Belo Monte

The weather was lovely today so we decided to head off to an early breakfast at the Bom Bom Island restaurant and then, along with Brian (Mark’s work colleague) and his wife Jeanette, we 'four by foured' our way to the Roca or plantation estate of Belo Monte. Principe is a surprising little island. Just as my boredom reaches a new level, I discovery a jewel like Belo Monte. The sky was so blue today and the clouds in such spectacular formation that it was the ideal day for photographing this Portuguese estate in renovation. The road leading up to the complex hosts the usual little wooden huts on stilts, potholes, chickens, the odd goat, some Bread Fruit trees, jungle, children in thread bare clothes, more potholes, more jungle and then when you think there is nothing else to this place, suddenly the grand, newly painted entrance archway which announces Belo Monte.

It's not one of the largest Roca’s on the island but its location and the potential which its restoration inspires make it well worth the trip. The manor house seems so out of context, with its classic proportion and ornate details.  It's uniqueness is enhanced by the decomposing Laterite blocks with which its constructed, which rust due to their high ferrous metal content. The estate also includes a large hospital building, slave quarters and the Cacao roasting houses, all in the typical quadrangle set-up with a large green lawn in between. It feels like time has slipped backwards at Belo Monte and an atmosphere of quiet rests over the place, although I know it was not always a place of peace and tranquility. Stories ruminate of how disobedient slaves were thrown over the elaborately walled, breath taking view point. Today the azure sky and the cottony clouds suggested only the potential for an exquisite, fine dining experience complete with a view to die for - hmm, perhaps not such a tasteful description. Plans are under way for one of the larger building’s transformation into a top notch restaurant, while several of the other buildings are ear-marked for boutique style accommodation. With its green lawns, white walls and opulent proportions, something of a Cape wine estate lingers about the place and it definitely lends itself to a tourist hot spot. Looking off the view point towards the beach way below, Praia Banana’s water is turquoise against the black, volcanic reef rock and it’s probably the most exquisite view I’ve seen. White-tailed tropicbirds circled in the endless sky as I snapped away at the view with my camera. Words don’t adequately capture the image of the vast, blue sky and unless you’ve seen something like it, it’s unimaginable. I think the place is going to be a unique tourist draw card when its completed and I’m disappointed that it probably won’t be done in the time we’re here.

Manor house

White tailed Tropicbird - Wikipedia

View from Belo Monte of Praia Banana

Postcard perfect