PCC ADDS BOM BOM ISLAND RESORT TO ITS TRAVEL BRANDS

Pristine rainforest, historic plantations and beautiful secluded beaches on an untouched volcanic coastline make Bom Bom Island Resort one of the most beautiful hideaways in Africa.

Located on the tiny island of Principe in the Gulf of Guinea, Bom Bom has been relaunched under the ownership of businessman Mark Shuttleworth, an entrepreneur and space tourist who became the first African to venture into space.

Bom Bom is a tiny islet off the northern coast of Principe, which is just 12 miles long, and is nestled at the base of lush rainforest-covered hills. Bom Bom has 20 air-conditioned bungalows with spacious verandas and en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant and bar with open-deck, swimming pool and internet access. The bungalows, with sea, garden or pool views, are simply-furnished with white linens while also flooded with natural light.

There is plenty to do in this former Portuguese colony, accessible via air from Lisbon. Spot whales on their migration routes, swim, dive and snorkel in the crystal clear waters or co-incide your stay with the turtle-nesting seasons. Search for unique birdlife, taste the home-grown chocolate, hike through diverse eco-systems and explore spectacular scenery in one of the most remote parts of the world.

November to March is the season to witness Leather, Loggerhead and Green turtles nesting. These sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches.

Between mid-July and September, Humpback whales visit Bom Bom island as they move from their summer feeding grounds in low latitudes to more tropical mating and calving areas. Gamefish species include Atlantic Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin tuna, Wahoo and Dorado.

The abundance of bird and animal life in the dense rainforest includes Mona Monkeys, African Grey Parrots and endemic species to Principe including Principian Falcons, Dohrn’s Thrush Babbler, Principe Speirops, Principe White-eye, Principe Glossy-Starling, Principe Sunbird, Malachite Kingfisher, Brown Booby and Brown Noddy.

From Bom Bom, you can also explore the cultural heritage evident across the island including Sundy, a colonial farm that was once home to the Portuguese Royal Family. Sundy is where, in 1919, Sir Arthur Eddington proved Einstein’s Theory of Relativity during a total eclipse.

Visitors can search for the beautiful old ruins of Ribeira Izé, the first community built in Principe when the Portuguese arrived in 1471. Or spend a day climbing Pico Papagaio, 680 metres high, in the centre of the island and take-in the breathtaking views around Principe before discovering the cocoa, coffee and vanilla plantations.

Finally, why not visit the old Portuguese town of San Antonio, the smallest city in the world, by bike or electric car.

There are also guided forest hikes, ornithological tours, mountain-biking, tag-and-release deep sea fishing, canoe expeditions with local fishermen and 4-wheel drive safaris to roam the island.

A stay at Bom Bom Island Resort starts from €180 per person per night in low season (from €200 in high season) including half-board accommodation, airport transfers to and from Principe, and snorkeling equipment.