Samoa is the South Pacific the way it used to be: green volcanic peaks, hidden waterfalls and villages where tradition still guides daily life. In the heart of Polynesia, this island nation lives by Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan Way, and you'll feel its warm hospitality and respect from the moment you arrive.

The scenery is unforgettable. Climb down the ladder into To Sua Ocean Trench, a jaw-dropping natural swimming hole of deep blue water surrounded by tropical gardens. Relax on the soft white sand of Lalomanu Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Pacific. Then visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, the hillside home where the author of Treasure Island spent his final years.

To get there, fly into Faleolo International Airport with connections through Honolulu, Fiji or New Zealand. On the way in, watch for the green peaks rising out of the endless ocean. Samoa takes some planning to reach, and I'll handle the connections, stays and island tours so you can simply enjoy paradise.