The beach is still as beautiful as ever, although it would be worth mentioning the beach cleaning, especially the plastic waste.

Domus Praia Jalé is in an exceptionally beautiful location in São Tomé, but unfortunately that seems to be exactly why the hotel can continue operating at such a low standard. Based on my experience, many of the problems feel typical of a hotel where the owner is not present and not properly engaged in the day-to-day running of the property. Guests are effectively expected to accept poor conditions because tourists will keep coming for the setting alone. Water in the bathroom is only available intermittently. Rooms are not cleaned unless you specifically ask, and even then you often need to insist repeatedly. The mattresses are very old, and the bed linen did not smell fresh. The staff on site are actually kind and pleasant, but they do not seem properly trained, and everything is handled at a very basic level. That is hardly surprising when there appears to be little incentive or support to do better. That said, I did get what I had come for: five days on a perfect beach, hours of swimming and snorkelling in wonderfully warm water, with not a single jellyfish, no sharks, and nothing to do but enjoy it. In the long run, the only thing likely to improve standards in this area is real competition from more and better hotels nearby.

“So lala...”

The accommodation was very basic and rather uninviting; the toilet seat was broken, there were no lamps, no fan or air conditioning, and everything was somewhat neglected. There was no mosquito net. The food wasn't bad, but it was uninspired. Wi-Fi only worked at reception. The beach and surrounding nature were beautiful. 😍

“Nice place to stay a couple of nights.”

The Staff in reception and the restaurant is very friendly and efficient. The beach is amazing! Glad the restaurant was open every day. The breakfast was very nice too.

“Great location, nice staff, poor cabins”

Location is superb

Beautiful beach. One of the best if not the best on the island.

“There are better options in the area for less money.”

It is remote from villages

“Nightmare”

The accommodation is located in a very isolated natural area and the beach itself is beautiful; however, the overall experience was clearly below what was advertised and became very uncomfortable.

The location was good, we could hear the waves while sleeping.

“Okay”

Nice beach, clean hut

The views

“A gem on the beach”

Location on the beach, nice bugalow, very good dinner

“Dreamy”

A true hidden gem in paradise

“Worthwhile stay to explore the south of the island and enjoy one of Sao Tome's best beaches”

An interesting experience, I booked a one night stay just to enable me to explore the south of the island across two days rather than travelling up and down repeatedly. I had also heard that Praia Jale is one of the best beaches in Sao Tome, so jumped at the chance to stay on the beach. As many have said, the roads in this area are poor, but there is a route that starts near Porto Alegre that is probably best. Once arrived though, I found there was not really anyone there to greet me, just a few guys sitting around on their phones and nobody spoke English. After explaining I had a room booked, I waited a while before someone came and showed me to my room/hut. It's very basic, to be expected, and no air con, but was clean and comfortable enough. The shower was surprisingly good, hot water and good pressure. The meals were also sufficient.

“Gorgeous location and an unparalleled piece and quiet :)”

Breath-taking location! The whole scenery is out of this world! The sea is a bit rough, which appears to be a permanent feature of that particular stretch of beach, but conversely also provides for a permanent soothing sound of crashing waves, which is particularly amazing during the night. The sunset is gorgeous! The facilities are humble, in line with the nature respecting ecolodge, with the balance struck very well.

This is a bit of paradise - an extensive beach where turtles come to nest and we could experience all this by staying at these Bungalows. accommodation is simple but confortable. Breakfast was very good

“Quiet and simple”

Location in front of one of the most beautiful beaches of Sao Tomé. Reasonable breakfast. Quiet place - not lots of turists.

Beautiful place, breakfast OK

“The place to stay in the south”

The local and the staff are incredible! With luck, you have opportunity to watch the turtles. There’s direct access to the Jale beach with good Infrastructures. It’s really worthy to stay for few days!!

“Located exactly at the most beautiful beach on island of Sao Tome.”

Definitely the location and setting is very attractive. Praia Jale is just "wow", bungalows of Domus Praia Jale are located just 30 m from the sand. Restaurant is open air veranda - big and breezy. Simple and tasty breakfast (omelette, bread, fruits, coffee, tea), perfect dinner (choice fish, octopus, chicken, pork - everything with fried banana/breadfruit and rice). Breathtaking evening sunsets and fresh mornings. Staff helps to organize any wish you could have: we visited Ilheu of Ecuador, Malanza and several beaches around. Highly recommended.