Why Self-Catering is the Best Way to Experience St Helena
If you’re planning your first trip to St Helena Island, one of the big decisions you’ll face is where to stay. Accommodation options on our little island are varied — from guest houses and hotels to self-catering apartments and private rentals. But if you’re looking for flexibility, independence, and the chance to live like a local, self-catering is hands down the best choice.
Here at Williams Estate, we’ve welcomed visitors from all over the world, and time and again we hear the same thing: “We’re so glad we chose self-catering.” So let’s dig into why this option might be perfect for you.
1. Freedom to Set Your Own Schedule
On St Helena, life moves at a different pace — slow, peaceful, and refreshingly unhurried. Choosing a self-catering stay means you’re never bound by hotel meal times or restaurant bookings. Want a slow breakfast after hiking up Jacob’s Ladder? Go ahead. Fancy a picnic lunch at Sandy Bay? Pack up and head out.
Your time is truly your own, which makes every day feel like a personal adventure.
2. A Taste of Local Life (Literally)
One of the best parts of staying self-catering is shopping for local produce and cooking in your own kitchen. St Helena has a number of small shops and local markets where you can pick up everything from fresh island fish to locally grown veggies.
Fresh tuna, wahoo, or grouper often come in straight from the boats at the wharf.
Island favourites like “plo” (a local rice dish) or traditional fishcakes are easy to recreate.
At Williams Estate, our kitchens are fully equipped so you can try your hand at island-inspired recipes. And if you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, the estate is only a short drive from popular eateries like Joshies Roadside Takaway or The Blue Lantern.
3. A Home Away from Home
Unlike hotels or guest houses, self-catering offers space. At Williams Estate, guests enjoy comfortable living areas, outdoor seating, and private kitchens — ideal if you’re travelling as a family, a group of friends, or simply like a bit of breathing room on holiday.
It’s your own space to relax after a day of exploring. Whether you’re watching the sun go down with a glass of South African wine on the veranda, or sorting through your photos of the island’s incredible landscapes, you’ll feel right at home.
4. Perfect Base for Island Adventures
St Helena is full of adventures waiting to be had:
Hike one of the many Post Box Walks, like Lot’s Wife’s Ponds or Blue Point and so many more.
Book Airport Transfers with Williams Taxis & Tours.
Head out on a marine trip with Sub-Tropic Adventures to see dolphins and whale sharks (in season).
Visit Plantation House to meet Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal, Destination St Helena can book this and more!
Staying at Williams Estate means you’re centrally located, making it easy to head out in any direction for the day and return to your cosy retreat in the evening.
5. Great Value for Longer Stays
With flights to St Helena usually arriving once a week, most visitors stay at least 7 days — and many for longer. That’s where self-catering really shines: you save money by cooking some of your own meals, doing laundry when you need to, and having all the little comforts that make an extended stay more affordable and enjoyable.
Why Choose Williams Estate?
We might be a little biased, but Williams Estate has everything you need to make your St Helena experience unforgettable:
Spacious self-catering units with fully equipped kitchens.
Central location, close to Jamestown and popular attractions.
Comfortable, homely atmosphere perfect for couples, families, or groups.
A warm St Helenian welcome — we’re here to help you get the most from your stay.
Final Thoughts
St Helena is not your typical holiday destination — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Choosing a self-catering stay lets you truly live the island life: cooking with local flavours, setting your own pace, and returning to a comfortable home each evening.
If you’re planning your visit, book your stay with Williams Estate and discover for yourself why self-catering is the best way to experience St Helena.
