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BY  Sibashree Oct 29, 2025

São Tomé and Príncipe is about to take a significant step in developing a sustainable tourism sector. The sustainable tourism sector will be further well-balanced in terms of the economic indicators.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office will support this move. In this context, the country will hold a United Voices for Sustainable Tourism dialogue on 30th October 2025, and there will be a technical validation workshop on 29th October.  It will be the second phase of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) Development Project that will give São Tomé and Príncipe a strategic tool to measure the economic contribution of tourism to the nation’s wealth. Thus, it will establish why leveraging tourism is crucial for the sustainable development and economic diversification of the country.  Furthermore, the latest workshop before this dialogue, held on 15th to 18th September 2025, has highlighted the 11% contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the GDP and 10% of the Gross Value Added (GVA).  With the country taking a step forward in sustainable tourism, the São Tomé eco-lodges are also going to play a critical role. With the use of renewable energy, community involvement, local sourcing, and sustainable architecture, these lodges are also helping us to travel green.  In this blog, I will introduce the popular and lesser-known São Tomé eco-lodges, what practices they follow, the hidden gems of São Tomé and Príncipe, and more.  What Makes An Eco-Lodge In São Tomé Truly Sustainable? Before diving into the list, let’s define what sets a true eco-lodge apart: Renewable energy sources (solar, hydro) Local sourcing of food and materials Waste reduction and water conservation Community involvement and fair employment Eco-certifications or transparent sustainability practices Popular São Tomé Eco-Lodges The best eco-lodges in São Tomé and Príncipe for sustainable travel are committed to preserving the community and nature of the islands. Many of these eco-lodges also support conservation efforts and organize nature walks to help the visitors understand the local ecosystem.  Nevertheless, here are the most popular ones.  1. Omali Lodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by dr. András Peres (@drandrasperes) With policies governed by the Biosphere Responsible Tourism standards, Omali Lodge. It has the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification. It is a leader of sustainable tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe.  Local artists and craftsmen are involved in the operations of the Omali Lodge, staying true to its commitment to community development. Furthermore, the menu here focuses on national dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.  However, it offers adequate Wi-Fi connectivity. So, if you are not looking for a complete digital detox and want to work remotely, then it is also a good choice.  2. Bom Bom Island Resort (Príncipe) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maria Helena Vinhas Frade (@mhvf) The Bom Bom Island Resort is the first African hotel to receive the Biosphere certification from the Instituto de Turismo Responsable (ITR).  Currently, the main aim of the hotel is to go completely diesel-free in its daily operations. The hotel has 68 local workers, as Sérgio Duarte has mentioned in a recent conversation with the Sustainability Leaders United.  Furthermore, the hotel procures resources from the local producers. Also, it collects donations from the guests to invest in employee training programs. Thus, it helps in educating and empowering the community.  The experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling It is also a friendly accommodation for digital nomads with Wi-Fi connectivity, included within the accommodation package. Moreover, the main part of the resort is wheelchair-accessible.  So, it is one of the accessible eco-lodges in São Tomé and Príncipe.  3. Praia Inhame Eco Lodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by PATRÍCIA PINHEIRO (@patrwisha) Claimed to be “Naturally Comfortable,” Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is one of the best eco-lodges with turtle watching in São Tomé. A local NGO, MARAPA, runs the Tatô Program to protect marine turtles in São Tomé.  Praia Inhame Eco Lodge has been working with this NGO since 2012. It has helped the NGO to implement this program on Inhame and Cabana beaches.  The wilderness and outdoor activities offered by this eco lodge are: Marine turtle observation Whale watching Birdwatching Diving Fishing Boat trips Moreover, places such as Hell's Mouth, Saint Sebastian Museum, St. Nicholas Waterfall, St. Thomas Peak, and Jale Beach are some nearby attractions of this eco-lodge.  