Omali Lodge
A stylish boutique hotel, Omali Lodge is the only 4* hotel on São Tomé and sits right on a lovely beach just outside São Tomé Town centre.
At present there are 30 comfortable and air-conditioned suites in total, dotted around the swimming pool and tennis court in palm-filled gardens behind the beach.
The beautiful Ôbo National Park is nearby, where we can arrange for dugout canoe trips with local fishermen through the mangrove forests along the coast. Other activities include visiting the Carlos Corrales chocolate factory (mmmm); the town of Sao Joao dos Angolares, founded by escaped slaves in the 15th century; and the Roca Sao Joao, renowned for having the best food in the country, using local herbs and spices and fruit.
Facilities at Omali include a full equipped gym, tennis court and swimming pool with pool bar.
Why We Love It
The name 'Omali', stems from the local words for 'ocean' and 'source of life'
Bom Bom Island Resort
As sweet and moreish as its confectionary namesakes, Bom Bom Island Resort is a dictionary definition hidden gem.
The resort has 19 bungalows in total, dotted in the rainforest fringes along the shoreline of the northern coast of Príncipe island. All the bungalows have en-suite bathrooms, terraces, and direct access to the beautiful beach.
The hotel restaurant, bar and marina are on a neighbouring islet - Bom Bom Island itself - reached on foot along a wonderful 750ft wooden walkway which is pretty much guaranteed to work up an appetite for the delicious local specialities served up by the chef, or the cocktails prepared by the barman.
If you can tear yourself away from the beach at Bom Bom, there are plenty of activities on offer, including treks through primary rainforests to see the huge variety of bird species (including seven that are endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe); whale watching at certain times of the year, diving and snorkelling, as well as visits to Príncipe's atmospheric capital San Antonio or the many run-down but romantic colonial farmsteads known as rocas.
Why We Love It
The team at Bom Bom can arrange picnic lunch under a maharaja-style awning amongst the palm trees overlooking the yellow sands of nearby Banana beach.