Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The popular Christmas on the Waterfront in Samoa is back again this year, with the program set for Wednesday, Dec. 21 to Friday Dec. 23 at the Friendship Park.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Samoa Tourism Authority.

The event will start with the Christmas Parade on the afternoon of Dec. 21 along Beach Road from the Vaisigano Bridge to the Event Space in front of the Government Building.

“The Parade is scheduled to start at 5pm. Following the Parade, the program featuring a variety of live entertainment will take place at the Amphitheatre at the Matagialalua Friendship Park.

“The program will run over 3-nights and will feature Christmas carols, cultural performances as well as dancing and singing showcasing local groups, artists and bands from 7pm to 10pm.

“The popular Waterfront Night Market hosted by the Samoa Hotel and Hospitality Association will also feature during the program with its stalls offering a range of cuisine, plants, crafts and more.”

According to the statement the festivities will then continue on Dec. 31 — the New Year Countdown, which also features live entertainment.

“The countdown will culminate with the Prime Minister’s New Year Address and fireworks displays in Apia and on the big island of Savaii.

“The Upolu and Savaii fireworks displays are scheduled to go-off at the strike of midnight and will usher in 2023.”

SEABREEZE RESORT

In other tourism news from Samoa, award winning Seabreeze Resort, which was awarded the best romantic resort in Oceania at the 2021 World Travel Awards, is back to normal operations after undergoing a massive renovation in which all its 13 ocean view rooms were completely remodeled and upgraded to provide a new and improved experience.

Owners, Chris and Wendy Booth shared that as soon as they returned from an extended stay abroad due to COVID-19, the decision was taken to keep the property closed during the renovation project.

Booth said they worked incredibly hard to make sure their small paradise was ready to be shared once again with their guests.

“Our renovation took up a lot of time but we had to ensure we keep up with our standards… it’s not good for people to come to Samoa and do not receive the experience they’re after, it’s just not worth it,” added Wendy.

The rooms have been completely renovated with new furniture. The restaurant has been upgraded with safety elements incorporated, the extended spa has more space, there’s the brand-new swimming pool, and the grounds have been landscaped, to give the resort and its guests a premium Samoan experience.

Experiences at Seabreeze include a new cultural show on Friday afternoon where guests are lavished with the Fa'a Samoa. Visitors can participate in making an ‘umu’ — as well as weaving, story-telling, singing, dancing and eating.

Guests are enthusiastically embracing the Seabreeze Sampler, which features popular Samoan favorites including an array of seafood, ‘palusami’ and other dishes.

“We have to provide guests with the full Samoan experience so they have a memorable time when leaving Samoa and this is what we have worked hard on. There are so many things we can provide as we own and value of our beautiful paradise that we can share with them,” said Booth.

“Visitors could be lounging anywhere in Samoa or the Pacific, and we want to provide them with the distinctive experience that makes Samoa special.

“We want them to experience genuine Samoan hospitality that has made Samoa unique,” she added.

Booth said they’re anticipating a busy festive season with their occupancy rates increasing and acknowledged the staffing challenge across the industry at present.

“It’s very hard to get staff and we paid our key team members throughout COVID-19 to retain them. We worked hard on training to make sure Seabreeze delivered on our quality standards,” said Wendy.

The entire staff, made up of 26 locals, work all shifts to make sure visitors are never left alone. Their efforts have been recognized by Chris and Wendy, who very much see their team as their most valuable resource and they credit them for all the accolades and dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience.