paradise from just $500 Tala for 2 nights, or $275 Tala for 1 night, available only for the remaining days of the month.

Beachfront stays, quiet mornings, and the full resort experience — now within reach for a short window.

Call Reservations on 35055 to access the Local Special.
Or book online to access year-round deals:
Beachfront Accommodation Samoa | Return To Paradise Resort

Secure your stay before these final dates are gone.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #SamoaResort #FlashSale #IslandEscape #BeachfrontStay

You don’t need a reason to disappear for a few days.

Our rooms, quiet mornings, and nothing pulling you away.

Book your stay at Return to Paradise.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #SamoaResort #BeachfrontStay #IslandEscape

11 1

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You don’t need a reason to disappear for a few days.

Our rooms, quiet mornings, and nothing pulling you away.

Book your stay at Return to Paradise.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #SamoaResort #BeachfrontStay #IslandEscape

Some places feel sacred the moment you arrive.

Our Chapel by the Sea stands quietly above the ocean, where weddings, vows, and unforgettable moments begin.

Plan your celebration at Return to Paradise Resort.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #Chapelbythesea #IslandEvenings #SamoaResort

27 2

Open post by returntoparadiseresortsamoa with ID 18094937231106115

Some places feel sacred the moment you arrive.

Our Chapel by the Sea stands quietly above the ocean, where weddings, vows, and unforgettable moments begin.

Plan your celebration at Return to Paradise Resort.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #Chapelbythesea #IslandEvenings #SamoaResort

The perfect evening starts with a drink by the ocean.

Golden sunset, sea breeze, and nowhere else you need to be.

Reserve your table and stay the night.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #RockPoolBar #IslandEvenings #SamoaResort

19 1

Open post by returntoparadiseresortsamoa with ID 18099920221759181

The perfect evening starts with a drink by the ocean.

Golden sunset, sea breeze, and nowhere else you need to be.

Reserve your table and stay the night.

#ReturntoParadiseResort #RockPoolBar #IslandEvenings #SamoaResort