Spiritual Retreat in Sao Tome and Principe: 10 Days at the Spring Equinox, Flights Included
17 to 26 March 2027: a journey around the island of Sao Tome with daily practices to connect with Mother Earth, energy cleansing and healing meditations, the spring equinox at the Equator Marker and the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel. Vegetarian and fish menus, direct flights from Lisbon included, group of up to 20 people.
The trip
Spiritual retreat: what each day looks like
Part meditation retreat, part wellness retreat, part journey of discovery. In the morning or late afternoon, depending on the place, the group stops for a practice: guided meditation by the water at the Cascata Milagrosa waterfall, conscious breathing facing the ocean at Boca do Inferno, bare feet on the sand and volcanic earth for grounding exercises, energy-cleansing rituals using elements of nature and healing meditations at sunset. The rest of the day is travel: cocoa and coffee plantations (roças), deserted beaches, Pico Cão Grande and the rainforest. The practices are simple, need no experience and are always optional. They are moments of wellbeing and reflection and do not replace any medical or psychological care.The Chapel of St Michael the Archangel and the equinox at the Equator
During the three nights in the south, at Ecolodge Inhame, the group experiences two remarkable days: the equinox at the Equator Marker on Ilhéu das Rolas, and the boat expedition from Porto Alegre to the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel, built in 1883 at the old Roça de São Miguel, in the far south of the island. The chapel is in ruins and can only be reached by sea, but the original statue of St Michael is still inside. Its restoration is an independent project founded by Luciano Baetz (capeladesaomiguel.com). Find out more about the archangel and the chapel in our article Archangel Michael: who he is, the St Michael prayer and his chapel in Sao Tome.Vegetarian and fish menus, prepared with care
Food is treated with real care: the retreat menus are vegetarian and based on fresh fish, with tropical fruit, island vegetables, cocoa and highland coffee. Included are the signature lunch at the Almada Negreiros Museum and the tasting lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares with chef João Carlos Silva, both prepared with vegetarian and fish menus for the group.Where you will stay
Two nights at Roça Santa Luzia, among gardens and rainforest; three nights at Ecolodge Inhame, in simple bungalows near the beaches of the south; and three nights at the Hotel Omali, facing the sea in Sao Tome city.How much does the spiritual retreat cost, with flights?
The retreat costs €2,850 per person sharing a double room, with direct flights from Lisbon, 8 nights' accommodation, half board with vegetarian and fish menus, two special lunches, 4x4 with driver, all excursions, the daily practices and support from the first day to the last. The single supplement is €450. The group is limited to 20 people. On arrival you only pay the tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, at the airport. Travel insurance is not included.Why choose this spiritual retreat in Sao Tome and Principe
- A unique date: the spring equinox at the Equator Marker and the full moon on 22 March, on the same trip.
- One practice a day, in a different place: rainforest, waterfall, ocean, volcanic earth and the Equator line.
- Direct flights from Lisbon included, with just 6½ hours' flying time.
- Group limited to 20 people, with official Santomean guides and Jaca Voyage looking after you throughout.
- Vegetarian and fish menus, designed for the retreat.
- Licensed travel agency registered with Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT 4155), with our own team in Sao Tome.
Preparing for the retreat
Read our guide spiritual retreat: what it is, types, cost and where to go and our Sao Tome and Principe travel guide. For other dates, or a tailor-made trip to Sao Tome and Principe with flights, get in touch.Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Flight from Lisbon to Sao Tome and opening circle at Roça Santa Luzia
Meet at Lisbon Airport for the direct scheduled flight to Sao Tome (about 6½ hours). On arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to Roça Santa Luzia, among gardens and rainforest. In the late afternoon, the retreat's opening circle: introductions, setting your personal intention for the ten days and a first guided meditation. Accommodation: Roça Santa Luzia. Meals: Dinner included.
