The Ultimate Way to Relax in American Samoa
If you're searching for a place where time seems to slow down and stress simply melts away, American Samoa LINK#D006 might just be your perfect escape. From what we've experienced, there's something truly magical about these islands that you won't fully grasp until you're there yourself.
Picture this: it's Sunday morning, and the entire territory collectively exhales. This weekly ritual of rest happens like clockwork: shops close, the pace slows, and even the ocean seems to whisper a little softer.
While most visitors come to tackle the incredible hiking trails in the National Park of American Samoa (and we absolutely encourage that adventure), we've discovered that these islands offer some of the world's best opportunities for pure relaxation.
Whether you're looking to unwind on pristine beaches, soak in natural pools, or simply embrace the unhurried island rhythm, we'll share some of our favourite ways to truly relax in American Samoa.
Table of Contents
1. Soothe the Senses with an Island Spa Treatment
Let's begin with one of the most relaxing things to do in American Samoa: indulging in a soothing spa treatment.
From traditional Polynesian methods to familiar international massage techniques, there is a wide range of spa and massage services across the day spas in Pago Pago.
While there are far too many to list here, you'll find all you need in the 5 Best Spas in Pago Pago & American Samoa.
Location: All over Pago Pago and Tutuila! Check out the link above for recommendations and their locations.
2. Paddle on a Tranquil Lagoon
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding doesn’t have to be an activity where you overexert yourself. In fact, you often achieve the complete opposite while you’re silently gliding over a sheltered lagoon in American Samoa.
Many of the islands' hotels have kayaks for hire to explore the waters independently, where you can watch fish and coral through the crystal-clear waters. There's also stand-up paddleboard hire available should you want to make it a core part of your trip.
Location: Check out the Top 10 Kayak Tours & Places to Kayak LINK#TTD135 and 5 Best Paddleboarding Tours & Locations LINK#TTD142 for locations.
3. Float Over Colourful Marine Life
When you’re not watching the fish from your kayak, it will probably be when you’re snorkelling.
Again, because of the sheltered lagoons found off much of American Samoa's shores, snorkelling is usually a case of casually floating on the water’s surface and watching the life of colourful fish and shapely coral doing their thing below you.
Getting in the water also provides welcome relief from the hot Samoan sun, offering yet another way to relax in Samoa!
Location: The best snorkelling can be found at locations listed in The Best Snorkelling in American Samoa: Top 10 Places to Snorkel LINK#TTD099.
4. Learn How to Make Samoan Crafts
Just like knitting, crochet or beadwork, making Samoan crafts is a soothing process.
Some accommodations and tour guides in American Samoa provide the opportunity to learn how to weave and make siapo cloth.
Join a weaving workshop during your stay at Fitiuta Lodge on Ta'ū Island, for instance.
For more details on these experiences, take a look at the 15 Best Cultural Activities in American Samoa LINK#TTD002.
Location: All over American Samoa! Check out the link above for the locations of the mentioned activities.
5. Enjoy the Spiritual Experience of a Samoan Church Service
Whether you're religious or not, there's no denying that the melodic harmonies reverberating through the islands' churches on a Sunday are a relaxing and spiritual experience.
On a Sunday morning, don your most church-appropriate attire (cover knees and shoulders) and head to one of the churches across American Samoa, typically with a 9 am or 10 am service.
For recommendations on which churches to go to, check out the 5 Best Churches in American Samoa to Experience as a Visitor.
Location: All over American Samoa! Check out the link above for recommended locations.
More Relaxing Things to Do in American Samoa
Now that you know some of the most relaxing things to do in American Samoa, discover more relaxing experiences listed within these guides:
- 10 Best Foodie Experiences in American Samoa LINK#TTD042
- The Guide to Shopping in American Samoa + The Best Places to Shop LINK#TTD094
- 10 Best Beaches in American Samoa
Finally, discover more to do beyond relaxing in the 101 Best Things to Do in American Samoa: The Ultimate List LINK#TTD066.
