Samoa has never been short on natural beauty, emerald hills, turquoise lagoons, and sunsets so cinematic you half expect a Hollywood director to yell “Cut!” But what it has been missing, until now, is the sort of fine dining experience that could make a Parisian food critic loosen his tie.
That’s about to change. The Samoa Tourism Authority has announced that Moanalei Villas, the country’s new luxury hideaway perched above Apia, will play host to TASI, a signature restaurant by Monica Galetti. Yes, that Monica: the Kiwi-born, Samoan-raised culinary powerhouse who sharpened her knives in London’s Michelin-starred kitchens before captivating television audiences on MasterChef: The Professionals and Amazing Hotels.
Only this time, she’s not flying solo. Her husband and long-time collaborator, David Galetti, will oversee service, wine, and all the finer points that separate a decent dinner from an unforgettable one.
The Setting: Where Infinity Pools Meet Infinity Views
Moanalei Villas is not your run-of-the-mill “luxury resort” with a lobby that smells faintly of air freshener and compromise. These seven architecturally distinctive villas, each with a private infinity pool, are designed to make you wonder if you could ever return to regular life. Guests are promised “elegance, culture, and personal connection,” the sort of brochure line that might tell the truth this time.
At the heart of it will be TASI, which aims to marry the warmth of Samoan hospitality with the precision of fine dining. The name means “ocean” in Samoan, which is fitting. The views spill over the Pacific and the mountains in a panorama so perfect you’d swear it was Photoshopped.
A Menu with Memory in Every Bite
Galetti is returning to her roots with the zeal of someone who’s been away too long. “It’s a way for me to reconnect with my Samoan roots and share the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years,” she says, and you can tell she means it.
Monica Galetti
She’ll spend the next year working with Moanalei’s Head Chef to craft a menu that celebrates Pacific flavours but isn’t afraid to flirt with global influences. Expect just-caught fish, tropical fruits that taste of the sun, and traditional Samoan staples elevated to the sort of artistry that gets whispered about at culinary awards nights.
Caitlin Lei Sam, Moanalei’s founder and designer, is understandably delighted. “Partnering with Monica is a dream,” she says. “Her culinary artistry and deep respect for her Samoan heritage align beautifully with our vision for TASI a restaurant that tells our story with elegance, authenticity, and soul.”
Wine, Wisdom, and the Galetti Touch
If Monica is the artist in the kitchen, David is the conductor in the dining room. A seasoned sommelier and hospitality director, he’s ensured the service is as smooth as the French champagne he’ll likely be pouring. His goal? A service style that’s warm, intuitive, and just formal enough to remind you this is not the place to order a schooner of beer with your entrée.
“This is a collaboration that is very dear to me,” Monica says. “David and I are incredibly excited to work with the Moanalei team to create something truly special together.”
Samoa on the Global Culinary Map
The move has impressed the Samoa Tourism Authority’s European office, whose managing director Alison Cryer calls it “a powerful statement about the quality and creativity that Samoa has to offer.” In other words, Samoa is announcing to the world that it can do more than just piña coladas on the beach — it can do luxury dining that competes with the best.
Come Hungry, Leave Changed
When TASI opens in early 2026, it won’t just be another restaurant. It will be an experience where you start the evening watching the sky turn gold over Apia and end it wondering if you’ve just had the best meal of your life.
For Samoa, it’s a bold step into a new era of luxury tourism. For Monica and David Galetti, it’s a profoundly personal homecoming. And for travellers? It’s the perfect excuse to start practising pronouncing “fa’afetai” because you’ll be saying it a lot.
By Karuna Johnson
