Re-centre at the centre of the world
Home to soul-stirring basalt peaks, some of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet, golden beaches, and spirited communities who are deeply connected with the natural environment, the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are truly special. Formed 31 million years ago by volcanic activity in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s second smallest country, yet perhaps its most spectacular. Its address at 1°N, 7°E places this archipelago as close to the centre of the world as it gets.
Once the world’s largest producer of cacao, and formerly known as ‘the chocolate islands’, these days, the islands are more commonly nicknamed ‘Africa’s Galapagos’ due to their unique animals and plants, particularly on UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Príncipe Island. Whether exploring primordial mountains and pristine jungle, learning how historic plantations form part of the locally run, small-scale cacao industry revival, or seeing turtle hatchlings scurry towards the ocean, this is a place to reconnect with nature at its most raw.
Explore São Tomé and Príncipe
Who we are
A rainforest island with a vision
A rainforest island with a vision
The importance of conserving and respecting the world’s wildest places, and the need for sustainable development, positively affecting people and place, has never been more apparent.
These sentiments provided the foundations of HBD Príncipe, a sustainable ecotourism and agroforestry company, when it was founded more than a decade ago, and remain a driving force today.
Working with the government of São Tomé and Príncipe, and the island communities, we are dedicated to the conservation of Príncipe Island, a precious UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. By creating responsible ecotourism experiences, and championing intentional, sustainable development, HBD helps to provide enriching opportunities to those who call Príncipe home, without damaging culture, traditions, or the island’s fragile natural environment.
The acknowledgement that what makes Príncipe so special—unspoilt rainforests, flourishing wildlife, and communities deeply connected with nature—already exists and must be preserved sits at our core.
We firmly believe that tourism can be a force for good, and that experiencing Príncipe Island first-hand will inspire you to feel the same.
Our Ethos
More than simply beds to sleep in, each of our properties has a distinct personality, and a strong sense of place and purpose.
At coastal Omali in São Tomé, expect authentic hospitality and a modern take on São Tomé-style fare. On Príncipe Island, recharge at Sundy Praia, where 15 tented eco-villas hug the jungly shoreline. Get immersed in island life at Roça Sundy, two beautifully restored buildings in a former cacao roça (plantation). Or, embrace the buoyant spirit, and beautiful beaches, of Bom Bom. With 19 sunlit bungalows set between two golden crescents of sand, it’s the ultimate castaway retreat.
Our hotels
Sundy Praia
Situated just where the tangled rainforest meets the ocean on Príncipe Island’s wild northwest coast, 15 tented eco-villas, a bamboo restaurant, zen spa and a seaside infinity pool offer a serene retreat in the heart of nature.
Explore
Roça Sundy
Underlining our belief that people are as special as place, these two restored roça buildings—where Einstein’s general theory of relativity was proven—sit in the grounds of a former cacao plantation, alongside the vibrant local community.
Explore
Bom Bom
Mellow beach bungalows on Príncipe’s northern tip where turquoise waves lap at golden sands, and a wooden walkway stretches across the ocean to a castaway-feel islet. Bom Bom is currently closed for renovations, with an anticipated re-opening date of 2024.
Explore
Omali
This boutique hotel opposite São Tomé’s Lagarto Beach is a wonderful base for island explorations. Renowned for its warm hospitality and restaurant, it’s also close to the airport, making connections to Príncipe a breeze.
Explore
A 31 million-year-old volcanic island where Mother Nature has writ her magic large, the pace of life here might be leve leve, ‘slowly slowly’, but the adventures it holds will make your heart race.
Our raft of Discover Príncipe experiences—carefully crafted to tread lightly on the land—shine a light on this remarkable island.