Hidden Jewel From Another era Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Serenity.
This former 19th-century cocoa plantation, whose name poetically translates as "Valley of Pleasures," has been reborn as a boutique hotel that seamlessly fuses heritage and tropical tranquility.
Originally founded between 1855 and 1875 by the enterprising Portuguese landowner José Maria de Freitas—also behind Roça Santarém and Ilhéu das Rolas—Vale dos Prazeres was once a dependency of the famed Roça Bela Vista. In 1882, it was acquired by José Constantino Dias, better known as the Conde de Vale Flôr, whose estate eventually spanned a staggering ten thousand acres, almost twelve percent of the Sao Tome island.
Today, the property has been masterfully restored by the owners, who infused each space with curated sophistication. Original Portuguese colonial architecture remains proudly on display, from hand-laid stone walls to vintage tiles and wide verandas that whisper of a bygone era. Modern design elements dance playfully with antique textures, and carefully placed accents of color shimmer in the filtered jungle light.
This is more than a hotel—it's a narrative in motion. Each room feels like a page torn from a colonial novel, reimagined for the modern traveler. The gardens teem with life, the only soundtrack being birdsong and the distant rustle of palm leaves. Guests can unwind by the outdoor garden, explore the nearby rivers and trails, or simply sink into the soulful quiet of the rainforest.
The on-site team are renowned for crafting tailored experiences, whether it’s a guided trek, a curated village visit, or a romantic dinner. Their breakfasts and dinners are an event in themselves—prepared with love, featuring local ingredients and international flair.
Google Map
Roça Vale dos Prazeres offers modern comforts such as complimentary Wi-Fi, bicycles, a communal lounge, terrace, and even barbecue facilities. All rooms include private bathrooms with premium toiletries and hair dryers. Continental breakfast is served daily, and airport transfers can be arranged from the nearby São Tomé International Airport, just 6 km away.
A stay here is not just accommodation—it's immersion. Into history, into nature, and into the unique cultural fabric of São Tomé and Príncipe. In a world moving too fast, Vale dos Prazeres invites you to pause, breathe, and feel the pulse of another time.
You can book Roça Vale dos Prazeres on HotelsCombined or Booking.com