Day 2
Coffee Route and healing meditation at the Cascata Milagrosa
Up into the heart of the island, at 800 metres above sea level: the town of Trindade, Roça Monte Café and a signature lunch at the Almada Negreiros Museum, on the old Roça Saudade. At the Cascata Milagrosa waterfall, a healing meditation by the water and a breathing exercise in the forest. Back at the plantation, a practice to connect with Mother Earth in the gardens. Accommodation: Roça Santa Luzia. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 3
Southern Route: Água Izé, Boca do Inferno and energy cleansing by the sea
Head south along the Coconut Route. Visit Roça Água Izé and stop at Boca do Inferno, where the sea surges between the volcanic rocks: here we hold a breathing and release practice facing the ocean. Viewpoints over Pico Cão Grande and the Malanza River, then arrival at Ecolodge Inhame. At sunset, an energy-cleansing ritual on the beach. Accommodation: Ecolodge Inhame. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 4
Equinox on the Equator: Ilhéu das Rolas and the Equator Marker
20 March, the day of the equinox. Boat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas and a walk to the Equator Marker (Marco do Equador), where you stand in both hemispheres at once. On the day when day and night are the same length, we hold a meditation of balance on the Equator line. Free time on the islet, with the option of grilled fish for lunch at a local restaurant (book through your guide). Return at the end of the day. Accommodation: Ecolodge Inhame. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5
Free day in the south: by boat to the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel
On this free day, we suggest the boat expedition from Porto Alegre to the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel, built in 1883 at the old Roça de São Miguel, in the far south of the island. The plantation never had a road and even today can only be reached by sea. Among the ruins, where the original statue of St Michael is preserved, there is a moment of prayer, reflection and a protection meditation. On the way back, free time on the southern beaches, such as Praia Piscina. If you prefer, you can stay and rest at the ecolodge. The crossing depends on sea conditions. Accommodation: Ecolodge Inhame. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 6
Pico Cão Grande, lunch with chef João Carlos Silva and a full moon in the capital
Back north via the Cauê River viewpoint and a beach overlooking Pico Cão Grande, where we do a grounding exercise with bare feet on the volcanic earth. Tasting lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares with chef João Carlos Silva, with vegetarian and fish menus. Arrival in Sao Tome city. Tonight is the full moon: a full-moon meditation by the sea. Accommodation: Hotel Omali. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 7
Cocoa Route: baobabs, Lagoa Azul and Roça Agostinho Neto
Visit a cocoa cooperative in the Lembá District (local fee of about €4 per person) and the Baobab Route, where we hold a practice to connect with Mother Earth in the shade of these giant trees. A swim at Lagoa Azul and Praia dos Tamarindos, lunch at your own expense and a visit to Roça Agostinho Neto, the setting of the novel Equador. Accommodation: Hotel Omali. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 8
Integration day: sunrise meditation and a free afternoon
A calmer day to take in the journey. Healing meditation at sunrise by the sea and a sharing circle mid-morning. Free afternoon to rest, stroll around the city or go back to a beach. Accommodation: Hotel Omali. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 9
Sao Tome city, closing circle and return flight
Guided visit to the São Sebastião Fort Museum, the Cathedral, Independence Square and the markets, with a tasting of Santomean chocolate. In the late afternoon, the retreat's closing circle, with gratitude and intentions for the return home. Dinner at your own expense and transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to Lisbon. Meals: Breakfast included.
Day 10
Arrival in Lisbon
Arrival at Lisbon Airport early in the morning, where our services end.
What's included
- Direct scheduled flights Lisbon – Sao Tome – Lisbon
- 8 nights' accommodation: Roça Santa Luzia (2), Ecolodge Inhame (3) and Hotel Omali (3)
- Half board with vegetarian and fish menus designed for the retreat
- Signature lunch at the Almada Negreiros Museum (Roça Saudade)
- Tasting lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares with chef João Carlos Silva
- Daily activities to connect with Mother Earth, energy cleansing and healing meditations, led by Luciano Baetz
- Equinox ceremony at the Equator Marker and full-moon meditation
- Expedition to the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel
- Local guide from the first day to the last
- Tours and transfers by 4x4 with driver
- Boat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas
- Visit to the São Sebastião Fort Museum and city tour with chocolate tasting
- Help with currency exchange and buying a local SIM card on the first day
What's not included
- Travel insurance (we recommend a policy with medical assistance and repatriation cover)
- Lunches on Days 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9
- Dinners at your own expense on Days 6 and 9
- Cocoa cooperative visit fee on Day 7 (approx. €4 per person)
- Entry to the Roça Monte Café museum (€3 per person)
- Drinks outside the included meals, tips and personal expenses
- Tourist tax of €2.10 per person per night, paid at the airport on arrival
Frequently asked questions
All your questions answered
€2,850 per person sharing a double room, with direct flights from Lisbon, 8 nights' accommodation, half board with vegetarian and fish menus, two special lunches, 4x4 with driver, all excursions and the daily practices. Single room supplement: €450.
17 to 26 March 2027: departure from Lisbon on the 17th and arrival back in Lisbon on the morning of the 26th. The equinox at the Equator Marker is on 20 March and the full moon on 22 March.
No. The practices are guided, simple and suitable for people who have never meditated. They are all optional: everyone takes part at their own pace.
Luciano Baetz, founder of Jaca Voyage, leads the activities to connect with Mother Earth, the energy cleansing and the meditations. On the ground, the group is accompanied by official Santomean guides.
No. They are practices for wellbeing, relaxation and reflection. They do not replace medical or psychological care, or any medication you take.
The retreat menus are vegetarian and fish-based. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, please let us know when you book.
A maximum of 20 people.
A chapel built in 1883 at the old Roça de São Miguel, in the far south of the island of Sao Tome, facing the Atlantic. It is in ruins and can only be reached by sea, by boat from Porto Alegre; the original statue of St Michael is still inside. The visit takes place on the free day in the south, sea conditions permitting.
EU citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 15 days. Other nationalities (for example UK and US citizens) should check the current e-visa rules before travelling. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory; book a travel health appointment before you go.
No. We always recommend a policy with medical assistance and repatriation cover.
With a deposit of €1,000 per person. The balance is paid before departure, in line with the booking conditions.
Notes
Your booking is confirmed on payment of the deposit shown on this page (€1,000 per person). The trip goes ahead with a minimum of 2 participants. Cancellations up to 60 days before departure are free of charge; between 60 and 30 days, 30% of the price is charged; less than 30 days, 60% of the price. Prices are per person sharing a double room. The retreat practices are for wellbeing and do not replace medical or psychological care.