Page 14 - IB June 2019

Advertorial

Return to Paradise Resort – the name says it all.

This beautiful four star resort set on its own private stunning beach must be on is beautiful and the entire front wall opens
your bucket list for so many reasons. It many ways it is utterly unique. up to the sea if you want an open feel. For
those wanting a beach wedding, there are
Our History – Return to Paradise Resort is you as a hotel guest, they see you as visiting an unlimited number of beautiful spots to do
named after the movie of the same name that their family – and in many cases, becoming a this. .And if it rains, don’t worry, just move the
was filmed here in 1953 starring Hollywood part of it. ceremony into the chapel.
legends Gary Cooper and Roberta Haynes.
Robert Haynes died at Easter 2019 and Our Location – a stunning private beach Maeva Band – every Saturday night, the
because she loved this place so much, her with everything – dazzling tropical fish and Resort’s gardeners put down their tools and
perform a dinner concert for the guests. The
coral (and yes, Nemo is here with his family),
last wishes were that her ashes be brought blowholes, forest walks, beach walks, and warmth and special feeling of this concert have
back to Return to Paradise – and so a full almost 2 km of privacy, there is a new photo to be appreciated, it is so difficult to describe.
funeral service will be held on 23 July 2019
after which her ashes will be deposited in the shot around every corner here. And as it faces Suffice to say that Chris Paulsen, Managing
special Fale built for her overlooking the sea. west, the views at sunset are amazing. Director of House of Travel Group said after
watching the concert that it was the best night
That a Hollywood actress would love a shoot Our Atmosphere - Return to Paradise of Pacific entertainment he had experienced in
location so much that she would choose to is designed to make you feel you are in 40 years in the Pacific and promptly invited
be buried there is probably unprecedented in a Samoan village – magnificent carvings
movie history. everywhere, traditional buildings, original Maeva Band to perform at their Industry
Samoan artworks, tropical gardens, and yet International Awards night in Wellington.
100% Samoan Owned and Operated – this inside the rooms is four-star luxury with Giving Back – Ramona and her family
is the only large resort in Samoa (98 room
spaces spread over hotel rooms and self- ensuites, air conditioners, multichannel TV, believe they have been blessed to give back.
contained villas) that is still in Samoan original artworks and generous verandahs off The Resort has initiated a local Tertiary
Scholarship Fund, Medical Fund, Primary
ownership. The resort is owned by the Family every room. Many have kitchens, and some Education Support, and has donated time and
even have jacuzzis.
Trust of Ramona Su’a Pale, the Matriarch, prizes that have raised hundreds of thousands
General Manager and a child of the local Our Awards – Return to Paradise is current
village, and a group of Samoan business holder of the Supreme Award of Excellence for of dollars for Spinal Injury Care, Lifeline
owners who have supported her. You can also Samoa. This is an outstanding achievement for Suicide Prevention, Cancer Societies and
many others. In the ten years since the resort
know that all the money you spend here stays a 100% Samoan family owned and operated construction first started, over $1million has
in Samoa building the economy of Samoa. resort. We also hold the Prime Minister’s been distributed to many charities from the
Surely this should be the intention of the Cup for Best Culinary Dish, Best Samoan
tourism industry everywhere – that the money String Band (First), Junior Fire Dancer (First), fundraising efforts initiated by Ramona and
guests spend stays in the local economy. Senior Fire Dance pairs routine (First), her family.
Senior Single Fire Dancer (First, Second and
One Extended Family - because Ramona’s Third). Needless to say, the Fia Fia night on
family own the resort and are from the village, Almost every guest feels something special
they take caring for guests very seriously. Wednesdays is amazing. at Return to Paradise Resort and almost
There are 150 staff, with around 100 of them Marble Chapel by the Sea – available for everyone says they are coming back. I
being Ramona’s vast extended family. This weddings, anniversaries and other special suppose that is why it is called RETURN to
family have been guardians of this beach for dedications, this might well be the only all- Paradise. Yes, this resort must be on your
1000 years, so when you visit, they do not see marble chapel in the Pacific. It’s location bucket list.

14 Islands Business, June 2019