HBD Príncipe

São Tomé and príncipe

With geo-coordinates 1°N,7°E, São Tomé and Príncipe, the second-smallest country in Africa, is located at the centre of the world.

Here you discover three unique hotels and can partake in a journey of discovery through an intimate experience with nature, on the very edge of the ocean, surrounded by tropical rainforest. 

DISCOVER PRÍNCIPE

Created by volcanic activity more than 30 million years ago, these striking islands rise out of the Gulf of Guinea and the vibrant rainforests are amongst the most biodiverse on the planet. In particular, Príncipe, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to several endemic terrestrial and marine species.

Sometimes called the Galapagos of Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe do not fall short in comparison. The avifauna of these two African islands hold a whopping 27 endemic species, while the famous Galapagos hold 21 in an area that is eight times larger.

For travellers seeking to discover this tiny paradise, HBD Príncipe offers a fully curated experience: from three hotels and guided activities, to a travel desk team committed to planning the perfect itinerary.

Hidden away, Sundy Praia is a nature lovers’ paradise on the island of Príncipe. Birdsong fills the tropical rainforest, golden beaches are gently caressed by a warm sea, and the island is brought to life through rich culture and history. Príncipe is steeped in rich history and culture, and a visit to Roça Sundy transports you back in time as not only will you sleep in a lovingly-restored old plantation house, but it is also the site where Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was proven in 1919. Head out on a tour of the plantation and taste the cacao fruit to learn how this little island nation was once one of the world’s biggest cocoa producers.

From space to paradise, the South African entrepreneur, philanthropist and space traveller Mark Shuttleworth’s HBD Príncipe is developing sustainable ecotourism experiences on Príncipe Island. HBD Príncipe is not only committed to the economic growth of Príncipe but also to ensuring every guest becomes an ambassador to the islands.

FAST FACTS

RATES

Sundy Praia:
€ 620 – € 850
per person per night

Bom Bom
€ 340 – € 500
per person per night

Roça Sundy:
€ 225 – € 410
per person per night

Omali Lodge:
€ 210 – € 320
per room per night

ACCESS

FLY:
From Europe connect via Lisbon on TAP. 

Six flights weekly between São Tomé and Príncipe with STP Airways (not available on Tuesdays)

CHILDREN

All HBD Hotels
All ages

A fantastic family getaway for the adventurous types. Kids will learn about the history of the islands and its people while exploring the jungles and beaches, and tasting the freshest of chocolate.

Classic Portfolio Since 1993

What we love

Classic Portfolio Since 1993

DISCOVER PRÍncipe

Most people have never heard of this country let alone able to locate it on a map.

GALAPAGOS OF AFRICA

Birdlife includes at least 27 endemic species, while the famous Galapagos hold 21 in an area that is eight times larger.

COMPLETE EXPERIENCE

Stay for 7-nights or more for a complete HBD immersion with guided experiences and unique stays across three hotels on the two islands.

COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

HBD’s mission is to become a global inspiration through sustainable integrated ecotourism, agroforestry, support services, and social initiatives.

HBD Príncipe

The impact of your stay

HBD Príncipe has a mission to preserve and enhance the ecosystem of Príncipe and the surrounding waters and islets. This is achieved by contributing to the sustainable development of the economy, infrastructure, tourism, agroforestry and fisheries, and by stimulating the well-being, potential and creativity of its people.

São Tomé and Príncipe receives fewer than 35 000 tourists on an annual basis, with even fewer making it to the smaller of the two islands, Príncipe. The economic impact of every traveller positively contributes to the local communities and natural environment by providing an alternative to more extractive practices through high-value low-impact tourism.