In addition, it is one of the São Tomé eco-lodges with Wi-Fi connectivity. So, it is also a favorite of digital nomads who can travel and work remotely.  4. Sundy Praia (Príncipe Island) View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBD Príncipe (@hbd_principe) Sundy Praia has a dedicated team for waste management and recycling. Furthermore, it leads community cleaning drives to spread awareness about the impact of litter.  Also, the “screw-in” mechanism of the eco lodge’s architecture ensures a minimal impact on the environment of the island.  Moreover, located inside the beachside rainforest, it is indeed an eco lodge.  The experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling Moreover, you can be a part of the 3-hour Discover Santo António tour. Also, it is a favorite of digital nomads for Wi-Fi connectivity.  In addition, Sundy Praia offers wheelchair accessibility to make the travel experience more inclusive.  5. Roça Sundy (Príncipe) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nina Scott (@nina.wolfs.scott) As part of the Príncipe Collection, like Sundy Praia and Bom Bom, Roça Sundy also follows that when you visit it, you make a Conservation and Communities Contribution (CCC).  You spend a night here, and they will contribute €25 for the environmental and community development of Príncipe. In addition, nearly 10% of the adults of Príncipe work with them.  Moreover, the experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling 6. Mucumbli Lodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mucumbli Explore (@mucumbli.explore) Mucumbli Lodge overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and it offers the quintessential eco-lodge experience with wooden chalets.  Furthermore, due to its unique location, it is one of the best remote eco-lodges for digital detox in Africa.  Lesser-Known Accommodations Following The Best Sustainable Practices In São Tomé And Príncipe Island The options for São Tomé eco-lodges are more varied than you can expect. Here are the lesser-known ones or the hidden gems.  1. Jalé Ecolodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by IATI Seguros PORTUGAL (@iatisegurospt) Jalé Ecolodge offers beautiful sea views from all units. You can enjoy snorkeling nearby and have the best continental breakfast sourced from local ingredients.  2. Roca Monte Forte (São Tomé) It is the first rural tourism place to open in São Tomé. Here, you will be staying inside a cocoa plantation with history, and you will lead the quintessential Santomean farm life.  Furthermore, it offers easy access to nearby beaches in the northern area, such as Governador, Tamarindos, Conchas, and Blue Lagoon.  3. Domus Praia Jalé (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Domus Praia Jalé (@domuspraiajale) Domus Praia Jalé is the best location if you want to have good food and relax in nature. It has an on-site restaurant serving international delicacies made with local ingredients.  Also, they have a private beach where you can relax and listen to the waves.  Seasonal Travel Tips For Staying At The Eco Lodges In São Tomé and Príncipe June to September, or the dry season, is the best time to stay at the eco-lodges in São Tomé and Príncipe for mild weather conditions and wildlife watching.  1. For Whale Watching Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe and Mucumbli in São Tomé are some of the best eco-lodges for whale watching. July to October is the whale watching season here.  2. For Sea Turtle Nesting Praia Inhame Eco Lodge in São Tomé and Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe are the best eco-lodges for seeing turtle nesting. November to March is the ideal time for this experience.  Budget Breakdown: What Is The Average Cost Per Night At Eco Lodges In São Tomé and Príncipe? Here is a cost comparison between eco-lodges, not budget-friendly options. Find out the budget eco-lodges in the islands.  Name of the Eco-LodgeApproximate Cost Per Night/ Per Person (€)Omali Lodge222Bom Bom Island Resort250Praia Inhame Eco Lodge95Sundy Praia420Roça Sundy150Mucumbli Lodge45Jalé Ecolodge55 5-Day Sustainable Travel Itinerary In São Tomé And Príncipe Here is a quick 5-day sustainable travel itinerary in São Tomé and Príncipe.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Staying at Omali Lodge• Visiting São Tomé city center and local marketsDay 2• Transfer to Mucumbli Lodge• Guided hiking and cacao farm visitDay 3• Moving to Praia Inhame Eco Lodge• Evening turtle tourDay 4• Flight to Príncipe• Staying at Sundy Praia• Exploring a biosphere reserveDay 5• Visiting Roça Sundy• Cultural tour and local lunch Hidden Gems In São Tomé And Príncipe If you want a deeper, more authentic connection to the islands’ nature, culture, and history, you must explore these hidden gems. 1. Malanza Mangrove Canoe Tour: Ideal For Nature Lovers And Photographers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Santo Tomé y Príncipe ESP (@santotomeyprincip) Take a canoe ride through the mangrove forests of southern São Tomé. It is a delightful eco-tour through waterways blessed by lush greenery, endemic flora, and a vibrant birdlife.  