A new resort will soon open at Falelatai, offering visitors to Samoa another accommodation option.

Situated on a 240-acre freehold land is the $20 million tala Samoa Premier Suites and Bungalows Resort will soon attract tourists to one of the most secluded parts of Falelatai.

The owner, Asi Galumalemana Dave Haleck, of Falelatai, hopes the resort will open before the end of this year.

“We are two miles away from the village, so the property is very secluded, private, nice white sandy beach,” he said. 

“I am hoping for October [opening] but it depends because we still have some work to finish at the resort.

“Because we are right on the water, our target is locals and tourists alike. Our 40 hotel rooms and five villas on the beach will be priced accordingly.” 

Asi said the search for a coastal property to build a resort began years ago.  

“We discovered this property in 2008 and we made the purchase in 2009. We had a visit from Survivor U.S.A. and they wanted to use the site. 

“So we worked with Government of Samoa to lease the property to Survivor U.S.A. so they can film to further expose Samoa to the world. Survivor left in 2009 and came back in 2011 they wanted to use the property again and we allowed them. 

“After that we started developing the property.” 

Asi, Owner of Haleck Apia Motors in Vaitele, has been in business for 40 years and has several businesses in Pago Pago American Samoa.

His family is also the owner and operator of Trade Winds Hotel in Pago Pago. 

“We see Samoa as a very strong tourist destination," he said. 

“We want to package Samoa Premier Suites & Bungalows together with Trade Winds for our tourists from the United States, and also our other tourists New Zealand and Australia, which may include air fares. 

“Our occupancy rate at the Trade Winds is 50-60 percent throughout the year, at times we go 110 percent especially when there is a family reunion or conference.”

Asi said they are looking to employ between 30-40 local staff.

“We are currently looking for qualified locals to fill the different positions in the resort, from General Manager, chef, housekeeping etc. If not then we will have to start looking overseas."

The Owner claimed the district is extremely supportive of the venture. 

“Falelatai village supports us because of potential employment. So stand by, the [resort] is a beautiful site and I am eager to expose it to Samoa and the outside world.” 

Being an entrepreneur has always been engrained in him at an early age as his parents owned their first business – a grocery shop – and later real estate.