A Soulful Escape Where History, Art and Culinary Magic Converge

Perched on a verdant hilltop overlooking the serene bay of Santa Cruz in Angolares, Roça São João is no ordinary retreat. This restored 17th-century plantation house is a living tapestry of São Tomé’s past, present, and future — part historic inn, part restaurant, part cultural hub, and entirely unforgettable.

Owned and lovingly managed by the charismatic João Carlos Silva — São Tomé’s celebrated chef and television presenter — and his devoted family, the Roça is a reflection of his life’s mission. The son of a former plantation manager, João Carlos knows this land intimately. His passion runs deep, not only for the architecture and nature that surround him, but for the people who call this place home. Driven by a vision of social transformation, he has turned the old plantation into a thriving centre of learning, creativity, and hospitality.

Where Culinary Dreams and Island Culture Meet

The inn’s six rooms are steeped in rustic charm, each fitted with mosquito nets and surrounded by breezy balconies that open out to panoramic views — the sparkling bay to one side, lush green mountains to the other. But it’s the ground-floor restaurant that truly captures the spirit of the island. Here, the ocean’s bounty is reimagined into dishes that are both rooted in local tradition and elevated by João Carlos’ culinary artistry. Expect seafood fit for the gods, presented with flair and full of flavour.

Outside, a tropical garden blooms in wild harmony — the perfect setting for daydreaming, meditation, or simply soaking in the sounds of island life. Nearby, the evocatively named Hospital da Criação (Creation Hospital) hosts artist residencies, workshops, and cultural exchanges. It’s here that local youth are trained in the arts, theatre, and gastronomy — proof of the Roça’s vibrant role as a crucible of talent and transformation.

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A Place Where Time Pauses

Opened to guests in 1992, Roça São João is more than a pousada — it’s a story unfolding. Classified as a National Monument since 1999, the estate is a stunning example of Portuguese colonial architecture with tropical soul. The carefully restored main house — once the residence of plantation elites — is now a haven of hospitality, where modern comfort meets timeless elegance.

Take the scenic southern route to get here, winding along São Tomé’s coast through sleepy villages and lush, rolling hills dressed in every shade of green. When you arrive, you’ll find that time seems to slow — or perhaps even stop — at Roça São João. It’s the kind of place where silence becomes a luxury, and every breeze feels like a secret whispered from the past.

Whether you're an artist, an adventurer, or a dreamer, Roça São João invites you to stay, to taste, to feel — and to be moved.

You can book Roça São João on HotelsCombined or Booking.com

Explore

• Explore the walking and trekking routes connecting the coastal town of Angolares and its surroundings.
• Explore Angolares and the scenic Santa Cruz Bay. Originally founded by enslaved people who survived a shipwreck and formed an autonomous community of warrior descendants, the town has evolved into a vibrant hub for culinary and ecotourism experiences.

Angolares, Dto. Caué, Ilha de São Tomé
T. +239 2261140 / Fax +239 2221333 / enviar e-mail