A new luxury accommodation development, Moanalei Villas, officially opened on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the Apaula hillside property, highlighting both its high-end offerings and strong local contribution.

The opening was held in two sessions: a lunchtime event and an evening function, drawing guests to the site overlooking Apia harbour and Mt Vaea.

Managing director and co-owner Caitlin Lei Sam and her husband, Ganey Lei Sam, with their family, welcomed guests as they arrived at the event. In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Caitlin reflected a personal vision shaped by family and travel experiences.

“The name comes from my daughters, along with our surname Lei Sam, so Moanalei felt like a natural fit,” Lei Sam said in an interview. She added that their daughters, now aged nine and 11, have grown up alongside the project’s journey.

Lei Sam said the concept was inspired by family travel, particularly a stay in a hillside villa in Thailand. The property was purchased eight years ago.

“We thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to create something like this for Samoa, not the exact design, but the concept of being up on a hill with total luxury, everything included,” she said.

Moanalei Villas will feature seven villas in total, with three signature villas currently completed and available. The remaining Moana Villa is nearing completion and is expected to be ready within the next one to two months.

Lei Sam described the project as a “labour of love,” despite the challenges involved.

“It probably wasn’t a smart investment, but it was one that we really wanted to do for Samoa,” she said. “We’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this.” She said the development aims to help position Samoa within the higher-end tourism market.

“We’re really filling a gap for Samoan tourism and helping make it even more attractive,” she said.

The signature and view villas each include two bedrooms with private ensuite bathrooms and direct access to private infinity pools. The pools measure approximately 14 meters in length, with depths ranging from 1.2 meters at the shallow end to 1.8 meters at the deep end, and are accessible from multiple areas, including bedrooms, living spaces and kitchens. 

The ensuite bathrooms have smart washlet toilets similar to those used in Japan. The Moana Villa, which is yet to open, will be the largest, featuring two storeys and three bedrooms.

The development currently employs 26 staff, with a focus on supporting local workers and showcasing Samoan products and experiences.

Guests at the opening were treated to a selection of canapés prepared by internationally renowned chef Monica Galetti, with support from the Tasi Restaurant team, a dining component of the Moanalei Villas development.

Menu highlights included charred isalaelu in miso, taro and ulu crisps with lime chilli dip, tuna poke with vi and pineapple salsa, and Tasi oka with whipped avocado, chicken curry dressing and pickled radish. Sweet selections included salted caramel and white chocolate treats, pai fala with pineapple and lime leaf meringue, and siamu popo tart.

The opening began with a prayer led by Reverend Associate Professor Alesana Palaamo, who was joined by his wife, Lemau Palaamo.

Keynote speaker John Churchill, co-founder and co-owner of the development, acknowledged the challenges behind bringing the project to life.

“A fantastic view of the ocean and mountains, but abounding with structural challenges, particularly given the steepness of this property site,” Churchill said. “So we engaged Australian professionals to design and engineer the villas to comply with strict Australian and New Zealand standards.”

“However, apart from the use of our Australian professionals in the design phase, at least 95per cent of the hands-on work, construction and supervision has been carried out by local Samoans,” he added.

Following the ribbon-cutting by Lei Sam's, guests were invited to tour the property, including the completed signature villas and view villas, offering a firsthand look at the design and amenities. Plans for the development include adding spa and gym facilities on the grounds.

Lei Sam said the aim is not only to attract international visitors but also to provide a unique experience for local guests.

“We want people to have that authentic Samoan experience, while also enjoying those extra touches of luxury,” she said.