Roça Sundy is composed of two perfectly restored plantation houses. The feeling that you are living in a bygone era follows you around and you’ll share this extraordinary experience with the local inhabitants who still live, work and go to school on this unique plantation, where Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was proven.
When staying at Roça Sundy you'll find yourself surrounded by history and authenticity. And that's because you'll be staying at one of the old Roças (Cocoa Plantation) that used to be the second largest on Príncipe Island. Not only that, you'll get to meet the local community that lives, works and goes to school in the surrounding area.
Roça Sundy’s place in history was to take an unexpected turn when it became linked to one of the most important scientific discoveries of the last century. In May 1919, Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was proven here by Sir Arthur Eddington, an English astronomer, physicist and mathematician, while observing a solar eclipse (His conclusions were based on the curvature of light rays, or the deflection of light, which proved that space and time were not absolute, as Newton had claimed).
Exquisitely restored, the property features 15 comfortable rooms: nine in the Cacao House and six in the Eclipse House. The Eclipse House, the main house of the old Roça times, is home to the hotel facilities including the restaurant and bar. Meals are served on a beautiful, romantic veranda with the most wonderful view. At the Cacao House, the style is more contemporary but with the same level of comfort and splendid views overlooking the tropical forest. However, it’s not just the old memories and fantastic preservation of the historical heritage of Roça Sundy Cacao House that will make your experience unique; it’s the fact that you share all of this with the local inhabitants still living on the plantation. Where else can you start up a conversation with a local farmer, greet children on their way to school, dance, or sit at the banco da má língua (the griping bench) and speak your truth?
