Island Seclusion: Undiscovered Escapes for a Secret Retreat

6. São Tomé and Príncipe – Africa’s Forgotten Eden

Floating off the coast of West Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is like stepping into a dreamscape of jungle-covered mountains, empty beaches, and lost-world beauty. Once a Portuguese colony, the islands are now an eco-tourist’s paradise, filled with untouched rainforests, waterfalls, and nesting sea turtles. There’s little in the way of modern development—just tiny fishing villages, cocoa plantations, and a slow, relaxed pace of life. Adventurers can hike through the misty Obo National Park, where giant volcanic towers rise from the jungle, or kayak along black-sand beaches with no footprints in sight. Best for: Eco-travelers, birdwatchers, and jungle trekking. How to get there: Fly from Lisbon, Portugal (about 6 hours).