Príncipe Island
Hotel Roca Sundy
Built in 1921, the colonial plantation house of Roca Sundy has been converted into one of the country’s best loved hotels. The estate, which grew coffee as well as coco, is the largest on Principe.
The main building, once the owner’s house, holds the restaurant and bar as well as six spacious rooms, while the annex contains nine more. The grounds are being tidied up and there are plans for a swimming pool and other improvements. In the grounds stands the huge derelict hospital, and there are trails leading through forest and farmland for birdwatching and sea views. It’s a 20-minute walk down through lush vegetation to the sandy Sundy beach where the roca’s fabulous sister hotel, Praia Sundy, is found. The roca is also of historical importance. In May, 1919, the British scientist, Sir Arthur Eddington, visited the plantation to observe a solar eclipse which helped him to prove Einstein’s theory of relativity, a trip which was widely reported around the world.
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, trail to beach, WiFi, reception, laundry facilities.
Local Wildlife
Various bird species, lizards, butterflies and mona monkeys can be observed from the breakfast terrace.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching, nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach, various excursions on Principe island including a visit to Roca Paciencia.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
Room No.3 is, in our opinion, the best room available, with decorative tiling, four poster bed and large bathroom with shower and tub.
If you have any questions regarding our São Tomé & Príncipe tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
First day we went off on a boat trip to Bom Bom island and some wonderful beaches beyond. Our second full day we met the wonderful guide Reginnio, who pretty much looked after us for the rest of our time on Príncipe. He really was quite exceptional. We had a great time going around the island in an open sided truck we visited Belo Monte, which looks lovely and had a fascinating museum and ended up in San Antonio having a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Roca Sundy is a beautiful hotel, with lovely public rooms. We had a fantastic bedroom.