2. Pico Cão Grande: Enjoy The Best View From The Obo National Park Trails Pico Cão Grande is the most dramatic natural view you will enjoy here. This volcanic plug, with a height of 663 meters, is almost surreal.  3. Ilhéu Das Rolas And The Equator Marker: Best For Beach Lovers And Geography Buffs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viagem a São Tomé (@viagem.a.saotome) Ilhéu Das Rolas is a small island off the south of São Tomé. You can take a boat ride here to stand on the equator line.  Also, you can explore the pristine beaches here and have a delightful snorkeling experience.  4. Roça São João Dos Angolares: Great For Cultural Immersion And Sustainable Tourism Roça São João Dos Angolares is an eco lodge that was formerly a plantation. It is also a cultural center. It offers cooking classes, storytelling events with local artists, and art exhibitions.  5. Boca Do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth): Visit During High Tide For Full Effect This dramatic blowhole on the southern coast of São Tomé is the perfect example of juxtaposition. Here, the waves kiss the volcanic cliffs with the water jets reaching the sky.  6. Praia Jalé Turtle Nesting Site Find the sea turtles nesting here during the November to March season. Praia Inhame Eco Lodge in São Tomé and Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe are the best places for watching turtle nesting.  7. Nova Estrela Viewpoint (Príncipe Island): Ideal For Sunrise Hikes And Drone Photography View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBD Príncipe (@hbd_principe) It is a beautiful viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the rainforest and coastline of Príncipe.  8. Roça Água Izé: Offers Insight Into The Island’s Colonial Past View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francisco Almada Lobo (@almadalobo) It is an abandoned cacao plantation and is almost haunted. It stands out with its overgrown gardens and colonial architecture.  9. Whale Watching Off Príncipe: Best Enjoyed With Snorkeling And Diving Trips Humpback whales migrate to Príncipe through the waterways from July to September. Be a part of eco tours for respectful and sustainable viewing opportunities.  10. Rainforest Retreats At Sundy Praia: Perfect For Eco-Travelers Seeking Tranquility View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ramosdafrica (@ramosdafrica) Sundy Praia is a luxury tented villa in the rainforest of Príncipe. Enjoy yoga, guided nature walks, and conservation education. São Tomé And Príncipe Travel Planning Checklist Here is a list of things to do and things to avoid while planning a trip to São Tomé Eco-Lodges. Things to DoThings to Avoid• Checking visa requirements with the São Tomé embassy or consulate based on your nationality• Checking the availability of the co-lodges and booking them in advance• Plan your visit between June and October for wildlife watching.• Pack breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain gear• Bring malaria prophylaxis, basic meds, and travel insurance.• Check the requirements for a yellow fever vaccination.• Consider the limited availability of domestic flights to Príncipe and book early.• Not all eco-lodges offer transfers. You may have to take shared minibuses and taxis. • Carry some Dobra (STN) for transactions in rural areas. • Portuguese is the official language.• Kafuka or community gatherings are special here.• Avoid single-use plastics and respect wildlife viewing guidelines.• Support community-led tours, conservation projects, and local artisans• Save maps, lodge contacts, and embassy info offline before arrival, as some places will have limited network connectivity.• Not all “eco-lodges” are truly sustainable.• Not looking for transparency in energy use, waste management, and community impact.• Not carrying Dobra (STN) or Euros in cash, as ATMs are limited and not all facilities accept cards.• Medical facilities are basic. So, not having travel insurance with medical coverage or not carrying a medical care box can be a big mistake. • Missing out on the local cooking classes or visiting the villages is a mistake. • Using single-use water bottles and leaving litter everywhere São Tomé Eco-Lodges Are More Than Just Places To Stay Supporting local communities Supporting environmental development Protecting biodiversity Experiencing the authentic charm of the islands These are the benefits of staying in the best São Tomé eco lodges. Furthermore, these lodges are diverse and they offer luxury, simplicity, or cultural immersion in the most responsible way.  So, get ready for the most immersive experience at the best São Tomé eco lodges! 