Every stay contributes through:

  • Paying Euro 25 per person (13+ years; 12 years and under is free of charge) per day Conservation & Communities Contribution.
  • 100% of the contribution supports the HBD vision and commitment to sustainable operations, which include being stewards of the island through environmental protection and conservation efforts.
  • Through paying the contribution you are also supporting the local nonprofit Fundação Príncipe, which is dedicated to the island’s conservation and protection of biodiversity.
  • Partaking in guided experiences with local guides who have been trained by HBD Príncipe. This supports both local communities as well as the preservation of the natural environment.
  • Enjoying meals at Sundy Praia, Roça Sundy and Bom Bom, which supports the farming operations of Paciência, HBD’s organic agricultural operations. Menus are designed using as much local produce as possible.
  • On forest walks, get involved in searching for endemic bird species some of which are considered critically endangered. Tourism interest drives awareness among Santomeans and gains local support for conservation. These species are now being promoted as symbols of forest conservation in the islands.
  • Engage with the communities through eating out in restaurants in the capital city Santo António (the smallest capital city in the world).
  • During turtle laying and hatching season, join the checking of nests and view the turtles. Primarily, 3 types of turtle use these beaches for nesting.

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HBD Príncipe
HOTELS

Discover the island life

Discover Príncipe

7-night itinerary

from € 3 630 per person
20% discount applicable 1 - 31 Mar, 11 Apr - 30 Jun, & 1 Sept - 19 Dec '23
Breakfast and airport transfers at Omali Lodge
Half board, house drinks, & 1 daily guided activity at Roça Sundy
Half board, house drinks, welcome massage & 1 daily guided activity at Sundy Praia

São Tomé & Príncipe

Sundy Praia,
Roça Sundy, &
Omali Lodge

Our 7-night Discover Príncipe itinerary combines a night at Omali Lodge with 2 nights at Roça Sundy and 4 at Sundy Praia. This includes a daily guided activity.

Below is a suggested way to plan the activities throughout the 6 nights on Príncipe Island. 

Day 1

On arrival into São Tomé, there is a 3-minute transfer to Omali Lodge. Check in and meet the team. Enjoy a dip in the pool and dinner at the restaurant before settling in for a good night’s sleep after your long journey.
Stay at Omali Lodge.

Day 2

After breakfast, head back to the airport for the 35-minute flight to Príncipe island. You will be met by the Roça Sundy team before making your way to the historic plantation. That afternoon, kick off the experiences with a cacao journey from ‘tree to table’ on a walking tour. Learn how the Cacaueiro tree is planted, cultivated and grown. Visit the old dryers to learn about the transformation process, and then end the tour with a tasting of several cacao-based treats.
Stay at Roça Sundy

Day 3

Walk through the lush, tropical forests of the Parque Natural do Príncipe, to the Oquê Pipi Waterfall, the largest waterfall on the island. Swim in the natural, crystal-clear ‘pool’ and observe some of the most popular animal and plant species on Príncipe.
Stay at Roça Sundy
 
Day 4
 
Drive through some of the island’s old roças and some of the most impressive viewpoints. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see the work of local artisans. Conclude the tour in the town of Santo António, where you can stay for lunch.
Stay at Sundy Praia
 
Day 5
 
From Roça Sundy, head out on a gentle hike through the vibrant forest to a secluded beach. Once there, enjoy a light lunch and an ocean dip before ending at Sundy Praia.
Stay at Sundy Praia
 
Day 6
 
Enjoy a boat trip along the secluded beaches of the northeast side of the island and discover the natural beauty of Príncipe from a different perspective. Pass by a small fishing village and learn about the traditional way of life on the island.
Stay at Sundy Praia
 
Day 7
 
Walk from Sundy Praia, through the tropical forest to Ribeira Izé, and the ruins of a Catholic church. On the way back, stroll along the beach and take a dip in the ocean.
Stay at Sundy Praia
 
Day 8
 
Enjoy your final morning on Príncipe Island before catching your flight back to São Tomé and onwards to your connection out.
 

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages welcome

Príncipe Island

Sundy Praia

Creating the perfect balance between nature, design and comfort, Sundy Praia’s tented villas have spacious indoor and outdoor areas and private terraces with easy access to the beach.

The pool bar with the infinity pool and relaxed style is the epicentre of activity during the day, while the magnificently designed bamboo dining area is where local organic produce is transformed into an unforgettable culinary journey. 

