Príncipe Collection

Just steps from the sea, dining becomes part of the island rhythm at Bom Bom Restaurant.

Here, the flavours of São Tomé and Príncipe take centre stage. Traditional recipes are reimagined using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes that feel both rooted and refined.

Whether seated indoors or out on the terrace, every meal is framed by sweeping coastal views, lush tropical surroundings and the gentle soundtrack of the ocean.

Some places stay with you long after you return home.

The Príncipe Collection newsletter is where island stories take shape. Expect thoughtful travel inspiration, seasonal moments from São Tomé and Príncipe, and occasional offers inspired by life on the islands.

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Food on São Tome and Príncipe is simple, seasonal and deeply connected to the land and sea. Meals tend to be unpretentious but full of flavour, shaped by Portuguese heritage and West African traditions.

Expect freshly caught fish to feature heavily, with much of the cooking happening over open fire or charcoal, with food wrapped in leaves, grilled slowly, or prepared outdoors. The process is as important as the ingredients: it is patient, hands-on, and closely tied to daily life.

Tropical produce will play a starring role at any meal. Breadfruit, plantain, cassava and sweet potato replace rice or pasta, while papaya, mango, pineapple and banana appear at breakfast or as simple desserts.

And of course, both islands are celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest cacao. Its presence is woven into the identity of São Tomé and Príncipe, from historic roças that once powered the islands’ economy to today’s small-scale producers reviving traditional methods and championing quality over quantity.

Photos: Miguel Madeira

🌿 Oquê P**i Waterfall Trail – A Signature Principe Collection Experience

Step into the heart of Parque Natural do Príncipe on a journey that feels like a discovery waiting to unfold. Over four hours of light hiking through lush, emerald rainforest, you’ll follow hidden trails shaded by towering trees, the air alive with birdsong and the scent of tropical blooms.

Your destination? Oquê P**i, a spectacular waterfall, spilling into a crystal-clear pool that invites you to cool off for a swim.

Along the way, encounter some of Príncipe’s most beloved wildlife and vibrant flora, from colourful birds and butterflies to endemic plants that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Knowledgeable guides lead the walk, sharing insights into the island’s ecology, stories of its culture, and the secrets of the forest that make this place so unforgettable.

Photos: Scott Ramsay

Dense forest covers much of Príncipe Island, forming a green interior that feels immersive from the moment you step inside.

Look closely, and the details begin to reveal themselves: layered leaves, fungi clinging to tree trunks, tiny growths thriving in the shade. These forests are a living ecosystem rich in biodiversity and delicate beauty.

It’s easy to be drawn to the coastline, but inland, from sweeping canopy to the smallest details underfoot, the forest reveals another side of the island worth noticing.

Photos by Lars Jacobsen.

Volcanic rock shapes much of the coastline on São Tomé, creating natural pools and sheltered inlets, but it is also home to long, swimmable beaches edged with palm trees and warm Atlantic water. Lagarto Beach, beside Omali, is one of them. This is an easy place for morning swims and relaxed afternoons, just minutes from the capital.

It’s this mix of dramatic landscapes and accessible beaches that defines São Tomé and makes Omali's location so unique.

Photos:

What if your morning walk looked like this? ☀️ 🥾 🏝️

Barefoot stretches of sand, shaded trails through thick vegetation, and ocean waves setting the pace for the day. On Príncipe Island, the landscape shapes how you move, explore and begin each morning.

Photos: Martin Kunz

✨Hotel Belo Monte is now open✨

Perched above rainforest and the Gulf of Guinea, this beautifully restored 1920s cacao plantation offers sweeping views across Príncipe’s coastline, with Banana Beach just below. The property combines heritage, nature, and elegant comfort, creating a place where guests feel connected to their surroundings.

Belo Monte features 15 charming rooms with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, private terraces, and a small number offering private plunge pools.

The outdoor spaces unfold across terraces and a swimming pool, framed by rainforest and sea. Indoors, elegant lounges, a library, restaurant, bar, and the island’s only private cinema offer a series of welcoming retreats.

This is a place to slow the pace, stay present, and quietly sink into island life. We can't wait to welcome you!