As already mentioned, we have had honeymooners stay at all properties from the simple 2 grade African Village to the luxurious Coco Ocean Resort & Spa and everything in between; below are our suggestions for the best honeymoon hotels and rooms in The Gambia.
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa
Opened in December 2008, the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa is a breathtaking boutique hotel on a beautiful stretch of beach in Bijilo. It has raised the standard of accommodation in The Gambia and is comparable to luxurious hotels in the Caribbean or Asia, however holidays here will cost much less. The hotel is an ideal honeymoon property and has a wide range of spacious and well-equipped suites – the standard Junior Suite is very comfortable with a king size bed, designer furnishings, bathrobes, slippers and a complimentary maid service to unpack your bags on arrival. However for a real treat, why not start your married life in a Beach Club Villa with its own private terrace overlooking the ocean?
The Coco Ocean Spa provides the perfect place to pamper yourself and relax after the stresses of arranging your wedding day. You will receive a complimentary Hammam in the 1800m2 spa facility (an upgrade from the foot massage other Gambia Experience guests receive) and honeymooners also receive flowers and Champagne in the room on arrival. The hotel prides itself on the first class personal service it provides and honeymooners can experience the hotel’s stunning romantic location by enjoying a private dinner on the beach, in one of the hotel’s beach cabanas, on their balcony or anywhere within the grounds.
Ngala Lodge
Ngala Lodge is a boutique hotel with just 18 suites set on a cliff top overlooking the ocean. The property is particularly well known for its first-class cuisine and prides itself on the individual service it provides, for example guests can enjoy a massage or manicure in their suite or choose to have breakfast on their private balcony. Our tip would be to book The Penthouse which is set over two floors with a private roof terrace and skylight overlooking the bed – what could be more romantic than watching the stars from your bed? Alternatively, the Atlantic Suites are possibly the most impressive with their own private Jacuzzi. Honeymooners receive a bottle of wine in the room on arrival and are also given a personal waiter for the evening to enjoy dinner at the Lodge’s Bantaba in the beach garden and complimentary sunset cocktail.
Mandina Lodges
To experience something truly memorable on your honeymoon, add a few nights at the unique yet upmarket Mandina Lodges. You can combine a 3 or 4-night stay at Mandina with a stay at any coastal hotel in The Gambia to experience more of real Africa. The lodges are set in a 1000-acre forest on a tributary of the river and there are stilted loges, floating river lodges and jungle lodges to choose from. Experience the unforgettable dawn chorus, paddle through the mangroves in a dug-out canoe, and dine by candlelight on your own private terrace watching the sun set over the African bush. A unique taste of Africa you’ll never forget! Honeymooners receive complimentary wine and flowers in the Lodge.
Experience Senegal
It is also possible to spend a few days or longer in neighbouring Senegal to experience more of West Africa which will particularly suit honeymooners with a more adventurous spirit. There is an excellent choice of hotels in northern Senegal which work well as a twin-centre or multi-centre holiday with a stay in The Gambia. We would particularly recommend 5* Le Royal Lodge or a tree house in a Baobab at Lodge des Collines de Niassam.
To discuss your ideas for a honeymoon please call 0845 330 2060 or email holidays@gambia.co.uk
It is also possible for us to arrange your wedding in The Gambia – for more details click here or contact us for our Weddings leaflet.
