Located in the Polynesian region, about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean, Samoa is made up of two main islands, with about seven supporting islands around their fringes.

This small island nation boasts some exceptionally beautiful golden sand beaches lapped by azure waters as well as some spectacular waterfalls, natural-rock pools, caves and forests teeming with exotic wildlife. Spend your days swimming, reading and snorkelling, and your evenings socialising with travellers and friendly locals.

Visitors can look forward to relaxing on one of the many secluded beaches, a thrilling cave diving adventure, watching the traditional art of Samoan tattooing or try your hand at feeding and swimming with turtles.

However you choose to spend your time in this little pocket of paradise, it is likely to be slow and relaxed, just the way the locals like it.