Repairsand refurbishments are ongoing and on track in Samoa after Cyclone Evan hit the islands on 13 December 2012. Despite the damage, recovery is well underway and everyone is working together to ensure the comfort and safety of guests and that the post-cyclone clean up is executed quickly and with minimal disturbance to tourists.

Peter Sereno of Samoa Tourism Authority says it is imperative that we assist the recovery in Samoa by considering the Treasured Islands for your next holiday.

“The spirit of our people will not be dampened by a cyclone. In this short period of time the locals have been incredibly efficient with the clean up and it is business as usual in Samoa – but we need your help.  Most of our properties are up and running and this includes most of our fale properties. Come and visit paradise; visit Samoa,” says Peter.

Below is a list of the major properties with updates for those with current bookings and those planning a trip to the Treasured Islands.

TANOA TUSITALA
“The Tanoa Tusitala was relatively unaffected by the cyclone” says Jill Murphy, General Manager of the Tanoa Tusitala. “Other than debris and fallen trees, the property suffered no structural damage - we continue to serve and provide exceptional hospitality to our guests and look forward to welcoming new faces for the new year!”

SEABREEZE RESORT
“Our only casualty was the sound system which someone forgot to put away!” says Wendy Booth of Seabreeze Resort Samoa. Seabreeze Resort suffered relatively minor damage during the cyclone. “There was not a single pane of glass broken” says Wendy.  Other than a major clean up and the installation of a new generator, it is business as usual for Seabreeze.  Electricity was restored on New Year’s Eve and the resort is operating and already hosting guests.

AGGIE GREY’S LAGOON RESORT AND SPA
Aggie Greys Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa did not sustain any damages to its accommodation blocks, restaurants, bars, pool, gift shop, kids club and spa. Only one bungalow at the spa & gym complex sustained damages as a result of a fallen tree and therefore had to be closed due to debris littering the paths to this facility. This has now been cleared and is back in operation.  The Resort has not experienced any cuts in electricity drawn from on-site generators and has a reliable backup on standby. Water supply has also been consistent throughout with no cuts experienced throughout the resort complex.

The Resort has been well prepared and has had enough back up stocks of fuel and gas at alltimes to ensure none of the services are interrupted. Management and staff have been on duty throughout and there have been no interruptions to service in all areas. The Resort is fully operational and it’s “business as usual”.

AGGIE GREY’S HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS
An evaluation of the damage caused by TC Evan is still ongoing at Aggie Greys Hotel &Bungalows in Apia and as a result, a decision has been made to not accept forward bookings for the travel period to 31 December 2013. This is effective immediately.

All bookings currently held at the hotel have the option to transfer their booking to Aggie Greys Lagoon Beach Resort & Spa at no additional cost. If the client does not wish to take this option, they may cancel their hotel booking with no fees.

Chris Martin, based in Australia, represents the Aggie Grey’s Group and has said “we are awaiting a full assessment from the relevant bodies however, initial reports have indicated some structural problems which may involve a rebuild of certain areas. Once a full report has been received we will release the plans for this iconic Samoan property. Despite the damage we are determined to come back better than ever.  Our spirits will not be dampened by a cyclone, and this is testament to the fortitude, strength and determination displayed by the Grey family no doubt passed down the generations from the grand lady, Aggie Grey herself” says Chris.

SINALEI REEF RESORT AND SPA
Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa have re-opened their doors after sustaining minor wind and water damage to the doors and windows of the Ocean View and Beach Front Fales.  Tess Willcox from World Resorts of Distinction representing Sinalei says “the clean up and activities to repair the Fales has been completed, and we have our entire staff making it a priority to ensure that our guests stay is more beautiful and memorable than ever”.

Sinaleihave extended their offer of up to 30% off for stays of up to seven days.  This deal includes breakfast daily, a half hour massage per person per booking, use of hotel’s leisure facilities and afternoon tea daily.

COCONUTS BEACH CLUB RESORT AND SPA
The owners of Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa have decided to close the resort in the interim to assess the damage caused by the cyclone to bring it up back to the standard guests are accustomed and will re-open 01 February 2013.  This also impacts on the scheduled opening of the new Overwater Fales with a new proposed opening date of 01 June 2013.

Currentbookings for a pre 01 February 2013 arrival are advised to make alternativearrangements and no cancellation fees will be charged during this period. AUSD$50 room credit per room per day will be offered to all guests travelling prior to 01 June which can be used for all meals, drinks, tours from the Tour Desk and treatments at the Spa.

SA’MOANA RESORT
Sa'Moana Resort has received substantial damage from Cyclone Evan and will be closed due to rebuilding works until the 1st April 2013. We will update you if this date changes. Surf X Samoa’s all-inclusive packages will be up and running again as of the 1st February 2013.

At thistime we are able to receive emails but cannot respond. If you email us please send your phone contact details so we may contact you.  If you have any urgent queries or looking to make a booking once we re-open, you can contact Kirstin. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Sa'Moana Resort will be starting a Save Salamumu Campaign. As well as the resort Cyclone Evan has devastated the village of Salamumu and we are committed to help them rebuild. The Salamumu School along with most buildings has been flattened. We will provide details of a Trust Account for those generous enough to donate to agood cause and we hope you pass this onto your friends.

We will provide further updates in the coming weeks.