All 14 villas are built with natural eco-friendly materials. Choose from 8 one-bedroom forest villas, 4 two-bedroom beachfront villas, or 2 three-bedroom beachfront villas. Each is en-suite with a lounge and wraparound terrace area. The 3-bedroom villa also has a plunge pool to enjoy in the privacy of your own space.  

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages welcome

Sundy Praia

14 Tented Villas

from € 620 per person
Breakfast and dinner.
House drinks.
1 daily half-day activity.
30-minute welcome massage.
Airport transfers.
WiFi.

Príncipe Island

Bom Bom

Re-opens Easter 2024

Located on an islet accessed by a 242-metre wooden bridge, Bom Bom’s 19 hillside and beachfront bungalows are idyllic sanctuaries on the northern tip of Príncipe. Sandwiched between two beaches and mere metres from the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, staying at Bom Bom is all about unhurried beach living: lounging on the sand, exploring the stunning underwater world, and discovering the surrounding tropical forest.

Each bungalow (Pool, Garden, Seaview, Beachfront) has a double bedroom and a seating area on the porch outside, whilst bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. At the main area, there is a pool and seasonally-inspired restaurant.

SEASONALITY: Open all year.

CHILDREN: All ages welcome.

Bom Bom

19 Rooms

from € 340 per person per night
Breakfast and dinner.
House drinks over meals.
Airport Transfers.
WiFi.

Príncipe Island

Roça Sundy

At Roça Sundy, the history of Príncipe comes alive. Stay in one of two perfectly-restored plantation houses: Eclipse, the main house of the roça and home to the restaurant and bar, or Cacao, her contemporary sister. Old memories and fascinating history combine at Roça and guests will share this extraordinary experience with the local community who still live, work and go to school here.

Eclipse House, with 6 rooms, has 3 panoramic view rooms on the first floor, 2 of which can be inter-leading. The ground floor has the 3 remaining rooms, 1 suite and 2 yard rooms, as well as the restaurant and bar. Cacao House has one suite, and 4 each of yard and panoramic view rooms.   

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages welcome

Roça Sundy

15 Rooms

from € 225 per person per night
Breakfast and dinner.
House drinks.
1 daily half-day activity.
Airport transfers.
WiFi.

São Tomé

Omali Lodge

Perfectly situated close to the airport, the capital centre, and the beach, Omali Lodge is the natural choice for those who want to visit the island. The lodge has 30 rooms across Classic Rooms, Premier Rooms, Suites, and Family Rooms. 

Omali, meaning ocean and source of life, is renowned for its wonderful garden, grounds and swimming pool, providing a variety of quiet places to relax in and enjoy the “Leve Leve” lifestyle of the island. But it’s when you taste the different dishes and flavours served at Omali’s restaurant that your experience is complete.

SEASONALITY: Open all year.

CHILDREN: All ages welcome.

Omali Lodge

30 Rooms

from € 210 per room per night
Breakfast.
Airport Transfers.
WiFi.

HBD Príncipe
Featured Offer

Discover Príncipe

Stay for 7 nights or more at any combination between Sundy Praia and Roça Sundy and save 20% on the accommodation.  Any additional nights at Omali Lodge also receive the 20% savings.

VALID: 1 Sep – 19 Dec 2023

HBD Príncipe
Featured Journey

Discover Príncipe

Discover Príncipe Island and uncover the wonders and gripping history of the island.

HBD Príncipe
Location

Getting there

FLY

Fly to São Tomé Island:

From Lisbon, Portugal: TAP (some days via Accra) or STP Airways.

Fly to Príncipe Island:

A twice daily domestic flight from São Tomé International Airport to Príncipe Island runs 6 x per week with STP Airways (not available on Tuesdays). This timetable is, however, subject to change and it is advisable to check the timetable before booking.

A regional flight from Libreville direct to Príncipe Island with Afrijet on Sundays only.

Availability

We do not currently have online availability for HBD Príncipe. Please enquire for availability.

Contact

Email:
reservations@hbdprincipe.com

Tel:
+351 21 314 7580 (Lisbon) | +239 999 5000 (São Tomé) | +27 21 203 1912 (Cape Town)

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm GMT.