What We Think
As the most luxurious hotel in The Gambia, Coco Ocean has established itself as the place to stay for celebrities and discerning holidaymakers looking for elegance and exquisite surroundings. It is perfect for any special occasion, and 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 just 2.5 km from the lively resort of Kololi, and the excellent levels of service and cuisine make 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 and maximise the use of natural light.
You will find sunbeds in tranquil spots around the garden and private seating areas close to the hotel's main tiered swimming pool; down on the beach there are individual cabanas providing welcome shade, however the canopies can peel back if you wish to relax in the sunshine. The grounds slope towards the sea, enhancing the views, although golf buggies are available helping those who may wish to avoid the many steps. Visiting dignitaries and businessmen often hold functions in the the stunning gardens. Coco Ocean 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, but for added comfort we recommend one of the sumptuous room upgrades. 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). The fourteen Club Villas have impressive private outside relaxation area and share a swimming pool beside the ocean, but for the best location in the hotel try one of the three beach houses, which are extremely spacious and sit directly on the beachfront. These also have use of the Club Villa pool. Junior Dome Rooms are light with high ceilings as with the other suites, however are located above reception and vary in size, some without a balcony or without garden views, these are available at a reduction in price on request. 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 and menus, with international chefs producing dishes from Morocco, Thailand and Lebanon, as well as European cuisine. You will also find some exquisite sushi dishes available on the lunchtime menu and, in addition, there are specialities of the day featuring cuisine from around the world. Fresh ingredients are used wherever possible, many from the hotel’s own gardens. The main restaurant offers al fresco or more formal dining and is the perfect place to start the day with a relaxing champagne breakfast, whilst the Coco Beach, serving lunchtime grills, has possibly the best views of any restaurant in The Gambia and now has an evening Thai menu. Half board guests have the choice of dining a la carte in any of these restaurants 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. Clients arriving before the end of October 2012 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.
