Roca Sao Joao

The plantation house, Roca Sao Joao, is a beautifully restored rural ecotourism venture based in the village of Sao Joao dos Angolares on Sao Tome’s east coast.

Elegant and rustic, a few nights at Roca Sao Joao is a treat for history lovers, as the house carries with it a strong sense of times gone by.  The 6 rooms are simply decorated and have high ceilings; there is no air conditioning but as the house sits above the village’s semi-humid zone, it gets the refreshing cooler winds.  Rooms open out onto a verandah which runs all around the house, with seats inviting you to stop and observe the forest and bay from all angles. There are two lounges full of books, relaxing leather sofas and interesting abstract art.

Meals are taken on the large covered veranda and, as the owner is a famous TV chef, they are an excellent fusion of traditional Santomean and contemporary cuisine.  Lunch in particular is a real treat, with multiple exquisite courses prepared in the open kitchen, using ingredients fresh from the kitchen gardens.  We include lunch at Roca Sao Joao as part of our popular East Coast guided tours and recommend self-drivers stop for lunch too.