What's so good about this place? The tranquillity: No televisions or phones in the rooms.
The location? Perfect stretch of white sand beach.
And the bad? The currents can be strong - check before swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.
What's in the neighbourhood? Only a short drive to the famous To Sua Ocean Trench, the Ma Tree and Coastal Walking Trail.
Toiletries? Basic Earth Botanicals shampoo and soaps.
Food and drink? Not the cheapest but fantastic choice of local- and European-inspired dishes. Check out the Meal Deal, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, including unlimited soft drinks, wine and beer, starting at US$89 a person a day.
The bed? A delight - high off the ground to take in those overwater views each morning. A supremely comfortable king, with comfy pillows, too.
Photos: Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa
A view out over the water. Photo / Supplied
A room with a view? Oh yes - and what a view. Spy fish through the peepholes in the floor of the living room and the loo or just watch the tide ebb and flow through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Bathroom? This is one not to miss. The bath is perched alongside massive sliding glass doors that open to the surrounding deck. There's a rainwater shower, separate loo and tonnes of space and natural light.
Noise? All you'll hear is the tide lapping at the nearby beach, the odd fish slapping back into the water, perhaps the twitter of a bird now and then.
Room service? There is none. You're encouraged not to eat in-room but rather to enjoy meals and drinks at Mika's Restaurant, the Three Stool Bar or at the Gecko swim-up bar. The mini bar is complimentary, restocked daily, and includes house wine, beer, soft drinks and water. Tea and coffee facilities in-room.
Value for money? Yes. Many guests return time and again, which says a lot.
Exercise facilities? Who needs a gym when you have the lagoon, a pool, the beach? Besides, I'm more inclined to laze at Coco's Spa than work up a sweat in the heat.
Perfect for? Loved-up couples and honeymooners, but is also great for families. Note: no children allowed in the overwater fales and no children under three at all.
Would I return? Hell yes - this was my second, and hopefully not last, visit.
Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa is at Maninoa Village in Si'umu, on Upolo Island, Samoa. Phone: +685 24849.
