What We Think
This is simply the most luxurious hotel in The Gambia and since opening in 2008 it has firmly established itself as the place to stay for celebrities, visiting dignitaries and those celebrating a special occasion. That said, it offers excellent value for money compared with spa hotels internationally and the beachfront location is hard to beat.
Whilst for many guests the main attraction is the fantastic spa facility, its stunning location on an unspoilt stretch of beach only a 20-minute walk from Kololi, and the excellent levels of service and cuisine makes this much more than simply a spa hotel.The Moroccan-inspired architecture and décor, featuring high ceilings and domes, have been created to keep the buildings cool as well as producing an elegant design. The hotel’s main swimming pool is surrounded by sun terraces and private seating areas, whilst down on the beach there are individual beach cabanas which can provide welcome shade, however the canopies can peel back when you wish to relax in the sunshine. The grounds slope towards the sea with many steps although golf buggies are available to assist you. This would be the perfect choice for a honeymoon or anyone celebrating a special occasion, and several weddings have already taken place within the hotel and gardens.
Set within lush tropical gardens, all of the open-plan suites and villas are light and airy, however for added comfort we recommend one of the many choices of room upgrades. They are all slightly different in design to make the most of the lush tropical garden setting, with sea views available from penthouses and the new Beach Houses . There are 4 Royal Suites each with its own private plunge pool, with Royal penthouses above (a Royal suite and penthouse can be booked together for larger groups but are self-contained units). 14 Club Villas stand in 2 rows, some with partial sea view and each with an enormous outdoor shaded relaxation area. These share their own pool with sun terraces and area of beach for an even more exclusive experience, along with guests from the 3 impressive new Beach Houses which stand directly overlooking the beach. Steps and sloping pathways link the areas with golf buggies available. All include bathrobes and slippers and complimentary maid service to unpack and iron any essential item on arrival and all have double basins in the ample bathroom.
Within the hotel there is a choice of restaurants with international chefs producing dishes from Morocco, Thailand and Lebanon, as well as European and Gambian inspired cuisine. Fresh ingredients are used wherever possible, many from the hotel’s own gardens. There are a number of restaurants to choose from offering a wide variety of cuisine. The Courtyard Restaurant where guests can enjoy a leisurely champagne breakfast or evening dinners al fresco, the Safran restaurant is an inside alternative with a Thai or international menu and impressive wine cellar and Coco Beach restaurant with an unbeatable location provides lunchtime grills and salads. Half board guests have the choice of dining in any of these restaurants, plus the Avocado restaurant at the Coconut Residence, at no extra charge. And if all this isn’t enough, the lively Kololi resort is just a short taxi ride away
The 1800sq metre, adult-only Spa facility is an integral part of the property with 9 ocean view treatment rooms, providing a full range of treatments on offer by specialist therapists from around the world including Thalasso pool, hammam, sauna, ice plunge pool, pedicures, manicures, facial and beauty treatments, as well as a gym and exercise classes. Again, the exciting use of colour and light which is evident throughout the property create an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and enjoyment with a central relaxation area surrounding the Spa pool. Our clients receive a complimentary foot massage treatment during their stay.
The Coco Ocean occupies an enviable position on a wide stretch of unspoilt beach, next to Bijilo Forest Park Nature Reserve, famous for its green vervet and red colobus monkeys, and the Bijilo Beach hotel. Although there is little activity directly outside the hotel to spoil the peace and tranquility, a 20-minute walk along the sandy beach, or a short taxi ride will bring you to the resort of Kololi with its wide selection of bars and restaurants.
Coco Ocean’s location combined with the luxurious facilities and personal touches evident throughout will assure its position as one of the best hotels in The Gambia and it raises the level of quality accommodation to new heights of luxury.
