The couple's background put them in good stead to build and run a resort: they had experience dealing with customs processes through importing vehicles from overseas, had run a busy commercial property business and had been publicans.
They set about having plans drawn up for the 25-villa resort and recruiting locals to help with everything from clearing the land to the building process.
Little did they know just how arduous the next two years would be. The obstacles they faced were many and varied; delays thanks to staff and companies working on "island time", the weather during the wet season, and hold-ups getting building materials released at Apia port. And then there was the wildlife.
Before their fale was built, the Brightwells lived in a house next door. "Two large, cheeky coconut lizards made it their home for a while before we booted them out," laughed Lou.
The Brightwells had already deferred opening by six months and it looked doubtful they would meet the next opening date. They had bookings confirmed so opening on time was imperative.
"I stood back one day and watched what the guys were doing... not a lot of anything really, as it turned out!," said Gavin. "So I called a meeting and said we need to get this sorted. It turned out that they were on a go-slow because they liked the work and didn't want it to end.
"A lot of them had never had jobs before."
So Gavin and Lou dangled a carrot; "We said if you prove yourselves and get this place open, we'll give you a job in the resort."
The pep talk worked and they opened on time.
They employed many of the workers in various jobs in the resort: as porters, bar staff, in housekeeping, and as tour guides.
The building process was physically taxing and the pair each lost about 10kg working long days in the heat and humidity.
They still work long hours and make sure they know what's going on in all areas of the resort.
"There are always lots of things we need to deal with," said Lou. "For example, we often have power cuts so the other night Gavin was up at 2am to make sure the generator was working properly. Power surges can wreak havoc with our computers so we have that to attend to."
Gavin regularly drops staff home at night and picks them up early in the morning, to ensure they get to and from work safely.
The Brightwells know their staff and their families and have developed strong mutual respect. Last year they helped one of their female staff members resolve a family issue.
"She'd fallen pregnant and the family wanted to kick her out, but she's a good girl and so we sat down with her and her family and talked them through the situation," said Lou.
"We asked them to look at the situation differently... she's working, earning money for the family. Give her another chance. This wee baby is a blessing to your family."
Such was the girl and her family's appreciation for the Brightwells' support, that they named the little boy Gavin.
Where possible the Brightwells have employed local people to work at the resort, however, in some instances they've brought in staff from Fiji.
"Tourism is a first generation industry in Samoa," said Gavin. "Fiji is third generation. They know how hospitality works, the standards that are expected."
It's that lack of understanding of standards that means Gavin and Lou keep a close eye on finer details: ensuring the water in vases of flowers is changed regularly to ensure it doesn't turn green in the heat and checking that orders in the restaurant and bar are filled correctly, that odd jobs they dish out such as painting touch-ups are carried out correctly.
"We're really fussy so it's taken staff a while to come around to our way of thinking," said Gavin.
But while the demands of running a resort and a large team of staff is taxing, Gavin and Lou wouldn't be anywhere else.
"We get so much satisfaction from making people's time here enjoyable," said Lou. "One day we'll get managers in to help run things so we can have a bit of a break but we love what we do. It's more than a job, more than an income. We're passionate about providing people a truly wonderful holiday, and we're also pleased to be able to give our staff a hand up in life."
Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi - also the country's tourism minister - is a strong advocate for the development of tourism in the country, particularly on Upolu's south coast where Saletoga is based.
The Brightwells, who still have business interests in the Waikato, also hope to put in a large organic fruit and vegetable garden at the rear of the resort and will employ more locals to maintain the garden.
Danielle flew to Samoa with the assistance of Samoa Tourism Authority.
