An Australian couple in their 60s have given Samoa the thumbs up after a holiday spent diving, snorkelling at the beach and relaxing by the pool.

The Samoa Observer met up with Jon Barber and his, wife Astride, both 67, while they were in Apia on a walk away from their hotel, the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort. 

Mr. Barber said  they arrived in Samoa last Sunday.

"[The] Sheraton is very good; the accommodation is very nice, and the staff are so kind and helpful, also the food [was great]," he added. 

Mr. Barber is a former mine engineer now enjoying retirement after 40 years' work and said Samoa was the perfect spot for some time on the beach. 

"Today we [have] decide[d] to come for a drive and to see Apia and some waterfalls [and see] more about Samoa," he said. 

On the other hand, Jon's wife, Astride, said the highlight of her trip had been the natural beauty and people's friendliness.  

" I just love the reefs off shore and beautiful beaches and the weather here is just amazing for us," she said. 

Mrs. Barber is a retired science teacher and praised some beautiful singing she had seen from local children. 

"We saw there are many church building[s] here in Samoa, and one of the oldest buildings in Samoa," she said.