The Hotel
You will find us on the remote, little known and utterly beautiful tropical island of Principe.
This is the smallest of the two islands that make up São Tomé and Principe, Africa’s second smallest nation. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, these islands were once scattered with plantation houses, making them one of the world’s largest producers of chocolate.
Today, most of the plantations (Roças) have been absorbed back into the local communities, but Roça Sundy has been transformed into an affordable guest house comprising just twelve en-suite rooms for lovers of nature, sustainability and escape.
Roça Sundy’s two main houses have been carefully restored to create a journey back in time, with maximum comfort.
In keeping with our strong and heartfelt commitment to sustainability, all of the restoration work has been carried out by local builders, especially trained for the job, using recycled materials, wherever possible.
Here, you will be looked after by an outstanding team of staff who have been recruited from within the local community to deliver a personal, friendly and authentic service. More than 90% of our team are local and have received a year-long training from the Azores School of Tourism.
The Rooms
At Roça Sundy, you’ll find 15 comfortable rooms: 9 rooms in the Plantation House and 6 rooms in the Colonial House.
The Colonial House is Roca Sundy’s main house, where the hotel services, restaurant and bar are to be found.
In the Plantation House, the style is more contemporary but with the same level of comfort and splendid views overlooking the plantation grounds or tropical forest.
All of the rooms are spacious and include air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite TV, safe and mini-bar.
The Restaurant
At the Roça Sundy restaurant our commitment is both social and environmental. What we don’t produce in our own organic gardens, we negotiate fairly with local producers and we believe that this is the only approach that makes sense. Dishes are always inspired locally with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables of the season.
EXCEPTIONAL PLACES FOR MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Roça Sundy is a sustainable tourism project that provides unique experiences through interaction with the local community, allowing guests to discover the extraordinary qualities of Príncipe Island through the practice of responsible tourism.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
4X4 EXPERIENCE: EXPLORE THE SOUTH
This excursion will take you around the South of Príncipe Island, beginning with the traditional fishing village of Praia Abade. There’s a stop at the Nova Estrela (New Star) Viewing Point to enjoy a panoramic view of the Ilhéu Boné de Jóquei (Jockey Cap Island), followed by the Terreiro Velho Viewing Point with its spectacular view of the national park to the east, and São Joaquim, to the west.
4X4 EXPERIENCE: PLANTATIONS TOUR
Learn all about the secrets of organic farming at the plantation house, Roça Paciência. Savour the different aromas and tastes of Príncipe Island’s aromatic herbs and medicinal plants, visit the gardens and see how the products are transformed into delicious jams, tropical muesli, toiletries and beauty products.
4X4 EXPERIENCE: EXPLORE PRÍNCIPE
This is a great way of getting to know the island’s culture and outstanding scenery in a single day. It includes a visit to the smallest capital in the world, and its loveliest corners. You’ll also be able to observe close up some of the secrets of our organic farming and experience different aromas and tastes, as well as enjoying a marvellous traditional local meal. Come and be a Principiano for a day.
SPAWNING AND HATCHING OF SEA TURTLES
This trip consists in accompanying the monitoring of female sea turtles about to lay their eggs on the beaches of Principe Island, between September and April. You’ll get to learn about sea turtles and the conservation of this threatened species. Without a doubt, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
BOAT TRIPS ALONG THE COAST: THE BEACHES OF THE NORTHEAST BY BOAT.
This trip is designed for Sea and Beach lovers. Discover Príncipe’s most beautiful beaches on the northeast of the island.
BOAT TRIPS ALONG THE COAST: BAY OF NEEDLES
Enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the west side of the National Park, seen from the sea. The Bay of Needles, so called because of the phonolite towers rising up out of the skyline, is one of the most sheltered spots on the edge of the National Park. It will give you some tranquil moments, surrounded by nature in its purest state.
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: SANTA JOAQUINA
Visit the largest Roça (Plantation House) on Príncipe Island, with its Cape Verdean traces. Come with us on a trail that will take you to the old lookout point for ships and enjoy a picnic with the best view over the town of Santo António. On our way back, help promote the sustainability of the planet and learn about a new project that involves transforming glass into jewellery.
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: PARROT MOUNTAIN
Parrot Mountain is one of Príncipe Island’s most famous mountains. Visible from the town of Santo António, it is approximately 700 metres high and is formed from volcanic rock. Surrounded by secondary and primary rainforest, it lies within the boundaries of the National Park. During this walk that will take you to the top of the mountain, you’ll see monkeys, native birds, orchids and medicinal plants. Besides all that, the views you’ll get of the island are simply spectacular!
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: RIBEIRA IZÉ
This is a trail that takes you to Ribeira Izé, the first capital of Príncipe. You can still see the ruins of its church and the house of a famous historical figure of São Tomé and Príncipe, Maria Correia. Come and enjoy this adventure with us!
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: MONTALEGRE WATERFALL
Adventure along a narrow hiking trail that takes you through the rainforest. Enjoy the nature around you and cool off at one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: COCOA ROUTE
Discover the secrets of cacao. Enjoy a full day on the plantation, and understand the process from planting and harvesting the fruit of cacao, to its transformation and production of chocolate
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: INFANTE PLANTATION HOUSE
Roça Infante D. Henrique is an old plantation house abandoned by the colonialists after the island’s independence. Today it is covered in vegetation and is situated about 18 km from Santo António. On the way to Roça Infante, we also pass the plantation house, Roça da Ribeira Fria, where we can sometimes visit Sr. Romão, a farmer in this part of the island, and try his fresh produce. During the walk along the trail leading to the Infante estate, we’ll see monkeys, native birds, orchids and different medicinal plants, as well as rocky formations typical of volcanic islands. We carry on until the Praia General Fonseca, an old harbour used by the Roça to dispatch its produce, where a boat will then take us back to the hotel.
BIOSPHERE TRAILS: BIRD WATCHING
São Tomé and Príncipe has between 21 and 29 endemic species of birds. Take your binoculars and venture out to discover them. Their sounds and colours are unique and unforgettable. An experience not to be missed.
ZEN MOMENTS
Roça Sundy is the perfect place to get rid of stress. Let yourself be transported into a world of well-being, surrounded by essences, flowers, candles and smooth stones. Renew your feeling of inner peace and release all stress and tension. Our treatment menu includes massages for women, men and couples; body and face care and techniques for total relaxation. And to enhance the benefits of your beauty treatments, you can purchase some of the natural products made here on Principe Island.
