It’s 5:35 pm when we land in São Tomé, on the Gulf of Guinea, fanned by the hot and humid breeze of this equatorial climate. We head for the Omali Lodge and, on the way to the rooms, we cross the gardens with their coconut trees equipped with an exotic swimming pool. Over dinner, on the restaurant veranda offering a view of the sea, our enthusiasm intensifies, impatient as we are to launch into the experiences promised over the coming days. The first experience, right away, is of a gastronomic nature, courtesy of the Chef Tiago Velez’s degustation menu, blending traditional São Tomé fare with Portuguese influences. This conjugation of flavours is simultaneously unexpected and memorable, beginning with a succulent tuna with mint and jackfruit sauce and ending with a sublime 100% cocoa fondant.

Read the full story in our printed edition - Attitude 69