Luxury São Tomé + Príncipe Holidays

Situated in the Gulf of Guinea off the north-west coast of Gabon, São Tomé + Príncipe is an extraordinary destination for travellers looking to get truly off the beaten track and experience a very different side to Africa. The two-island nation boasts a breathtaking combination of natural wonders, including deserted tropical beaches, tranquil lagoons, dense jungles, pretty waterfalls and majestic extinct volcanoes. These diverse habitats are, in turn, home to an incredible variety of wildlife.

From their discovery by the Portuguese in 1470 until their independence in 1975, the isles also have an enthralling history. Lost remnants of the colonial era remain and, with our top local guides, visitors today can explore the once-thriving cacao, sugar-cane and coffee estates (or roças), forgotten mansions and crumbling buildings. However, in more recent years, the cacao industry here has been rejuvenated and São Tomé + Príncipe’s renaissance is wonderful to behold.

We recommend that our clients base themselves at Sundy Praia on Príncipe. The archipelago’s best hotel is an idyllic spot from which to explore the roças, trek through wild, primordial landscapes with a specialist guide, snorkel in azure waters or feast on scrumptious seafood or delicious dark chocolate. It would be hard to describe São Tomé and Príncipe as a luxury destination, but it offers an extraordinary experience for adventurous travellers who are comfortable embracing a more remote and developing destination.