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Sao Tome and Principe Luxury Holiday
Escape to the peaceful pace of island life on our luxury holiday to Sao Tome and Principe
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Highlights
Within minutes you’ll be immersed in tropical island life, and the pressures and pace of the modern world will seem far behind.
Sao Tome and Principe have more endemic species per square km than the Galapagos, and the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can’t be found anywhere else) worldwide. Our birdwatching guides will quietly point out colourful exotics during our birdwatching trips.
Discover Principe’s beautiful, rugged, volcanic interior, and meet the friendly people who call the island home on one of our jeep tours.
Relax on pristine yellow sandy beaches after a day spent exploring – there’s a good chance you’ll find you have the beach to yourself.
Escape to another world on our Sao Tome and Principe Luxury Holiday, forgotten by the constant speed of change and the pressures of the modern world.
It takes a little effort to travel to the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, however if you’re prepared to do this, the rewards will speak for themselves.
The islands hold a quiet charm of days gone by and the choices of where to stay are quite limited. However, if you take a closer look you’ll be surprised by what you find, especially on the island of Principe. You spend a night on Sao Tome before taking a short flight to the island of Principe, where you’ll stay at Roca Belo Monte and Praia Sundy
Roca Belo Monte’s tastefully decorated rooms and villas are set above the photogenic banana beach and you can spend your time relaxing in the luxurious grounds or by exploring the island on one of our fascinating discovery trips. Knowing that you would be very reluctant to leave, we have added two more nights at the luxurious boutique hotel, Praia Sundy.
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival transfer Solar do Castelo, which is situated just below the Castle of Sao Joao in Lisbon (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Solar do Castelo
Day 2
Transfer to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival transfer to Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 3
Tour of Sao Tome City (visiting Fortress of Sao Sebastian, city cathedral, local markets, chocolate factory, Cacao Gallery, and fishing villages to taste locally smoked fish. Back at 15:00hrs.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 4
Transfer to the airport and fly to Principe. On arrival transfer to the Roca Belo Monte . In the afternoon you could go snorkelling from one of the hotel’s private beaches (masks, snorkels and fins can be borrowed from the hotel). Overnight in a Seaview room.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 5
Free day – Today you might like to visit Principe’s rugged interior on a jeep tour.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 6
Free day – Today you could join a boat trip to visit some of the remote bays along the coast where it is possible to swim and snorkel.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 7
Free day – Today you might like to join a tropical birdwatching tour. Sao Tome and Principe have the highest density of endemic birds worldwide and of the 75 species that regularly occur on the islands, 8 are endemic to Principe.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 8
Transfer to Praia Sundy, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 9
Free day – Today you might like to spend some time on Banana Beach (10-minutes’ walk from Belo Monte) where you can snorkel in the clear water over the rocky seabed and around the boulders. The water is rich with marine life and it doesn’t take long to find shoals of colourful fish.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 10
Transfer to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival, transfer to Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 11
Free day until it’s time for your late afternoon transfer to the airport. Depart and fly home on an overnight flight via Lisbon.
Turtle Watching
Quietly observe one of the four different endangered turtle species: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill or Leatherback nesting or hatching on the beaches between November and March.
Whale Watching
Search for magnificent humpback whales as they migrate past the islands between July and October.
Guided Birdwatching
Sao Tome and Principe has the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide. 75 species regularly occur on the islands, with 17 being endemic to Sao Tome and 8 to Principe.
Guided Walks
There is no better way to get to know Sao Tome and Principe than to walk through the rainforest with our friendly guides who are only to happy to share the secrets of their island with you.
Plantation Visits
Discover the beating heart of Sao Tome and Principe's history on a visit to one of the many splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots for marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Cycling
The roads in the north-west of Sao Tome are just fantastic to explore on two wheels. Pedal the gently-undulating palm-tree-lined coast road and you'll be rewarded by many kilometres of spectacular views.
Diving
There are several dive centres on the islands where qualified, experienced dive instructors will show you snapper, octopus, moray eels, sea horses, giant sea slugs and much more.
Solar do Castelo
Solar Do Castelo is a romantic boutique hotel in Lisbon created from an 18th century mansion built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace of Sao Jorge.
Arguably the best located hotel in the city, it’s also the only property within the medieval walls of Sao Jorge Castle, making it an exclusive and unique place to spend time in the beautiful city of Lisbon. To add to the feeling of exclusivity, only locals and taxis are allowed to drive the narrow streets within the city walls.
