My first experience with a Fale (fah-lay)
Trip Start
Nov 03, 2009
1
2
11
Trip End
Nov 17, 2009
Loading Map
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
Where I stayed
Lusia's Lagoon Chalet
Salelologa, Savaii, Samoa
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The first place I stayed was at Lusia's Lagoon Chalet, about a 10 minute walk from the ferry. It is a small private "resort" built at a lagoon. I stayed in an overwater fale (fah-lay), which is a traditional Samoan thatched hut.
The owner, Lusia, is one of those rare female Matai's, or village chief, who owns and operates her own business. Most matai's are usually male, but women are now slowly increasing in those positions. Lusia told me she originally bought the land to help preserve the native trees of that area. Many Samoans have been starting to cut down their trees without any regard for the long-term sustainability of them. Many of her fales were also built among the trees as well as over the water.
I really liked this resort. Breakfast was included with your stay and it was always the most filling breakfasts ever! And Lusia was so hospitable, personable and the perfect introduction to my stay in Samoa. I especially liked that her overwater fales were made with decks so that you could jump off your deck and straight into the lagoon. It was also really neat that local fish swam right underneath my fale, as well. And if you ever want some really great local Samoan food, Lusia's restaurant is one of the best places in Savaii!
The mosquitos are eating me alive!
Comments
Did you jump off your fale and into the water???
omg when i see that blue water,it makes me wanna leave the united state and disappear.well that fale looks so relaxing.save me a space for my body ha ha .