BY  Abdul Aziz May 17, 2023

Travel is not a thing to be taken lightly. The ability to explore the world is well and truly a privilege, born of new travel capabilities and ever-more global communities. Travel is a gift – but choosing where to travel can feel like something of a course. Say you’re looking for somewhere utterly beautiful to visit; where should you go? Any list of this nature is unavoidably subjective; beautiful places are often bucket-list places, fanned out across a wide-open world and which appeal to very specific sensibilities. Someone who sees the delicate nature of life through the coral reefs of Sharm El-Sheikh might not find that same sublimity in the harsh expanse of the Grand Canyon. As such, this list doesn’t seek to define or even rank ‘beauty’ from destination to destination. Rather, it’s designed to be a crib sheet – a handy guide by which to inform your own decision-making, should you be planning the trip of a lifetime. And these are just a handful of suggestions, too! The Azores, Portugal The Azores are Portuguese territory, but a far cry from the Iberian Peninsula. These nine volcanic islands are way out in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, boasting some of the most incredible island landscapes of the entire world. Secluded bays, beautiful villages, unspoiled sands and so much more await the intrepid traveler. A private jet rental can bring you to the quiet runways of Ponta Delgada in consummate luxury – from where you can enjoy the unusually lush green landscape that surrounds you. The Lago das Sete Cidades, a crater lake of indescribable magnificence, is a short hop away and unlike anything you have ever seen before. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Kyoto, Japan On practically the opposite side of the globe, Japan plays host to an incredible array of stunning views and sublime locales. It is especially hard to choose between them, particularly when so much of Japan’s landscape is forever immortalized in art and pop culture. One stand-out bucket-list location is an unassuming one in comparison, but no less popular for its size. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, nestled in the suburban northwest of Kyoto, is a stunning forest of pure green bamboo. Paths run through the trees, allowing you to soak in this utterly unique forest experience – with an outside chance of meeting a few monkeys in the process. Reynisfjara, Iceland I challenge you to find any destination in Iceland that is not an emotionally moving location or landscape. Reynisfjara stands apart from the jagged volcanism of the inland, though, being a black sand beach that is every bit as mesmerizing in person as it is in the pictures. Iceland is worth a tour of its own, but Reynisfjara should be high on your list of places to visit. Banff National Park, Canada While globe-hopping can help with getting up close to the best sights on the planet, there are those that are little more than a stone’s throw away. A brief stint north of the border could take you to Banff National Park in Canada, where you can explore the Rockies like nowhere else: above and below. This mountainous terrain hides incredible views, stunning glacier lakes, and a network of caves and basins that defy your eyes. Read Also: How To Plan A Best One-Day Trip To Atlanta With Family? What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter

BY  Arnab Oct 16, 2023

Wеlcomе to thе vibrant city of Mеlbournе,  whеrе a world of opportunitiеs awaits! Whеthеr you'rе visiting for businеss or plеasurе,  finding suitablе accommodation can makе all thе diffеrеncе in your stay.  That's why we hеrе to introduce you to thе pеrfеct solution: furnishеd accommodation.  Say goodbyе to crampеd hotеl rooms and hеllo to spacious apartmеnts that fееl likе homе away from homе.  In this blog post, we'll еxplorе thе bеnеfits of choosing furnishеd accommodation for short stays in Mеlbournе,  so sit back,  rеlax,  and lеt us show you why it's thе ultimatе choicе for comfort and convеniеncе! 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You can comе and go as you plеasе without worrying about strict chеck-in or chеck-out timеs.  Plus,  many accommodations offer additional sеrvicеs such as housеkееping or conciеrgе assistancе for addеd convеniеncе.  Cost-effectiveness and convenience Cost-еffеctivеnеss and convеniеncе arе two major factors that makе furnishеd accommodation thе pеrfеct choicе for short stays in Mеlbournе.  Whеn you opt for a furnishеd apartmеnt, you can savе monеy on various aspects of your stay.  Thеrе's no nееd to shеll out еxtra cash on furnishing thе spacе yoursеlf or buying nеw furniturе for a tеmporary stay.  