December 8, 2025
Príncipe is a small, sparsely populated island inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its accommodation scene reflects that reality. If you’re thinking of where to stay on Principe, it’s important to remember that there is no hotel strip, no mass tourism, and no long list of options to compare. Instead, the island is defined by a handful of properties that operate within strict conservation guidelines.
The two primary luxury lodges, Sundy Praia and Bom Bom, sit at opposite ends of the spectrum: one hidden in deep forest, the other stretched across a quiet beach and a palm-fringed islet. Electricity, transfers, and connectivity all function on island terms.
For travellers trying to understand where to stay on Príncipe, this guide explains the two main options, how they differ, and who they suit. There is no commercial angle here—just clear information for an island with limited accommodation but exceptional natural value. The choice essentially comes down to preference: forest or beach, design or simplicity, and how deeply you want to be immersed in the biosphere. If you want the true experience of São Tomé and Principe however, mix this in with our itineary, and see the best we have to offer, not a luxury bubble.
Bom Bom was the first HBD hotel on Príncipe and remains a model for low impact island tourism. It sits on the northern tip of the island, reached after a short flight from São Tomé and a transfer through dense forest. Many visitors choose Bom Bom for its immediate connection to the sea and the feeling of arriving somewhere small and self contained. A timber walkway leads out to a small islet with two beaches on either side, and the lodge remains low and unobtrusive within the landscape.
After several years closed for a full renovation, Bom Bom reopened in 2024 and 2025 with updated interiors and a clearer conservation brief. The eighteen thatched bungalows sit in garden plots near the water. They are simple but comfortable, featuring air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, and small outdoor sitting areas. This is a living biosphere, so vegetation is lush and insects appear at dusk, making repellent practical rather than optional. The luxury here lies in space, salt air, and quiet rather than design statements.
Dining and Conservation
Meals take place on the islet, reached by the bridge. Walking it at night, with the Atlantic below and lanterns lighting the path, is part of the Bom Bom rhythm. The kitchen uses fruit, vegetables, and herbs grown on the property or at nearby roças, keeping the food grounded in the location. This is not multi course dining. It is straightforward cooking shaped by supply and season.
One major change is philosophical. Since 2021, HBD Príncipe has stopped offering catch and release, deep sea, and sport fishing. The water around Bom Bom is treated as protected space. In season, humpback whales pass offshore from July to October, and sea turtles nest in the wider marine protected area. Guests can join controlled observation trips or stay near the lodge with snorkelling, kayaking, and short guided walks. The emphasis is to watch and understand rather than extract.
Sundy Praia is the most architecturally ambitious lodge on Príncipe and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It sits on the northwest coast where mature forest runs down to the sand. The wider Roça Sundy estate is notable for the 1919 eclipse observations that helped confirm Einstein’s theory of relativity. Arrival involves a short but bumpy 4×4 transfer along unpaved roads, signalling its remote setting.
The lodge uses tented villas rather than permanent concrete buildings. There are fifteen in total, set among almond and banana trees and raised on screw pile foundations so that the forest floor stays largely intact. Inside, they feel more like small houses than tents, with indoor and outdoor living spaces, four poster beds with nets, stone baths facing the forest, and private plunge pools in selected villas. The units are spaced to reduce noise and light spill. This is a key detail for those prioritising privacy.
Dining and Wellness
The main communal space is OKA Sundy, a tall bamboo and thatch structure that acts as a restaurant and informal hub. Produce comes from the Paciência organic garden and trusted local growers, and cacao from Roça Sundy appears in savoury dishes and desserts. The connection between lodge and landscape is straightforward rather than decorative.
Sundy Praia features an infinity pool above the beach and a small spa using coconut oil, cacao, coffee, and medicinal plants. Treatments follow what the island produces rather than imported templates.
Activities are low impact and interpretation led. They include short forest walks, biosphere drives, cacao tours, community visits, and seasonal whale and turtle observation. As with Bom Bom, the 2021 responsible fishing policy applies here.
When thinking about where to stay on Principe, both lodges follow the same conservation rules, including the ban on sport fishing, but the experience is distinct.
Most travellers make their decision based on the physical setting.
| Feature | Bom Bom | Sundy Praia |
|---|---|---|
| Primary setting | Beachfront & islet Direct access to two small beaches and the timber walkway. |
Dense forest edge Villas hidden in the trees where the forest meets the sand. |
| Accommodation | Thatched bungalows Simple, solid structures in garden plots close to the sea. |
Tented villas Canvas and timber on screw pile foundations, more design led. |
| Atmosphere | “Leve leve” relaxed Barefoot, open and casual, social focus around the islet. |
Secluded and quiet Private, controlled and low density, stronger sense of retreat. |
| Accessibility | Easier walking Flatter paths and short distances between rooms and beach. |
More steps and terrain Decks and uneven ground through forest paths. |
| Conservation focus | Marine focus Whale and turtle observation base. No sport or deep sea fishing. |
Forest and community Biosphere interpretation and cacao history. No sport fishing. |
Reaching the island involves a short domestic flight from São Tomé with strict luggage limits, it’s a small plane and if the conditions don’t favour landing it turns around, so have a back-up plan Leaving São Tomé airport, sit on the left of the plane if possible for the best views of the main island going out. Transfers utilise 4×4 vehicles. Sundy Praia’s road is unpaved and can be slower after rain. Wi Fi is available but should not be expected to match city speeds. Power follows European standards at two hundred and twenty volts. Payments generally work but can be slow if connectivity dips, so carrying a small reserve of cash is sensible.
The island has clear dry periods and heavier tropical rain at specific times of the year. Whale season runs from July to October, and turtle nesting occurs at various points. Accommodation stock is small, so booking ahead is a practical necessity.
| Amenity | Bom Bom | Sundy Praia |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Pool & Ocean Freshwater pool plus two swim-safe beaches. |
Infinity Pool elevated stone pool. Beach is swimmable but wilder. |
| Dining style | Island Casual Restaurant located on the islet connected by a walkway. |
Architectural Dining in 'OKA Sundy', a giant bamboo cathedral structure. |
| Wellness | Nature-based Massage treatments available; focus is on the outdoors. |
Dedicated Spa Forest spa using local cacao, coffee, and coconut oil. |
| Connectivity | Moderate Wi-Fi in main areas and bungalows (island speed). |
Moderate Wi-Fi in villas and main hub (island speed). |
| Air Conditioning | Yes Available in all bungalows. |
Yes Available inside the tented villas (zoned cooling). |
| Transfer Time | ~15 Minutes From airport via paved and forest track. |
~30 Minutes From airport via unpaved, bumpy forest road. |
Reaching the island involves a short domestic flight from São Tomé with strict luggage limits, it’s a small plane and if the conditions don’t favour landing it turns around, so have a back-up plan Leaving São Tomé airport, sit on the left of the plane if possible for the best views of the main island going out. Transfers utilise 4×4 vehicles. Sundy Praia’s road is unpaved and can be slower after rain. Wi Fi is available but should not be expected to match city speeds. Power follows European standards at two hundred and twenty volts. Payments generally work but can be slow if connectivity dips, so carrying a small reserve of cash is sensible.
The island has clear dry periods and heavier tropical rain at specific times of the year. Whale season runs from July to October, and turtle nesting occurs at various points. Accommodation stock is small, so booking ahead is a practical necessity. We hope that this guide on where to stay on Principe has helped, we can’t afford to go there, so we’d love some pictures of your trip to help other travellers decide where to stay on Principe.