The furniture was created especially for the hotel and the rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary medieval style. A private patio garden with a pretty inner courtyard gives you space to relax within the heart of the city.
Omali Lodge
Set in attractive gardens on the outskirts of Sao Tome city, boutique style hotel Omali Lodge has an outdoor pool, 30 rooms and English speaking staff. Recently refurbished, it is owned by the HBD (Here Be Dragons) company which also owns Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge on Príncipe.
All rooms are immaculate and have tea and coffee making facilities, A/C, Satellite TV, mini bar and en-suite bathrooms. It has the only tennis court on the island and is just over the road from the beach. Birdwatchers will tick off quite a few birds in the lush gardens of the lodge.
Roca Belo Monte
The Roca Belo Monte is a breath-taking boutique hotel on the site of an old plantation. Its elegant manor house holds three individual suites all with their own guest lounge and tea terraces. A private chef and butler services can also be arranged. The nearby hospital and animal stables have also been restored and transformed into luxury rooms.
All rooms have telephone, private bathroom, A/C, Wifi and satellite TV. It has its own five beaches, including the world-famous Banana beach and free beach shuttles as well as an outdoor pool perfect for sipping cocktails at. The restaurant / bar overlooks the Bay of Santa Rita and serves a fusion of international and local cuisine.
Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge
The beautiful Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge is owned by Mark Shuttleworth, the first South African to travel into space. Through his HBD foundation (Here Be Dragons) he helped turn part of this spectacular island into a Bioreserve and aims to promote sustainable and responsible travel to the islands through higher end tourism.
Bom Bom has 25 spacious, tastefully furnished chalets equipped with A/C, telephone, private bathroom, flat screen TV (satellite channels), fridge and free WIFI. Meals are taken on Bom Bom island, which is a short walk over the turquoise sea along a charming walkway. As well as eating in the restaurant, the friendly staff can also arrange a table on the marina pier or a romantic meal on your own private beach.
You’re free to use the snorkelling equipment, paddle boards and kayaks while you’re staying and a highlight is meeting Chaplin the African Grey parrot who patrols the hotel and loves to have his tummy tickled!
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe is found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km west of Gabon on the African mainland. The two main islands sit 150km, or a 30-minute flight, apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and constitute the second smallest country in Africa after the Seychelles.
When is the best time to visit?
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with maximum of 30˚C from January to April, and slightly cooler from May to September. Both islands have dry and wet seasons. June to September is cooler, with more cloud and virtually no rain, whilst March to May and October to December are considered the wettest months, when days often bring a mix of rain and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are relatively limited and the best is with TAP Air Portugal, via Lisbon (with a short stopover in Accra). Low-cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to Lisbon and we can arrange separate tickets to São Tomé from there. Flights between Sao Tome and Principe are with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your São Tomé specialist will find the best flight times and prices for you.
Do I need a visa for Sao Tome?
If you stay more than 15 days you will need a visa and we arrange this for you as part of your holiday. Visas can’t currently be paid for in advance – they are inserted into your passport on arrival at the airport in Sao Tome so you will need to pay €20 per person in cash at this stage.
Is it safe to travel in Sao Tome?
Sao Tome and Principe is a very safe holiday destination and the crime rate is very low. However, petty theft is becoming more common especially in built-up areas so we advise only carrying enough money for the day and keeping the rest in a hotel safe. Whilst there are many lovely beaches on the islands, they don’t have lifeguards. Swimming in the ocean around the islands is amazing, however we always advise that you check with the hotel where you are staying with to make sure the conditions are safe as there can be strong undertows and current on some beaches. The first rule of thumb is to check first. The second one would be that if there are large rolling breakers, then it is advisable not to go in.
Do I need vaccinations for Sao Tome?
It’s always best to check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you travel.
Are there any wildlife hazards in Sao Tome?
The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on Sao Tome and is most commonly found in forested areas in the south and east of the island. Like most snakes, they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen.
It’s also advisable to try avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and/or wearing insect repellent with DEET, as malaria is present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advice on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
Highlights
Within minutes you’ll be immersed in tropical island life, and the pressures and pace of the modern world will seem far behind.
Sao Tome and Principe have more endemic species per square km than the Galapagos, and the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can’t be found anywhere else) worldwide. Our birdwatching guides will quietly point out colourful exotics during our birdwatching trips.