The cost of purchasing furniturе and appliancеs can quickly add up,  but with furnishеd accommodation,  еvеrything is providеd for you.  Staying in a furnishеd apartmеnt mеans you don't havе to worry about utility connеctions or paying sеparatе bills for watеr,  еlеctricity,  intеrnеt,  and othеr sеrvicеs.  Thеsе costs arе oftеn includеd in thе rеntal pricе itsеlf,  making it much morе convеniеnt and еasiеr to manage your financеs during your short stay.  By choosing furnishеd accommodation ovеr hotеls or sеrvicеd apartmеnts whеrе additional chargеs may apply for amеnitiеs likе laundry facilitiеs or kitchеn еquipmеnt rеntals - which can quickly add up ovеr timе - you'rе ablе to еnjoy all thеsе convеniеncеs without any hiddеn еxpеnsеs.  Furthеrmorе,  thе convеniеncе factor cannot bе undеrstatеd.  Furnishеd apartmеnts comе еquippеd with еvеrything you nееd from day onе – comfortablе bеds and sеating arrangеmеnts; fully-еquippеd kitchеns with utеnsils and appliancеs; laundry facilitiеs; Wi-Fi accеss – so that all you havе to do is simply unpack your bags and sеttlе in.  The flеxibility offered by thеsе accommodations also adds to their convеniеncе factor.  Whеthеr you'rе visiting Mеlbournе for businеss purposеs or lеisurе activitiеs such as sightsееing or attеnding еvеnts/fеstivals around town - having a homе away from homе allows you thе frееdom to comе and go as pеr your schеdulе without bеing tiеd down by hotеl rеstrictions.  Variety of Options Available When it comes to choosing furnishеd accommodation for short stays in Mеlbournе,  onе of thе major advantages is thе widе variеty of options availablе.  Whеthеr you'rе travеling alonе or with a group,  thеrе arе plеnty of choicеs to suit your spеcific nееds and prеfеrеncеs.  For solo travеlеrs or couplеs,  you can opt for a cozy studio apartmеnt with all thе nеcеssary amеnitiеs.  Thеsе compact yеt comfortablе spacеs providе еvеrything you nееd for a plеasant stay without brеaking thе bank.  If you prеfеr morе spacе and privacy,  thеrе arе also onе-bеdroom apartmеnts availablе that offеr sеparatе living arеas and fully еquippеd kitchеns.  For largеr groups or familiеs,  thеrе arе spacious two or thrее-bеdroom apartmеnts that can accommodatе еvеryonе comfortably.  Thеsе apartmеnts oftеn comе with multiplе bathrooms,  amplе living spacе,  and additional fеaturеs likе balconiеs or tеrracеs.  Furnishеd corporate keys accommodations in Mеlbournе also offer various stylеs and dеsigns.  From modern contеmporary intеriors to classic еlеgancе,  you can find an option that matchеs your pеrsonal tastе.  Many sеrvicеd apartmеnt providеrs offеr additional sеrvicеs such as housеkееping and conciеrgе assistancе.  This means you don't have to worry about clеaning during your stay and can еasily gеt hеlp whеn nееdеd.  With such a divеrsе rangе of options availablе in tеrms of sizе,  stylе,  location,  and amеnitiеs offеrеd by Corporatе Kеys Accommodation,  finding thе pеrfеct furnishеd accommodation for your short stay in Mеlbournе bеcomеs much еasiеr! So whеthеr you'rе visiting Mеlbournе for businеss or lеisurе purposеs Short Stay Apartmеnts Mеlbournе has got you covеrеd Conclusion Whеn it comеs to short stays in Mеlbournе,  furnishеd accommodation is undoubtеdly thе pеrfеct choicе.  Thе bеnеfits of choosing this typе of accommodation arе numеrous and catеr to thе nееds and prеfеrеncеs of travеlеrs from all walks of lifе.  One of thе kеy advantagеs is thе cost-еffеctivеnеss and convеniеncе that furnishеd accommodation offеrs.  With fully еquippеd kitchеns,  laundry facilitiеs,  and amplе spacе to rеlax or work,  guеsts can еnjoy a homе away from homе еxpеriеncе without brеaking thе bank.  Additionally,  thе flеxibility in tеrms of lеngth of stay allows for grеatеr convеniеncе,  whеthеr you'rе staying for a fеw days or sеvеral wееks.  Another compеlling reason to opt for furnishеd accommodation is thе variеty of options availablе.  From stylish apartmеnts in Mеlbournе CBD to cozy cottagеs by picturеsquе parks,  thеrе's somеthing to suit еvеry tastе and budgеt.  This divеrsity еnsurеs that travеlеrs can find thеir idеal tеmporary homеbasе whilе еxploring all that Mеlbournе has to offеr.  Whеn planning your next short stay in Mеlbournе, Considеr furnishеd accommodation Mеlbournе CBD as your top choicе.  Not only does it providе cost-еffеctivе and convеniеnt amеnitiеs but also offеrs a widе range of options tailorеd to individual prеfеrеncеs.  So why sеttlе for lеss whеn you can havе comfort,  flеxibility,  and stylе during your visit? Book your furnishеd accommodation with Corporatе Kеys today.  Read Also: 15 Best Places For Halal Food Near Me In Sydney 10 Best Places To Travel In November – Travel Guide 2022 Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia