New Food, Cultural tour launched in Savai’i

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 30 April 2018, 12:00AM

The Savai’ian Hotel in Lalomalava has launched their food and cultural tours to enhance and diversify the activities available on the big island.

It is a first of its kind in Savai’i. Owners of the Savai’ian Hotel, Nola and Fa’apoipoi Gidlow, took the advice of tourism consultants and decided to add the food and cultural aspect to their already existing sightseeing tours.

“We had done the sightseeing for over 20 years and it has been good but we feel we do need more variety in these tour experiences which is why we’ve developed this tour just for that,” said Mrs. Gidlow.

“The idea was born out of our own love for Samoan food and through experience of hosting guests through Savai’i Tours and at our property. Knowing that visitors are always intrigued and curious to try our local food and experience our culture, we decided it was time to create a tour that would satisfy that demand.”

The food and cultural tours is an all-round cultural experience where guests can help prepare their umu as well as head in on foot into the village and learn about Samoan custom and culture. Tourists can learn about the various crops, flora and fauna and sit in on a fale fono.

 “The few guests of our own who have done a cultural tour in our village have always been really impressed and often grateful to be able to share in a part of a cultural experience in the life of a typical Samoan village.” 

Chef and hotelier, Poi Gidlow, built a fale umu near the reception area for guests to have an onsite authentic experience of traditional cooking any day of the week.

“The idea of our fale umu is to be able to host an umu on more than just the usual Sunday, but on any day that guests wish to participate in this experience. Chef Poi is ensuring the food tour gives guests a sample of some popular Samoan dishes which people can learn from plantation to plate.”

The Savai’i Food and Cultural Tour starts at 9.15am and can be booked through the Savai’ian Hotel and includes a complimentary pick up and drop off to and from the Salelologa town area.

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 30 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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