Discover Principe’s beautiful, rugged, volcanic interior, and meet the friendly people who call the island home on one of our jeep tours.
Relax on pristine yellow sandy beaches after a day spent exploring – there’s a good chance you’ll find you have the beach to yourself.
Escape to another world on our Sao Tome and Principe Luxury Holiday, forgotten by the constant speed of change and the pressures of the modern world.
It takes a little effort to travel to the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, however if you’re prepared to do this, the rewards will speak for themselves.
The islands hold a quiet charm of days gone by and the choices of where to stay are quite limited. However, if you take a closer look you’ll be surprised by what you find, especially on the island of Principe. You spend a night on Sao Tome before taking a short flight to the island of Principe, where you’ll stay at Roca Belo Monte and Praia Sundy
Roca Belo Monte’s tastefully decorated rooms and villas are set above the photogenic banana beach and you can spend your time relaxing in the luxurious grounds or by exploring the island on one of our fascinating discovery trips. Knowing that you would be very reluctant to leave, we have added two more nights at the luxurious boutique hotel, Praia Sundy.
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon. On arrival transfer Solar do Castelo, which is situated just below the Castle of Sao Joao in Lisbon (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Solar do Castelo
Day 2
Transfer to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival transfer to Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 3
Tour of Sao Tome City (visiting Fortress of Sao Sebastian, city cathedral, local markets, chocolate factory, Cacao Gallery, and fishing villages to taste locally smoked fish. Back at 15:00hrs.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 4
Transfer to the airport and fly to Principe. On arrival transfer to the Roca Belo Monte . In the afternoon you could go snorkelling from one of the hotel’s private beaches (masks, snorkels and fins can be borrowed from the hotel). Overnight in a Seaview room.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 5
Free day – Today you might like to visit Principe’s rugged interior on a jeep tour.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 6
Free day – Today you could join a boat trip to visit some of the remote bays along the coast where it is possible to swim and snorkel.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 7
Free day – Today you might like to join a tropical birdwatching tour. Sao Tome and Principe have the highest density of endemic birds worldwide and of the 75 species that regularly occur on the islands, 8 are endemic to Principe.
Accommodation on this day: Roca Belo Monte
Day 8
Transfer to Praia Sundy, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 9
Free day – Today you might like to spend some time on Banana Beach (10-minutes’ walk from Belo Monte) where you can snorkel in the clear water over the rocky seabed and around the boulders. The water is rich with marine life and it doesn’t take long to find shoals of colourful fish.
Accommodation on this day: Praia Sundy
Day 10
Transfer to the airport and fly to Sao Tome. On arrival, transfer to Omali Lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Omali Lodge
Day 11
Free day until it’s time for your late afternoon transfer to the airport. Depart and fly home on an overnight flight via Lisbon.
Turtle Watching
Quietly observe one of the four different endangered turtle species: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill or Leatherback nesting or hatching on the beaches between November and March.
Whale Watching
Search for magnificent humpback whales as they migrate past the islands between July and October.
Guided Birdwatching
Sao Tome and Principe has the highest density of endemic birds (birds that can't be found anywhere else) worldwide. 75 species regularly occur on the islands, with 17 being endemic to Sao Tome and 8 to Principe.
Guided Walks
There is no better way to get to know Sao Tome and Principe than to walk through the rainforest with our friendly guides who are only to happy to share the secrets of their island with you.
Plantation Visits
Discover the beating heart of Sao Tome and Principe's history on a visit to one of the many splendid old plantations.
Snorkelling
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the world’s hotpots for marine biodiversity and in terms of species present, is similar to the Caribbean. You’ll discover colourful shoals of fish as you snorkel close to your hotel.
Cycling
The roads in the north-west of Sao Tome are just fantastic to explore on two wheels. Pedal the gently-undulating palm-tree-lined coast road and you'll be rewarded by many kilometres of spectacular views.
Diving
There are several dive centres on the islands where qualified, experienced dive instructors will show you snapper, octopus, moray eels, sea horses, giant sea slugs and much more.
Solar do Castelo
Solar Do Castelo is a romantic boutique hotel in Lisbon created from an 18th century mansion built on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace of Sao Jorge.
Arguably the best located hotel in the city, it’s also the only property within the medieval walls of Sao Jorge Castle, making it an exclusive and unique place to spend time in the beautiful city of Lisbon. To add to the feeling of exclusivity, only locals and taxis are allowed to drive the narrow streets within the city walls.
