The Fale, inspired by traditional Samoan design, is a modern home with open kitchen/living space, 3 bedrooms plus loft. We are semi-off-grid, have solar power with battery and mains back-up, rainwater tanks and our own plantation. The Fale was designed with traditional architectural influences of Samoa, hence the dome shaped roof with interior exposed beams and unique handiwork. The main living space features a modern kitchen with all amenities including breakfast bar and dishwasher. The master bedroom contains a queen bed facing an arch of floor to ceiling louvred windows, all fully meshed with mosquito screens. The ensuite contains a bath as well as shower. Downstairs are two single bedrooms with their own entrances and a shared bathroom with shower. The large loft space above the living area contains 3 single beds or can be used for a day hangout area. The stunning deck overlooks the gardens and plantation whilst the kitchen has an undercover porch with laundry and toilet adjoining. You have access the the whole house and the gardens. There is another house on the property you could also rent for large groups. Guests will receive 3 keys upon initial arrival at the property as follows: i. Gate key (one key fits all 4 gates) ii. Main screen door key iii. Main entrance door key Maria may be there to greet you, you will be given her number upon booking confirmation, however if she is not you will be greeted by the groundskeepers, Tupo and Sita, who take care of the plantation, gardens, and the house maintenance and cleaning. Tupo is also the onsite security. They are almost always onsite (their house is across the valley) if you need anything in relation to the house, but email us if you desire (at extra cost) airport pick-up, car hire, or even a guide to the island, or tour leader for nature treks and the like and we can organise that for you. The Samoan Highland Hideaway- Fale Samoa is located in the hills above Apia, about a 20 minute drive from the great places to eat and drink whilst you're here. There are waterfalls nearby, amazing beaches within 30-40 minutes, nature walks, art galleries, and easy access to the airport (40 min drive) and port if you plan on going to Savai'i (recommended). We are nicely isolated down a dirt road, so all you'll hear are the birds and geckos, no traffic or street noise at all. A real retreat location for some time out. There is a bus stop down the road but we recommend hiring a car. Try Reef Rentals and mention Samoan Highland Hideaway for a good deal! Guests need to phone the property attendant ahead of your arrival. The attendant will ensure that gate is open for access to the property. DIRECTIONS From Faleolo Airport •From airport parking lot turn left onto the Main West Coast Rd east toward Apia •Drive 3.7km through the village of Fasito’otai to the intersection with Cross Island Rd (to Lefaga) •Turn right (south) up the hill for 6.6km to intersection of Alafaalava Rd (locally known as Aleisa Rd) •Turn left on Aleisa Rd and drive 11.6km through Aleisa to Lower Aleisa (or Aleisa East) till you pass the Aleisa East Food Market on your right •Drive 300m past the store till you see a large sign on the right “Samoan Highland Hideaway”. There is another store immediately on the left (at intersection of Leopardine Rd) •Turn left on rough dirt road (Leopardine Rd) and drive 350m until you reach a gated driveway on the left with a high small sign to Samoan Highland Hideaway. •Drive up to Main House From Apia •[From the Town Clock on Beach Rd in downtown Apia make your way along Main West Coast Rd toward Faleolo Airport to the main village of Lepea] ACCESS Transport: Guests are responsible for their own transport for private use. There are many car rental agencies in Apia. A high clearance vehicle highly recommended to access the 350m of public road leading to the Samoan Highland Hideaway between Aleisa Road and our private entrance. Power: The main power supply in Samoa is 240 volt, 50 cycles. The property is Solar powered with battery back-up. Electric Power Corporation (EPC) provides additional power back-up. The Owner highly recommends that heavier power usage tasks such as washing and cooking be performed during the daytime when sunshine is available. Minimize heavy power consumption during hours of darkness - attempt to limit usage to necessary lighting and fans. Power service is periodically unavailable due to tropical storms, off-premises outages and on some occasions when the solar system is “kicked-out”. Please contact Tupo (the groundskeeper) to switch over manually to the grid. Owner is not responsible for loss of power. Please refer to the section on the use 110 volt electrical appliances. Voltage: 110 volt electronic devices at minimum require convertor and most likely a step-up transformer to 240 volts. North American electronic devices and appliances are 110 volt, 60 cycles while Samoan power is 240 volt, 50 cycles. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for power conversion for each device especially hair dryers, curling irons and other appliances that draw moderate to high current since a step-down transformer MUST be used. Equipment will burn out and possibly trip the household breakers. Do Not plug 110volt devices directly electric sockets (plug-ins) Water: Both the Main House and Samoan Fale are on mains water supply (with back-up tank supply). DO NOT DRINK the mains water. i. Drinking (potable) Water: Drink only the filtered water which is standalone at the kitchen sink. ii. Non-potable Water: Solar heated water is available at most times for showering and washing purposes. During heavy rainfall, the mains water may become discoloured. Garbage Disposal: Household rubbish must be collected in plastic bags, tied/sealed and deposited in the main outside wheeled garbage bin. Collect the bags in the outside bin when ready for off-property disposal and deposit in our steel cage outside the old Aleisa East Market along Alafaalava Road (this will be explained more clearly after Guest’s arrival). Owner has a standing arrangement with the local resident for combined garbage collection. Under no circumstances may Guest leave garbage or biodegradable refuse lying in or around the house. Any cleanup costs will be deducted from the Damage Deposit. Septic System: The septic system is very effective; however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. As such, do not flush anything other than toilet paper.