lodge
Pestana Equador Aerial

Pestana Equador

Equatorial Island Paradise on Ilheu das Rolas
On the Equator Line just off São Tomé Island

Swim in tropical seas, hike up to viewpoints, stand in both hemispheres over the Equator Mark and discover local arts and crafts.

***This hotel closed down during the COVID pandemic and is not re-opening. There is currently no European standard accommodation on Ilheu das Rolas. The closest accommodation with direct access to the island is Praia Inhame***

The Pestana Ecuador is located on the Rolas Islet which is about 75 km from the capital of São Tomé e Príncipe. It's an exclusive sort of place, with access only by boat from Porto Alegre (Ponta Baleia) on the island of São Tomé. The boat usually leaves at 10h30 and returns at 16h30 but private transfers can be arranged. Built in 2000, this mini resort has direct beach access where you can enjoy the sun loungers. The climate hear is hotter and more humid than on the main island, and whilst some staff speak English, you may find some language barriers.

All the rooms have an incredible view with lawn and a porch, as well as free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and fresh water. Enjoy the largest saltwater infinity swimming pool on the African continent overlooking Santo Antonio beach, which is just steps away. Relax and have a massage at the Ossobô Spa, situated in a small open cabin overlooking the fantastic beach. For your meals, the hotel offers one restaurant and two bars.

During the day you can use the kayaks or go sport fishing. Hike through the islet and discover the virtually untouched forest and hidden caves. In this incredible place it is possible to observe the whale route and watch the spawning of sea turtles. Visit the local village to meet the inhabitants and discover their arts and crafts. Or head to the Devil’s Eye to take a photo as the sea breaks through the rocks, creating explosions in the caves. Enjoy the rhythm of Sao Tomé and take the three main trails to discover the islet on foot: The red route takes you to see the viewpoints, for a climb up to the Equator Mark where you can stand in both hemispheres at the same time, and finishes with a swim on Café Beach (Praia Café is the best beach on the island). The Green Route takes you to the other end of the island, Joana Beach, Ponta Cabra and the caves. The Blue Route goes to the Lighthouse in the centre of the islet. Jacques Cousteau had his marine life observation base here and he defined the São Tomé sea as the most interesting area in the world to study and observe marine life.

Get married on the equator? They can organise a three day extravaganza (civil or religious), a gala dinner with live music and a BBQ lunch around the swimming pool for up to 100 people.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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