Highlights
- Well crafted concept and experience.
- Showpiece pool area.
- Popular fine dining restaurant.
- Attentive and friendly service.
Background
Set steps away from the beach with a tropical forest backdrop is a boutique resort with 30 rooms. Omali Lodge offers a private and unique option for the Sao Tome island. Having heard of the beauty of the country, I could image what would await me.
Experience
Arriving in the airport, I had a short ride to the hotel. Omali Lodge has a private parking with was useful. On check in I was soon shown my room. The rooms and suites are built in a circular set up, surrounding the main pool. The room had a comfy bedroom leading to the bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. Simple, but functional. There is also a seating room with a television and a mini fridge. Wifi reached the room which was useful.
From my room it was a short walk to the restaurant, facing the pool. The breakfast buffet was served inside and had a healthy selection of local fruits and delicacies. Omali Restaurant is outside on the terrace focusing on lunch and dinner service.
In the evenings, the lounge/bar area is full of local and foreign patrons. The atmosphere was exciting, with the notable people of the island frequenting.
The pool was also a pleasure to swim in and to escape the heat. There is a tennis court on site. Shopping is available in the gift shop.
Outside of the hotel, there are plenty of options available. Steps from the hotel’s entrance is a long beach. The hotel can organize many kinds of tours including scuba diving, visits to coffee and cocoa plantations, waterfalls, the capital city, and a boat trip around the island. They also have a eco-friendly sister resort on the smaller island of Principe.
In terms of business, the resort also has event areas outdoors or a meeting room for up to 30 people.
The personalized service is a highpoint of the experience, with the staff all very friendly and genuinely interested in making sure you have the best possible stay on their island.
Omali Lodge was really memorable. The tranquil and charming property, a popular restaurant and bar, a delightful team, and a wealth of activities focused on the highlights of the island all contribute to the experience. I would love to return one day!
Contact
Omali Lodge
Address: Praia Lagartos, São Tomé
Telephone: + 239 222 24 79 / 2350
Website: http://www.omalilodge.com
Email: reservations@omalilodge.com