top of page
Search

From Garden to Plate: Tanoa Tusitala’s New Gastronomy Garden Tour Showcases Sustainable Samoa

Sustainable tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience, and in Samoa, visitors can now discover how sustainability, local produce and Samoan culinary traditions come together through a new experience at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia.


The hotel has launched its Gastronomy Garden Tour, inviting guests to step behind the scenes and explore the lush gardens where many of the herbs, fruits, vegetables and other ingredients used in its kitchens are grown.



A taste of Samoa, straight from the garden

Held twice a week, the tour offers guests the opportunity to see, touch and learn about the plants and produce cultivated on the hotel grounds. More than simply a garden walk, the experience reveals the journey of ingredients from garden to plate and the role they play in the hotel's culinary offering.


Guests can discover the traditional uses of local plants, learn about sustainable cultivation techniques and gain a greater appreciation of the connection between Samoa's land, culture and cuisine.


For travellers looking for a more meaningful way to experience Samoa, the tour provides an authentic insight into local agriculture and food traditions, while offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how a hotel can incorporate sustainability into its everyday operations.


Sustainability with practical benefits

The Gastronomy Garden Tour is not only about creating memorable experiences for guests. Growing produce on-site also provides practical benefits for the hotel.

By cultivating selected herbs, fruits and vegetables within its own grounds, Tanoa Tusitala can reduce the need to purchase certain ingredients externally, while cutting transport requirements and associated food miles.


The initiative makes efficient use of the hotel's six hectares of tropical gardens while supporting a more sustainable supply chain and contributing to local food security.

As the garden continues to develop, the hotel plans to increase its production and incorporate even more garden-grown ingredients into its menus.



More than just a garden tour

The experience combines education, culture and food, with guided explanations of sustainable practices alongside opportunities to taste seasonal produce and take part in culinary demonstrations.


Guests can also enjoy interactive activities such as mocktail-making sessions and traditional weaving demonstrations, creating an experience that extends beyond food to showcase different aspects of Samoan culture and creativity.


The tour is designed to appeal to individuals, families and groups, making it an accessible addition to a Samoa itinerary for travellers keen to connect more closely with the destination.


Connecting visitors with Samoa's land and culture

At the heart of the initiative is a simple but powerful idea: helping visitors understand where their food comes from and how local resources can be used responsibly.


By connecting the garden with the dishes served in its restaurants, Tanoa Tusitala is creating a genuine farm-to-table experience while demonstrating how tourism businesses can contribute to sustainability without compromising the guest experience.


The initiative also brings together teams from across the hotel, including Landscaping and Grounds, Food & Beverage and the Kitchen team, highlighting the collaborative approach required to maintain and develop the garden.


Located in the heart of Apia, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel offers 95 rooms and suites surrounded by six hectares of tropical gardens, as well as two restaurants and a bar. The hotel also hosts its popular weekly Fiafia Night, combining dinner with cultural entertainment every Wednesday evening.


For visitors to Samoa, the Gastronomy Garden Tour offers another way to experience the destination – one that connects food, culture, nature and sustainability, while providing a genuine taste of Samoa from the garden to the plate.


bottom of page