Roça Santo Antonio - Roças & historic pousadas of Sao Tome and Principe

Where Colonial Heritage Meets Tropical Serenity

Tucked between Santana and Água Izé on São Tomé’s east coast, Roça Santo António Ecolodge is a hidden jewel that feels suspended in time. Set within the meticulously restored 18th-century administrative building of the former Roça Santo António del Rei, this eco-conscious retreat is where past and present harmoniously coexist.

A Journey Through Time and Landscape

The journey south to the Roça is a visual feast. Gentle and rugged hills unfold in a palette of lush greens, framed by endless blue skies and the shimmering silver of the Atlantic. Opened to guests in 2014, the ecolodge is a testament to thoughtful restoration — a graceful example of Portuguese colonial architecture reimagined with a tropical soul.

Soaring ceilings, tall doors, and generous windows define the space, not just for their elegance but for function: allowing maximum cross-ventilation in São Tomé’s warm, humid climate. The colonial house remains an architectural icon, seamlessly blending historic charm with sustainable design tailored to its unique environment.

A Place to Unwind, Reflect, and Recharge

The swimming pool — a tranquil oasis set within manicured gardens — offers the perfect antidote to São Tomé’s tropical heat. It’s an inviting space where time slows, the world fades away, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and breeze.

Each of the lodge’s rooms — from single to superior double — is a haven of calm, equipped with mosquito nets and designed for restful weekends or romantic escapes. Whether you’re here to disconnect from the world or reconnect with nature, Roça Santo António is your peaceful sanctuary.

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Mornings Made of Magic

At dawn, the Roça awakens in quiet splendour. By 5:30 a.m., the first rays of sunlight spill over the hills, birds greet the day with jubilant song, and the air comes alive with warmth and colour. It’s the kind of morning that feels like a blessing — a daily reminder of the simple, radiant beauty of island life.

Roça Santo António Ecolodge is more than just a place to stay — it’s a portal into the island’s soul. A blend of heritage, nature, and mindful hospitality, it invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and experience the rhythm of São Tomé.

Did you know that:

In 1730, the official name of the plantation was Roça Santo António d’el Rei. The owners at the time lived on the estate — Dona Luísa de Alva de Guavarra and her husband, Army Lieutenant Manuel Borges de Carvalho, a man very active in local politics. The couple had no children, and in 1730, the property was inherited by Dona Luísa’s niece, Dona Maria Inácia de Carvalho, who lived in Lisbon and decided to sell the estate.

By 1905, as happened with most of São Tomé's plantations, the roça had become the property of an entity based in Lisbon. It was managed locally by an administrator named Arlindo Wenceslau da Silva Marques.

You can book Roça Santo António Ecolodge on HotelsCombined or Booking.com

Explore

Go explore the surrounding area and discover some of the many waterfalls hidden throughout São Tomé. From our location, we recommend starting with the Cascata do Rio de Ouro — you’ll love it. Its grandeur is truly breathtaking.
Go to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint. In addition to the breathtaking view, the sound of the waves turns the “Mouth of Hell” intro a magical place, where you can enjoy the freshness of the sea.
Go discover the Marco do Equador — a striking monument that marks the exact point where São Tomé and Príncipe is crossed by the Equator line, located on the tiny islet of Rolas. This symbolic landmark was built in memory of the brilliant naval officer Gago Coutinho, who led a geodetic mission between 1915 and 1918. From our roça, the journey takes approximately 2 hours, offering scenic views along the way to this unique geographical and historical site.