IN THE MEDIA

Stories worth sharing. A place worth discovering.

Príncipe Collection is part of a story that extends far beyond hospitality. It is a story of two extraordinary islands, rich natural and cultural heritage, and a different approach to tourism.

Explore the articles, features and awards that have brought São Tomé and Príncipe and Príncipe Collection into the spotlight. From travel and design to conservation and community initiatives, discover the stories being told about our work and the places we call home.

For press enquiries, interviews, media visits or further information, please contact our communications team.

  • Afar
  • BBC Travel
  • Condé Nast Traveler
  • Daily Beast
  • Time
  • Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
  • Financial Times
  • HTSI
  • Le Figaro Magazine
  • Tagesspiegel
  • Robb Report
  • The Telegraph
PRÍNCIPE COLLECTION

A selection of top features

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Nation Is Using A New Conservation Model

Seen in: Forbes

How to build a hotel group in the middle of paradise

Seen in: Viajes National Geographic (ES)

Welcome to São Tomé and Príncipe, the most beautiful islands you’ve never heard of

Seen in: The Boston Globe

Journey to Príncipe, one of the most remote destinations in the world

Seen in: Financial Times

A Guide to São Tomé and Príncipe

Seen in: Lonely Planet

Navigating Príncipe: community-led conservation amid the canopies off the coast of Africa

Seen in: Condé Nast Traveller

Rocky coastline with palm trees and breaking waves seen from the sea, Príncipe Island

The Telegraph

African island Principe feels like the Caribbean 30 years ago

Belo Monte lounge with a gold chandelier, framed island photography and a sea view through arched French doors

Yonder

Les plus beaux hôtels de São Tomé-et-Príncipe

Wooden deck at Bom Bom on Príncipe with a view through palm trees to the sea and a forested headland

Les Echos

L'île de Principe, l'utopie écologique d'un milliardaire sud-africain

Aerial view of a person walking on a golden sand beach next to turquoise waters, Príncipe Island

Il Sole 24 Ore

Pronti a salpare. Con il nuovo numero di HTSI l’estate comincia

OKA Sundy restaurant at Sundy Praia by night, with its bamboo vault, candlelit tables and terrace

Guzangs

The Hotels That Actually Know Where They Are

Spacious bedroom with large windows and vintage design at Roça Sundy Boutique Hotel.

Viajes National Geographic

La hacienda colonial que sirvió para confirmar la teoría de la relatividad general de Einstein gracias a un eclipse

Aerial view of Sundy Praia beach and pool hidden in the forest on Príncipe Island, steps from the shoreline

The Telegraph

Romantic escapes that couples will fall in love with

Close-up of a Bom Bom bartender shaking a cocktail in front of the back-bar shelves

Monocle

Your guide to São Tomé & Príncipe: A tropical paradise at the centre of the world

Aerial view of a beach on Príncipe island, with tropical forest, white sand and crystal-clear waters over volcanic rock formations

National Geographic Traveller (UK)

One photographer's love letter to the twin equatorial islands of São Tomé & Príncipe

Aerial view of Praia Banana near Hotel Belo Monte, two guests in turquoise shallows for a calm swim

The Telegraph

The world's most gloriously photogenic beaches

Wooden footbridge leading over the sand to the palm-covered islet at Bom Bom, Príncipe Island

The Independent

The little-known tropical island that is perfect for a winter sun break

Malachite kingfisher perched on a branch in the rainforest, Príncipe Island

Bird Watching

Paradise for endemics

Aerial view of the tent villas at Sundy Praia, nearly hidden by the rainforest, with the beach and crystal-clear water in front.

Swoon by SLH

6 eco-friendly hotels offering ethical wildlife experiences

Dense palm treeline along the secluded Baía das Agulhas shore above clear turquoise water

Travel + Leisure

This Is One of the Least-visited Countries in the World—and It's Called the 'Galápagos of Africa

Travel + Leisure 2025 Global Vision Award winner

Visitor beside the overgrown church arch at the Ribeira Izé ruins on the Lost City Trail

Daily Beast

Perfection Is a Myth, but This Obscure Island Comes Close

Aerial view of a person floating in the waters of Oquê Pipi Waterfall

Robb Report

This Tiny West African Country Is the Best Tropical Getaway You’ve Never Heard Of

Newly hatched baby turtles heading to the ocean on Príncipe Island

AFAR

How One Small African Island Is Setting the Standard for Sustainability

Awards and Accolades

We take pride in the recognition our efforts in sustainable tourism have garnered. Our commitment to responsible practices has been celebrated with prestigious accolades, reflecting the tangible fruits of our labour. They inspire us to continue our mission of fostering responsible tourism that benefits both our guests and the communities we serve. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time.

Among the world’s Global Ecosphere Retreats®

HBD Príncipe and Príncipe Collection have been awarded the Global Ecosphere Retreat® (GER®) certification, The Long Run’s highest level of recognition for sustainable tourism and the first of its kind in West Africa.

With nearly 700 team members, employees and colleagues, HBD Príncipe is deeply committed to protecting the island’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. The organisation brings together responsible hospitality through Príncipe Collection’s five distinctive boutique hotels, conservation, organic agriculture, community development and a portfolio of in-house operations.

Working alongside local government and communities, HBD Príncipe plays an important role in supporting the protection of Príncipe’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its work spans The Long Run’s four pillars of sustainability: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce and includes safeguarding endemic bird species, supporting sea turtle conservation, creating nature-focused guest experiences, growing organic cacao, developing recycling initiatives with island communities, and creating employment, training and educational opportunities for local residents.

The GER® certification recognises how these commitments are embedded across HBD Príncipe’s operations, following an extensive independent assessment. It reflects the collective work of its teams and a long-term commitment to the island and its people.

Close-up of a Bom Bom bartender shaking a cocktail in front of the back-bar shelves

São Tomé and Príncipe named one of Lonely Planet’s Best Places to Visit in 2027

In September 2026, Lonely Planet unveiled its annual Best in Travel 2027 selection, naming São Tomé and Príncipe among its recommended destinations for the year ahead. The feature highlights the extraordinary landscapes of the islands, including the views from Roça Belo Monte, while directing readers to Bom Bom to explore the Baía das Agulhas. The feature also showcases an image of Bom Bom’s beach, bringing further international visibility to Príncipe and its distinctive natural beauty.

Aerial view of Roça Belo Monte's plantation estate set in rainforest above the ocean on Príncipe Island

Gold Responsible Tourism Award in the Managing Waste category at WTM Africa 2025

ICRT 

Explore Príncipe Collection’s top features

The World’s Greatest Places of 2025

TIME

Jetty bridge with man walking to Bom Bom

Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024: Employment and Upskilling

WTM

Artistic illustration of a handprint in dark yellow from the Príncipe Collection Hotels.

Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2024: Nature Positive

WTM

Hiker standing in a lush forest on Príncipe Island, looking upwards

Bird-Friendly™

We are proud to be Bird-Friendly™ certified, highlighting our dedication to preserving local biodiversity.

Illustration of a dark blue kingfisher bird from the Príncipe Collection Hotels.

One to Watch

We have received awards from One to Watch for our initiatives in Employment and Upskilling, as well as for our Nature Positive efforts. 

Local worker in a colourful dress and safety goggles smiles at us while working.
Children celebrating carnival in Príncipe