Sundy Praia Principe Island

Surrounded by tropical forest and its own private beach, Sundy Praia is one of the best places to stay on Principe Island

The tented villas of Sundy Praia were included in the National Geographic’s  list of ‘Unique Lodges of the World’.  Staying under canvas mean that you are more immersed in the natural environment that surrounds you. Each tent has outside seating, where you can rise to the sound of birdsong. We think it’s one of the best places to stay on Principe, and the food is fantastic too.

In our books, this is the perfect island hideaway, with 15 tented villas dotted amongst lush tropical gardens. Stroll lazily onto the private golden sandy beach, just a few steps away.

For maximum comfort, each tent is lined with wooden panels and is air-conditioned. The tents are spacious, with four-poster beds, and are decorated with local handicrafts and designer pieces. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows open up onto a private terrace with comfy sofas. You can listen to the ocean from your bed as you drift off each night. Some tents have magnificent views of the ocean, so booking early is always recommended.

All tents have air conditioning and maxi bar which is replenished daily with local fruits and juices. In the beautifully designed en-suite bathrooms, the freestanding granite baths add a luxurious touch, and you’ll enjoy a range of locally-produced toiletries like soaps, oils and creams, which are made at nearby Roca Pacienca.

Couples searching for a romantic escape, need look no further; the one-bedroom tented villas are the perfect retreat. The two- and three-bedroom villas are ideal for families with older children. Instead of an inter-connecting door, you cross a few meters of private decking under the cover of a canvas canopy to get between the rooms. The three-bedroom tents have a private plunge pool.

The beautiful infinity pool, coupled with a complementary spa treatment on arrival, is a real highlight. The food is a particular highlight. Like Bom Bom Island Eco Lodge and Roca Sundy, Sundy Praia’s innovative chefs create the most delicious dinners. You dine under an Indonesian bamboo canopy, where locally-sourced products are on the menu daily. Freshly-caught fish and organic produce from the gardens are a daily staple .