Príncipe Island

Roca Sundy

Name: Roca Sundy
Address: Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
Price range: From US$370 per person, per night

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025

We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!

Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

Roca Sundy

About Roca Sundy

Restored grandeur on a tropical island paradise

Príncipe is the smaller of the two volcanic islands that make up Africa's second-smallest country – São Tomé and Príncipe – some 200 kilometres off the continent's west coast. The island is a fertile tropical paradise, once scattered with Portuguese cocoa and coffee plantations. Roça Sundy (Roça means "plantation") was one such estate. Taken over by the São Toméan royal family after the Portuguese departure, it later fell into disrepair and was all but swallowed by the jungle. Today, however, Roça Sundy has been completely restored, and has resurfaced to become an extraordinary boutique hotel comprising just 12 suites in two separate historic houses.

Príncipe Island , São Tomé and Príncipe

From $370 per person/per night

Retreat

12 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Unlike many of the island's plantations, which have been returned to the local communities, Roça Sundy estate's two main houses have been restored by local builders to capture their original history and style. Many recycled materials were used, along with a host of original pieces of furniture. And the project is a real success. The restaurant (irresistible cuisine)and bar are in Eclipse House, with views to an old castle and across the jungle to the sea.

The rooms

There are 12 rooms in total – six in Cacao House and six in Eclipse House (the main building on the estate). You may prefer Eclipse House's more antique atmosphere, but we also love the contemporary style of Cacao House. Both have all the modern conveniences, from air conditioning and TVs to minibars and coffee stations. Spacious en-suite bathrooms have Victorian bathtubs and comfortable showers. All the rooms have beautiful views of the forest or the plantation's manicured grounds.

Activities

Príncipe is an adventure, so expect some unique experiences. Roll across the mountainous terrain in a 4x4, stopping at traditional fishing villages and spectacular viewpoints. Head to sea in search of whales and dolphins. Dive the reefs or fish (catch and release) for deep-sea specials. Hike the forests (and find birds, reptiles and amphibians galore). Tour the plantation, or – a real treat – accompany the monitors who record female turtles laying their eggs on the beaches (September to April).

Trips

Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

São Tomé and Príncipe

Escape to São Tomé and Príncipe

7 nights from $3.4K per person

São Tomé Príncipe Island

Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Roca Sundy

How do I book Roca Sundy?

Roca Sundy can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made São Tomé and Príncipe trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended São Tomé and Príncipe trips featuring Roca Sundy or get advice and suggestions from one of our São Tomé and Príncipe specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Roca Sundy?

Stays at Roca Sundy start from around $370 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Príncipe Island

An ancient and forgotten island of golden beaches, extinct volcanoes and lush rainforests.