Andrew Gilligan checks into Coconuts Beach Club Resort, in Samoa
Reception: Beautiful reception area that makes a good first impression. On arrival in our room we were greeted with a delicious coconut cocktail.
Room: Their “famous” Treehouses are incredibly detailed rooms with handcrafted furniture and traditional designs. The flaxwoven ceiling and bamboo-crafted four-post bed were highlights.
Price: From $565 per night (usually two nights minimum stay).
Bedroom view: From your hammock on the balcony you can catch the green hue of the sea reflecting skyward through the beautifully landscaped gardens of palm trees.
Room facilities: The room has the obligatory tea, coffee and fridge facilities. There are no TV/ music options and Wi-Fi comes at an extra cost (in a three-day bundle).
Toiletries: An artisan-looking range of shower products with delicious smells.
Bathroom: Created in a stunning naturallooking mixture of rock, bamboo and woven flax showering under the bamboo spout feels like your washing under a hidden cavernous waterfall. Everything appears to be handcrafted — right down to the toilet paper holder.
Exercise facilities: On site there’s a salt-water swimming pool, spa, complimentary kayak and snorkelling rental and Manoa Tours operates from the resort offering surf, snorkelling and hiking tours.
Noise: Apart from the serenading by local musicians at night it’s utterly peaceful.
Food and drink: The breakfast is nothing special; the filter coffee was good however. The dinner menu would appease a general palette, with a definite American flavour. The local dishes of fresh fish and vegetables I had were delicious and of a generous portion; the asi-asi tartare starter was an absolute delight. Online: cbcsamoa.com.
Perfect for: Romantic couples getaway and just zoning out of the hectic digital lifestyle.
Would I return? Without a doubt.