A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Take the pulse of a diverse and tropical African island marked by colonial Portuguese influence
10 days, from £2,695 to £3,650
Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday
Who better to entrust with your travel plans than our team of consultants, boasting eleven Conde Nast Top Travel Specialists among them? With regular research trips, they stay up to date on the best experiences and newest properties. And guess what – our expertise doesn’t end there. While you’re away, we’ll hook you up with the best guides around, teeming with contagious passion for their beloved country. For the finer details, our Concierges are clued up on your likes and dislikes and are just a WhatsApp away for personalised tips and tricks on where to go and what to see. In short, we’ve covered every possible travel-related base.
The islands' colonial history dates back to the arrival of the Portuguese who realised that the happy confluence of rich volcanic soil and equatorial weather patterns were perfect for cultivating crops. Foremost was sugar, but by the 19th century the world's taste buds had two new favourites - cocoa and coffee, and even today coffee connoisseurs believe the islands produce the finest beans in the world.
Along with its coffee credentials, there is real cause for optimism that the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe could become a model for responsible tourism in the West African region. Part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the islands are working towards achieving environmental, economic and social sustainability - proof that the first green shoots of eco-tourism are sprouting encouragingly.
The wildlife, too, is worth shouting about on Sao Tome and Principe holidays. Nicknamed the 'Galapagos of Africa', the islands boast a wealth of endemic species from its bounty of birdlife (143 species at last count) to its impressive indigenous plants and orchids. Offshore, the islands feature on the migratory routes of many marine species - including giant leatherback turtles and humpback whales - and for the real wildlife lovers out there, you can plan your trip around seeing turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs between September and April.
When you're not wildlife watching, there is a wealth of other activities to dive into. On foot, explore the many walking trails around the island and challenge yourself to the lung-busting walk to Pico Papagaio - a 2,200ft mountain surrounded by rainforests teeming with monkeys, native birds, orchids and medicinal plants. If hiking in the heat isn't your idea of a good time, bump across the island on 4x4 tours to local farms, restaurants and plantations, or hit the water on boat trips to the beautiful Bay of Needles as well as kayaking, snorkelling and diving excursions. And when you're pleasantly exhausted from all the activities? Find yourself a sunny spot on the beach and spend a few days swimming in the warm waters and exploring hidden-away coves.
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
