Activity holiday on Sao Tome and Principe

This beautiful late 18th century aristocratic mansion, formerly the home of the Portuguese novelist Eca de Queiroz, has been converted into a charming and exclusive hotel. The property is full of character and c.20- minutes walk from the central Rossio area. The Museum of Ancient Art is well placed next door.

Accommodation

• 29 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms and superior bairro rooms.

 Amenities/Leisure

• Buffet breakfast (served until 12:00) can be taken in the courtyard during the summer months
• Snacks (sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt) can be prepared on request locally at any time of day
• Honesty bars in the library and lounge
• Small library on the top floor with panoramic terrace
• Complimentary WiFi in rooms and public areas
• Ivy covered courtyard with fountain
• Lift
• Private underground parking (payable locally c.15 Euros per day) - recommend reserving a space in advance

Tourist Tax: There is a tourist tax for all visitors staying in Lisbon. The tax will apply to all hotels and pousadas and must be paid directly to the hotel at the end of your stay. Children under 13 years old are exempt. The amount payable is 2 Euros per person per night with a maximum payment of 7 consecutive nights.

On the outskirts of Sao Tome (3km) and a stone’s throw from a sheltered bay, the Omali is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. You are greeted as a long-lost friend and, as soon as you step over the threshold, you feel your body and mind relax. The São Toméan moto ‘Leve-Leve’ (slowly-slowly) applies here; they want you to slow down and appreciate life on the island and embrace their culture and philosophies.

This 30 room hotel is built around a lush garden with palm trees, lawned areas and a lagoon-style swimming pool with poolside bar. Around its edge, pretty two-story cottages pleasantly sit admiring the view. There is little to disturb the peace except the sound of the local birdlife and the infrequent vehicle.

If you can tear yourself away from your terrace, there is a lounge - adorned with black and white pictures of the island - small gym, tennis court, a cocktail bar and another restaurant with terrace overlooking the coastal road to the beach beyond. A dive centre is 500m away and a 45 minute walk will take you to the centre of the capital.

Accommodation:

• 30 air-conditioned rooms including Classic rooms, Junior suites, Family suites, Business suites and one Honeymoon suite
• Junior suites are located on the first floor of the hotel. Please note that there is no lift - luggage assistance is available

Amenities / Leisure:

• Buffet breakfast including a selection of home-made pastries, cakes and juices. Additional hot menu iteams available at a local charge
• Restaurant with terrace overlooking the Bay of Praia Lagarto, across the coastal road. The restaurant serves traditional dishes as well as a fusion between São Toméan and Portuguese cuisine, making the maximum use of fresh and local ingredients
• Bar (open 10:00 to 23:00)
• Lounge
• Small shop selling local handicrafts and products
• Outdoor swimming pool with pool bar (open 10:00-23:00). A snack menu is served
• Well-maintained gardens with palm trees
• Tennis court (free of charge for hotel guests)
• Small gym
• ‘Lagarto’ public sandy beach (no facilities) across the road
• An activity programme is available locally including walking and hiking tours, a sightseeing tour of the capital, visits to a Cocoa plantation and gastronomic experiences. 
• Complimentary transfers to the city centre available. Set times, week days only

On the north coast of Principe, camouflaged by the tropical forest, you will discover the Bom Bom resort. Set between two golden sand beaches, days here are spent lazily lounging on the veranda of your bungalow, enjoying a swim in emerald green waters, soaking in the local vibe at the pool bar or exploring the resort grounds. Amid stunning scenery and hospitality that makes you feel welcome and at home, you are invited to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.

19 wooden bungalows, simple in style, are scattered around the resort, overlooking the pool, garden, sea or beach. Whether you are woken each morning by the waves gently crashing on to the beach outside your bungalow or by the parrots squawking in the gardens, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant is located on the islet of Bom Bom, from which the hotel takes its name, and which is accessed via a wooden bridge (242m).

A variety of land and sea activities are available from the resort and Sunvil recommend planning your excursions in advance so that your days are filled as you desire. A favourite of the team at Sunvil is a boat trip along the northeast coast to discover some of the most amazing beaches including Boi, Macaco, Banana (made famous by the Bacardi rum TV ad) and many more - the majority of which are isolated and can only be accessed by boat, while others are inhabited by local fishermen and their families.

This truly is a magical land, a place where you may cross paths at night with a wandering crab as you make your way to the restaurant; where you can indulge in a massage at the Spa, with its open air façade overlooking Santa Rita beach, whilst listening to the relaxing sound of the waves; perhaps witness a shooting star from the wooden bridge if you are lucky; be greeted by one of the two resident parrots on your return from a boat trip or enjoy an entire beach to yourself if you time it just right. 

Remember the Leve-Leve philosophy, kick back, unwind and enjoy your time at Bom Bom.

Accommodation:

• 19 air-conditioned studio-style bungalows including Bungalow Pool, Bungalow Garden, Bungalow Sea and Bungalow Beach
• Bungalow Garden, Bungalow Sea and Bungalow Beach can accommodate an extra bed for a child
• Bungalow Pool can accommodate two extra beds for children

Amenities / Leisure:

• Buffet breakfast
• Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals - Set menu using local ingredients including exotic fruits. Weather dependant, meals can be taken outside on the terrace. Meals can also be taken on your Bungalow veranda on request (bookable in advance at reception)
• Pool bar serving a lunch and snack menu
• Swimming pool
• Lounge area and Curio shop in the reception
• Small gym
• Bom Bom Spa offering massages and beauty treatments (payable locally)
• Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
• Access to three beaches – the best snorkelling can be found on the beach next to the restaurant and on Santa Rita beach
• Activity centre offering a variety of excursions: 4x4 experiences, visits to former plantations, guided hikes, boat trips, whale and dolphin watching excursions, beach trips and sport fishing. Private tours are available.
• Snorkelling and paddle-boarding - subject to availability and payable locally
• PADI certified Dive Centre – bookable and payable locally
• There is a marked walking trail on Bom Bom islet (c.1 hour)
• Safe deposit box available at reception