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Spiritual Retreat in Sao Tome and Principe: 10 Days at the Spring Equinox, Flights Included

  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • 10 days / 8 nights
  • 2–20 travelers
  • Flight 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.

  • Local guide from the first day to the last
  • Tours and transfers by 4x4 with driver
  • Boat crossing to Ilhéu das Rolas
Spiritual retreat in Sao Tome and Principe, 17–26 March 2027. Ten days on one of the greenest and most peaceful islands on the planet, sitting right on the Equator, with direct flights from Lisbon included. The itinerary travels the island of Sao Tome from north to south and, every day, in a different place on the island, there are activities and exercises to connect with Mother Earth, energy cleansing and healing meditations, led by Luciano Baetz, founder of Jaca Voyage. The most special moment falls on 20 March: the spring equinox at the Equator Marker (Marco do Equador) on Ilhéu das Rolas. It is the day of the year when day and night are the same length and the sun passes almost directly overhead at the Equator. Two days later, on 22 March, comes the full moon.

Day-by-day itinerary

São Tomé and Príncipe trip itinerary, day by day

Gulf of GuineaEquatorSão Tomé IslandPríncipe Island1234567891011121314151617
  1. 1Roça Santa LuziaDay 1 · Plantation (roça)
  2. 2Cascata MilagrosaDay 2 · Nature
  3. 3TrindadeDay 2 · Town
  4. 4Roça Monte CaféDay 2 · Plantation (roça)
  5. 5Roça Saudade · Casa Museu Almada NegreirosDay 2 · Plantation (roça)
  6. 6Roça Água IzéDay 3 · Plantation (roça)
  7. 7Boca do InfernoDay 3 · Nature
  8. 8Pico Cão GrandeDay 3 · Nature
Show the other 9 places
  1. 9Rio MalanzaDay 3 · Nature
  2. 10Praia InhameDay 3 · Beach
  3. 11Ilhéu das Rolas · Marco do EquadorDay 4 · Islet
  4. 12Praia PiscinaDay 5 · Beach
  5. 13Cidade de São ToméDay 6 · Town
  6. 14São João dos AngolaresDay 6 · Town
  7. 15Lagoa AzulDay 7 · Beach
  8. 16Roça Agostinho NetoDay 7 · Plantation (roça)
  9. 17Praia dos TamarindosDay 7 · Beach
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.
  • Sold by Vamos Fugir, a travel agency licensed by Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT 4155), with the Jaca Voyage 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.

Frequently asked questions

São Tomé and Príncipe trip: frequently asked questions

€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.

Terms and conditions

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.

from
2850€
per person
STP-RETIRO-EQUINOCIO-2027
Adult price
2850€
Single supplement
+450€
Book for
1000€

Departure dates

Price per person. Tap a date to book.

