Summary
Sundy Praia on Principe is the focus of this break. Stay in Omali Lodge on Sao Tome before and after to see the culture and beauty of Principe's larger island-sibling.
Highlights
- Sundy Praia is a world-class luxury rainforest and beach retreat.
- Explore Principe's primary forest with guided tours
- Take a boat trip to see the jaw-dropping view into the Bay of Needles
The Details
Príncipe is the epitome of a paradise island, and Sundy Praia is a truly exceptional place to stay. Nestled between tropical rainforest and the Ocean, the spacious tented villas, built from wood and canvas, allow you to feel completely immersed in your natural surroundings. Awaken to a chorus of birdsong and drift off to sleep to the sound of waves washing over the shore.
This holiday has been carefully crafted to maximise your time on the island. Your journey begins on the main island of São Tomé, where you’ll stay at Omali Lodge. This charming boutique hotel is set within tropical gardens on the outskirts of São Tomé City, offering a peaceful place to unwind by the pool and enjoy excellent cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.
From São Tomé, you’ll take a short scenic flight to Príncipe, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the jewel in the crown of the archipelago. This quintessential island paradise is a place of impossibly turquoise waters, pristine golden beaches, and lush tropical forests waiting to be explored.
On Príncipe, you’ll spend five unforgettable nights at Sundy Praia, where a relaxing massage awaits on arrival. Your tented villa offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the forest, complete with a spacious bedroom, elegant en-suite bathroom, and a private deck where you can savour a morning coffee surrounded by nature before taking a refreshing dip in the infinity pool.
During your stay, enjoy a guided rainforest walk to Ribeira Izé, Príncipe’s first capital, visit one of the island’s historic cacao plantations, or take to the water on a scenic boat trip. There is a good selection of excursions to choose from, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace. The lodge also provides snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards for you to use whenever you wish.
Dining is a highlight of any stay at Sundy Praia. Beneath a striking bamboo canopy, you’ll enjoy beautifully prepared meals created from locally sourced ingredients and cooked over an open fire. Freshly caught fish and organic produce from the lodge’s own gardens feature prominently on the menu, while the talented chefs create dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. When it’s time to unwind, simply stroll down to the beach, relax beside the infinity pool, or retreat to the comfort of your tented villa and soak up the tranquillity of this remarkable island.
Suggested Itinerary
Sao Tome and Principe is best experienced during a fourteen or a ten day trip - but if time is short for you, this week is designed to get under the skin of this tropical paradise as efficiently as possible, staying in the exclusive Sundy Praia. Today you'll fly to Lisbon to stay in a hotel adjacent to the terminals, in order to catch tomorrow morning's Sao Tome flight.
Return to the terminals and cross Africa to reach Sao Tome. On arrival you'll be met for your transfer to Omali Lodge on the ocean front, on the outskirts of Sao Tome city. Enjoy dinner (included) at Omali's restaurant tonight.
This morning you'll transfer to the airport and fly to Principe. On arrival you'll be met for your transfer to Sundy Praia. The transfer is where your adventure starts as you wind through the jungle on unsealed tracks, before coming upon the entrance lodges to Sundy Praia. You'll meet the hospitality and guiding team and settle into your villa. You might like to have your complimentary massage this afternoon, and do some snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding. As you're staying for five nights on a full-board basis, dinner tonight is in the stunningly-designed dining hall of Sundy Praia.
You can chat with the guiding team on arrival about what activities you'd like to do during your stay. There's a range of included activities, and some others you might like to choose for which you can pay a supplement whilst you're there. Today you could take a boat trip to see the famous Bay of Needles (Baía das Agulhas). Swim and snorkel in the equatorial waters, with the stupendous backdrop of Principe's rainforest-clad rock spires.
Free day to relax and enjoy Sundy Praia and the island of Principe. Why not join a guided 4x4 tour of the north of the island, including the world's smallest capital city Santo Antonio. Enjoy visiting plantations and local craftspeople,
Free day to relax and enjoy Sundy Praia and the island of Principe. You might add a private guided bird watching tour. Time spent looking for Principe's endemic species in the company of a local is unforgettable.
Free day to relax and enjoy Sundy Praia and the island of Principe. Take a guided walk to the hidden falls of Oque Pipi, within the protected primary rainforest of the Parque Natural Obô do Príncipe. Remember your swimwear as you can take a dip here in this rainforest paradise!
You'll check out and say goodbye to Principe. Transfer to the airport and fly back to Sao Tome. Tonight you have one last night in the Omali Lodge. Dinner's included but let us know if you'd prefer to venture into Sao Tome city to find your own meal tonight.
The homebound flights depart in the late afternoon - you have the day to relax in your lodge before your afternoon airport transfer. We'll include a day room for you so you can use all the hotel facilities. There's time for a guided city tour if you'd like to add one. Later on, you'll transfer to the airport for your overnight flights back to Heathrow via Lisbon.
You'll change planes in Lisbon early this morning to catch your flight back to the UK.
Best time to go
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Suggested places to stay
Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
Sundy Praia Principe Island
Sundy Praia is a luxury tented villa resort nestled in tropical rainforest on a private beach
Retreat
Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
Omali Lodge
Comfortable boutique style hotel set in tranquil tropical gardens
Boutique HotelsGallery
From £6,850 per person
The guide price is based on two people sharing a twin or a double room, activities and board as described and includes flights from the UK. Local hotel and tourist taxes are included within the guide price.
For a personalised itinerary and full list of what's included, please get in touch.
