The Setting
Around 15 kilometres from São Tomé city, Club Santana occupies a stretch of tropical coastline near Santana, in the district of Cantagalo.
The resort's 31 bungalows are spread through lush gardens surrounded by equatorial forest, with the Atlantic just beyond. Unlike the city hotels, this is somewhere to unpack, spend a few days and enjoy the surroundings rather than use your room simply as a base for sleeping.
The property combines a private beach, seawater swimming pool, restaurant and diving facilities. You're away from the traffic and bustle of the capital, but close enough to make a day trip into town.
The Beach & Vibe
Praia Messias Alves is the resort's beach, tucked into a green, sheltered section of coastline. There's space to relax by the water, or you can head to the swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic.
Santana Islet sits offshore, and the resort offers boat excursions to the islet.
The appeal here is the combination of beach and forest. You can spend the morning by the sea, head out snorkelling or diving, or simply stay at the resort and do very little.
Dining
Club Santana operates on a half-board basis, with breakfast and dinner included in the accommodation price.
The resort's Le Club restaurant offers a mixture of local and international dishes. There is also the Jaqueira Bar and Esplanade near the beach, while Saturday evenings feature the resort's rodízio dining tradition.
Having dinner included is particularly useful here. You're outside São Tomé city, so there's no need to arrange transport every evening just to find somewhere to eat.
Drinks and services outside the half-board arrangement are charged separately.
A Different Way to Explore São Tomé
Santana is well placed for exploring the eastern side of the island, including the coastal road towards Água Izé and Boca do Inferno. For a day out, you can head inland towards the plantations and rainforest, follow the coast towards the south, or arrange a guided excursion. But there's no obligation to spend every day travelling. With the beach, pool, diving and boat activities available, Club Santana is also somewhere worth staying put.