Belo Monte: Príncipe's New Hilltop Heritage Hotel
A restored 1922 cocoa plantation perched on a hilltop above Banana Beach. Opening June 2026 under the Príncipe Collection, heritage, panoramic ocean views, and the only private movie theatre on Príncipe Island.
🎉 OPENING OFFER · Stay 4 Nights, Pay 3, Use code BeloMonte · Valid June 1-30, 2026
ABOUT THE HOTEL
Belo Monte: A 1920s Hilltop Cocoa Plantation Reborn
Belo Monte is the newest property in the Príncipe Collection, opening June 2026. Originally founded as a small roça (Portuguese colonial cocoa plantation) in 1922, the estate sits on a hilltop on Príncipe Island’s remote northeast tip, surrounded by rainforest and flame trees with sweeping views down to the Gulf of Guinea and the iconic Banana Beach below.
The hotel offers 15 individually designed rooms and suites housed in restored colonial Portuguese buildings, high ceilings, leather armchairs, chandeliers, candelabras, with elegant courtyards, lawns, terraces, lounges, and a swimming pool. Some rooms feature private plunge pools. Belo Monte also houses the only private movie theatre on Príncipe Island, a museum dedicated to the plantation’s history, and a library. A guided experience is included daily with every stay. The property is just a short walk from Banana Beach and Praia Grande (prime turtle-nesting beach, November-April).
If you’re choosing between Belo Monte and Roça Sundy, Roça Sundy feels like a village square at the center of an active plantation community. Belo Monte feels like a secluded hilltop casa with cinematic ocean views. Best of all worlds: 2 nights at Belo Monte, then transfer to Sundy Praia for the beach. Use code BeloMonte at booking for the opening offer (4 nights, pay 3) valid June 1-30, 2026.
Belo Monte Amenities & Heritage Features
Belo Monte Photos & Property Tour
Belo Monte Location & How to Get There
Belo Monte sits on a secluded hilltop on the northeast tip of Príncipe Island, surrounded by tropical rainforest. The property overlooks the flame trees and jungle canopy down to the Gulf of Guinea, and specifically down to Banana Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, which is reachable on foot in a few minutes.
How to get there:
- Fly into São Tomé International Airport (TMS) from Lisbon, Accra, Libreville, or Luanda
- Connect to Príncipe Airport (PCP) on a STP Airways or scheduled charter flight, approximately 40 minutes
- Belo Monte includes airport transfers, staff meet you at PCP and drive you ~30 minutes across the island to the hilltop property
- Total travel time from São Tomé city: about 1.5 hours door-to-door
Príncipe Collection coordinates all inter-island flights and ground transfers, plus seamless connections between Belo Monte and sister properties (Sundy Praia, Bom Bom, Roça Sundy).
Belo Monte: Frequently Asked Questions
When does Belo Monte open and what's the opening offer?
Belo Monte opens on June 1, 2026 under the Príncipe Collection portfolio. To celebrate the launch, Príncipe Collection is offering ‘Stay 4 Nights, Pay 3’ with promo code BeloMonte for stays between June 1 and June 30, 2026, valid on both flexible and non-refundable rates. Message São Tomé Life to book and apply the code.
Is Belo Monte close to Banana Beach?
Yes, Belo Monte sits on a hilltop directly above Banana Beach (one of the most photographed beaches in Africa, featured in the famous Bacardi rum advertisements). The walk down from the hotel takes just a few minutes. Praia Grande, a prime turtle-nesting beach (November to April), is also nearby. The property’s panoramic position means you have beach access plus a hilltop perspective over the entire coastline.
How does Belo Monte compare to Roça Sundy?
Both are restored heritage cocoa plantation hotels in the Príncipe Collection, but they offer different experiences. Roça Sundy sits in the heart of an active plantation village in northwest Príncipe, more immersive in the working community, with the Einstein 1919 eclipse museum, and closer to Praia Sundy. Belo Monte sits on a remote hilltop on the northeast coast with panoramic ocean views, walking access to Banana Beach, and unique features like a private cinema. Roça Sundy feels like a village square; Belo Monte feels like a secluded hilltop casa.
What unique features does Belo Monte offer?
Belo Monte has the only private movie theatre on Príncipe Island, plus an on-site museum dedicated to the plantation’s 1922 history, a library, multiple terraces, courtyards, a swimming pool, and 15 individually designed rooms (some with private plunge pools). The property is decorated in classical Portuguese colonial style, high ceilings, leather armchairs, chandeliers, candelabras. A daily guided experience is included with every stay.
How do I book Belo Monte?
Message São Tomé Life and we will check opening-month availability, hold your dates, and book Belo Monte for you. Use promo code BeloMonte for the opening offer (Stay 4 Nights, Pay 3), valid June 1 to 30, 2026. With only 15 rooms, opening-month availability is extremely limited, so book early. We can also plan your Príncipe transfers, Banana Beach visit, and island days around your stay.
What's Near Belo Monte on Príncipe
Be Among the First: Book Belo Monte's Opening Month
Use code BeloMonte for the Stay 4, Pay 3 opening offer (June 1-30, 2026). Only 15 rooms, opening month availability is extremely limited. WhatsApp Príncipe Collection for the fastest response.