Planning a holiday to Sao Tome and Principe? Well you’re in the right place!
Sao Tome and Principe are off most people’s radar when it comes to travel, and planning the right trip takes time and lots of research.
25 years ago, my wife Sarah and I started Archipelago Choice. Initially, we specialised in tailor-made holidays to the Azores islands. Jump forward several years and we had branched out to include other Portuguese speaking islands, such as Madeira, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome and Principe.
In 2015, Sarah and I travelled to Sao Tome and Principe with our two children for a 3-week adventure. We travelled the length and breadth of the islands – we hiked, swam, snorkelled, visited plantations, went birdwatching, and stayed in as many hotels as possible. We had an amazing time, it was an incredibly immersive experience.
First-hand advice and greater flexibility
There are companies who say that they are specialist, but in reality they offer a very small range of hotels and experiences. Many websites offer the same 4 hotels; Bom Bom, Omali Lodge, Roca Sunday and Praia Sundy. Don’t get me wrong, these are all lovely places to stay… BUT, the islands of Sao Tome and Principe offer much more. As a true travel specialist, we feel that it’s really important to explore the full range of options. That way, we can hand-pick the ones that best fit your preferences.
Why a tailor-made holiday can offer a better experience
Since that initial visit with my family, we have sent several of our team over to the islands. On all of these visits the aim has been to find out what’s on offer, from popular activities like snorkelling and kayaking, to the lesser known gems like guided walks through tropical forest and turtle watching experiences (there are four turtle species that nest here).
A tailor-made holiday means that you can enjoy a wider range of experiences, rather than staying at a resort and being limited to the activities that they run. You might want to incorporate a mixture of things into your holiday: luxury resorts, rustic wooden rooms on stilts, white sand beaches, and dense forested surroundings. We always encourage you to give us a call so we can talk you through the options before you make any decisions.
It takes time to get to Sao Tome and Principe. Flights are the most expensive part of the journey, so the longer you stay the more value you get from that cost. A longer visit also allows you to experience as much of the islands as possible, as well as factoring in time where you can simply sit back and relax. It’s useful to consider your budget when we advise you on the best places to stay. Principe island in particular has some beautiful luxury resorts, with private beaches and lots of pampering. But remember, there are some charming eco-style hotels and lodges that might better fit your budget and will still offer a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.
Our dedicated team can offer first-hand advice, talking you through the many merits of these two wonderful islands. Between us, we’ve made several visits and can help you to create a holiday that is perfect for you, taking into account all of your preferences.