The furniture was created especially for the hotel and the rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary medieval style. A private patio garden with a pretty inner courtyard gives you space to relax within the heart of the city.
Omali Lodge
Set in attractive gardens on the outskirts of Sao Tome city, boutique style hotel Omali Lodge has an outdoor pool, 30 rooms and English speaking staff. Recently refurbished, it is owned by the HBD (Here Be Dragons) company which also owns Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge on Príncipe.
All rooms are immaculate and have tea and coffee making facilities, A/C, Satellite TV, mini bar and en-suite bathrooms. It has the only tennis court on the island and is just over the road from the beach. Birdwatchers will tick off quite a few birds in the lush gardens of the lodge.
Roca Belo Monte
The Roca Belo Monte is a breath-taking boutique hotel on the site of an old plantation. Its elegant manor house holds three individual suites all with their own guest lounge and tea terraces. A private chef and butler services can also be arranged. The nearby hospital and animal stables have also been restored and transformed into luxury rooms.
All rooms have telephone, private bathroom, A/C, Wifi and satellite TV. It has its own five beaches, including the world-famous Banana beach and free beach shuttles as well as an outdoor pool perfect for sipping cocktails at. The restaurant / bar overlooks the Bay of Santa Rita and serves a fusion of international and local cuisine.
Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge
The beautiful Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge is owned by Mark Shuttleworth, the first South African to travel into space. Through his HBD foundation (Here Be Dragons) he helped turn part of this spectacular island into a Bioreserve and aims to promote sustainable and responsible travel to the islands through higher end tourism.
Bom Bom has 25 spacious, tastefully furnished chalets equipped with A/C, telephone, private bathroom, flat screen TV (satellite channels), fridge and free WIFI. Meals are taken on Bom Bom island, which is a short walk over the turquoise sea along a charming walkway. As well as eating in the restaurant, the friendly staff can also arrange a table on the marina pier or a romantic meal on your own private beach.
You’re free to use the snorkelling equipment, paddle boards and kayaks while you’re staying and a highlight is meeting Chaplin the African Grey parrot who patrols the hotel and loves to have his tummy tickled!
Where is Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe is found in the Gulf of Guinea, 250km west of Gabon on the African mainland. The two main islands sit 150km, or a 30-minute flight, apart. Combined, they have a surface area of 1,001 square km and constitute the second smallest country in Africa after the Seychelles.
When is the best time to visit?
Tropical, hot and humid all year round with maximum of 30˚C from January to April, and slightly cooler from May to September. Both islands have dry and wet seasons. June to September is cooler, with more cloud and virtually no rain, whilst March to May and October to December are considered the wettest months, when days often bring a mix of rain and clear skies.
How do I get to Sao Tome?
Options for getting to the islands are relatively limited and the best is with TAP Air Portugal, via Lisbon (with a short stopover in Accra). Low-cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair also fly to Lisbon and we can arrange separate tickets to São Tomé from there. Flights between Sao Tome and Principe are with STP (the local island carrier). Flights are included with your holiday and your São Tomé specialist will find the best flight times and prices for you.
Do I need a visa for Sao Tome?
If you stay more than 15 days you will need a visa and we arrange this for you as part of your holiday. Visas can’t currently be paid for in advance – they are inserted into your passport on arrival at the airport in Sao Tome so you will need to pay €20 per person in cash at this stage.
Is it safe to travel in Sao Tome?
Sao Tome and Principe is a very safe holiday destination and the crime rate is very low. However, petty theft is becoming more common especially in built-up areas so we advise only carrying enough money for the day and keeping the rest in a hotel safe. Whilst there are many lovely beaches on the islands, they don’t have lifeguards. Swimming in the ocean around the islands is amazing, however we always advise that you check with the hotel where you are staying with to make sure the conditions are safe as there can be strong undertows and current on some beaches. The first rule of thumb is to check first. The second one would be that if there are large rolling breakers, then it is advisable not to go in.
Do I need vaccinations for Sao Tome?
It’s always best to check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you travel.
Are there any wildlife hazards in Sao Tome?
The black cobra is the most dangerous and poisonous animal on Sao Tome and is most commonly found in forested areas in the south and east of the island. Like most snakes, they try to avoid contact with humans and are therefore rarely seen.
It’s also advisable to try avoid insect bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and/or wearing insect repellent with DEET, as malaria is present on Sao Tome. For comprehensive health advice on visiting Sao Tome please visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