Reviews from our travellers

4,9100 reviews on Google

  • Google
    “a Vamos Fugir é uma agência de excelência que nos leva a conhecer a cultura e a gastronomia com rotas bem estruturadas e toda a equipa é fantástica e de uma simpatia incrível é sem dúvida a minha agência de eleição e o Luciano é um ser humano incrível sempre disponível e incansável.”
    Ana Maria A.São Tomé e Príncipe · 2026
  • Google
    “A viagem a São Tomé e Principe na empresa "Vamos Fugir" com o Filipe, foi extraordinária em todos os aspetos. Decorreu num ambiente alegre e divertido. Percorremos a ilha em bons transportes, o que melhorou os percursos por estradas bem degradadas. Os alojamentos tb são bons. O de Inhame é mesmo na natureza, o que nos envolve mais. A alimentação é de excelência. Nunca provei tanta coisa como nestes locais. Os passeios proporcionam o contacto e envolvencia com as pessoas dos locais e vivenciamos muitos dos usos e costumes destas gentes afáveis e acolhedoras. Fujam com o Filipe e nunca mais se esquecerão destas aventuras.”
    Maria de Fátima C.São Tomé e Príncipe · 2026
  • Google
    “Viagem a São Tomé e Príncipe Uma experiência que se iniciou com alguma "cautela", durante a reserva, até ao pagamento final, mas, que acabou da melhor forma possível! Uma viagem FANTÁSTICA, acompanhada por uma equipa de guias, em São Tomé, que recomendo. Pessoas muito simpáticas, sempre disponíveis e bastante profissionais. Já no Príncipe, a equipa do Resort BOM BOM, também foi EXCELENTE. Digamos que foi uma experiência que recomendo vivamente! A Vamos Fugir está de PARABÉNS.”
    Paulo J.São Tomé e Ilha do Príncipe · 2025
  • Google
    “Viagem a São Tomé fantástica, com um grupo maravilhoso, com um acompanhante da agência, "Vamos Fugir", (Luciano) , pessoa fantástica, genuína e com muito amor ao "próximo". A beleza de São Tomé e as pessoas, têm características que mais nenhum povo tem. Já com saudades, gostava de voltar e com a mesma agência. Não dá para explicar, é ir mesmo. Parabéns Luciano ganhaste um grupo de amigos.”
    Maria B.Viagem em grupo a São Tomé · 2025
  • Google
    “A viagem a São Tomé e Príncipe, organizada pela agência de viagens "Vamos Fugir", foi uma experiência inesquecível. As paisagens são deslumbrantes e as praias, com areia dourada e águas cristalinas, são paradisíacas. A biodiversidade é riquíssima, com aves, plantas e paisagens únicas que surpreendem a cada olhar. A simpatia e hospitalidade das pessoas tornam tudo ainda mais especial. Obrigada Luciano, sem a tua presença e simpatia esta viagem não teria tido o mesmo encanto.”
    Teresa D.São Tomé e Príncipe · 2025
  • Google
    “Regressei a São Tomé, a minha ilha, 50 anos depois, para a mostrar à família. Optei por viajar com a "Vamos Fugir?" e foi a melhor decisão. Passar aqui o Natal foi, também, uma excelente opção. Obrigado Luciano pelo profissionalismo e programa. Vou de coração e alma cheios.”
    António S.Natal em São Tomé · 2024
  • Google
    “Sem dúvida, a minha viagem a São Tomé com a agência Vamos Fugir foi uma experiência inesquecível. Este país deslumbra com as suas praias paradisíacas e paisagens deslumbrantes, mas foi através da Vamos Fugir que pude mergulhar profundamente na riqueza do povo, da cultura e da história de São Tomé. A Vamos Fugir não se limitou a proporcionar uma viagem turística, mas também se empenhou em criar um vínculo genuíno com a comunidade local. Tive a oportunidade de conhecer de perto a vida quotidiana, as tradições e as histórias fascinantes do povo são-tomense. Além disso, o compromisso social da Vamos Fugir foi notável. A agência não apenas se preocupou em oferecer experiências enriquecedoras aos viajantes, mas também em contribuir para o desenvolvimento da comunidade local. Tivemos a oportunidade de participar em iniciativas solidárias, permitindo-nos não apenas apreciar a beleza de São Tomé, mas também deixar um impacto positivo. Agradeço à Vamos Fugir por proporcionar não apenas umas férias memoráveis, mas por criar uma ligação autêntica entre os viajantes e este incrível destino africano. São Tomé é realmente um tesouro, e a Vamos Fugir tornou a minha visita não apenas turística, mas uma verdadeira imersão na essência deste país maravilhoso.”
    Eugenia M.São Tomé · 2024
  • Google
    “Estive em São Tomé, de 12 a 19 de Agosto/23, com o Vamos Fugir? e foi sem dúvida nenhuma a melhor experiência de sempre. O Filipe, foi um profissional de excelência. Sempre presente , sempre atento, sempre disponível! Senti-me sempre segura, sempre acompanhada. Desde o primeiro contato com o Vamos Fugir?, percebi que, o que me iram proporcionar, eram experiências . E fui sem medo! E superou todas as minhas expectativas! Os meus parabéns ao Vamos Fugir?, e o meu eterno agradecimento pelas memórias que me proporcionaram e que graças a eles, vão ficar para sempre gravadas nomeu coração. Agora é só aguardar por mais um novo destino e claro, com o Vamos Fugir? 😊 Grata por tudo e um bem haja ao Vamos Fugir? E Vamos Fugir? 😍”
    Carla S.São Tomé, agosto · 2023
from · per person
2850€