The beach sits inside a natural lagoon where a coral reef acts like a wall to keep big waves out. This makes the water inside calm and very clear — so clear that you can see tiny fish darting around your feet. The reef itself is home to hundreds of colourful creatures.
Along the beach, Samoan families rent out small open-sided huts called 'fale' (pronounced FAH-lay) right on the sand. You can sleep in a fale with the sound of the waves and a gentle sea breeze instead of air conditioning. Waking up with your toes almost in the sand is a very special feeling.
The area around Lalomanu is a working Samoan village too. Fishermen take their outrigger canoes out at dawn, and children play on the beach in the afternoons. Visitors often join in volleyball games or help collect coconuts that have fallen from the palms.