What We Think
This beachfront property is now extremely popular as an all-inclusive hotel, as well as offering extensive conference facilities for its corporate guests. The atmosphere is lively in winter, although the small spa with its separate pool offers a tranquil alternative, and the hotel's fantastic location beside the ocean ensures stunning views from both the rooms and public areas.
The appeal of the hotel is obvious as soon as you step into the impressive reception, with views down to the pool area and beach below through huge full length windows. The lower level of the hotel is situated next to the unspoilt beach with lawns surrounding the large infinity swimming pool. There are many pathways and steps within the hotel, although golf buggies are in operation on request and there are two glass lifts connecting the reception, Cremetata buffet restaurant and the pool/bar area.
The Sheraton Hotel is built into the hillside, nestled between giant baobab trees. Its rooms are of a contemporary style, most enjoying sea views from their ocean-facing balcony or terrace. There are 2 wings: the Baobab Wing is closer to the main building and restaurants and houses the Classic rooms, now renamed Standard Baobab rooms, which are fairly compact. There is also a a variety of upgraded room options which are larger and closer to the beach. The tranquil, more exclusive Palm Wing houses the cliff-top Sunset Palm rooms as well as superbly located, beachfront Beach Palm rooms, both of which are larger with a lounge area and offer uninterrupted ocean views from both ground and upper floors.
Dining may be in the elevated Crematata buffet restaurant (not air-conditioned) where breakfast is also served, or there are weekly themed dinners at the poolside. The Bar A Cuda pool bar serves drinks throughout the day and is the main outlet for all-inclusive clients, with an alternative bar in the lobby lounge area which enjoys stunning sea views.
Bed and breakfast can still be booked, but we suggest going ‘all-inclusive’ which is how we price our holidays as this offers greater value and is proving far more popular with our guests, allowing them to budget more effectively for their holiday - see all inclusive information. Although the room accommodation is of a good standard, since the introduction of the all-inclusive option in January 2010 you should not compare this hotel to other business-style Sheraton properties around the world as it is run primarily as a tourist hotel, with a lively atmosphere and less corporate feel, within the context of the Gambian laid-back, friendly attitude towards service.
Located near the village of Brufut, the setting of this hotel is more secluded than some others in our collection, making it ideal for a hotel-based holiday. But with a number of activities on offer including a fitness room with a programme of exercise classes available, beach volleyball and billiards, there is plenty to do along with simply relaxing! The spa offers a good choice of treatments and we particularly recommend a massage overlooking the beach in one of the outdoor treatment cabanas. The lively resort of Kololi is also just a ten minute taxi ride away and the hotel provides a courtesy bus service twice daily. Please note that local excursions are not included in the all-inclusive price but can be booked through your representative.
The Spa is located in a separate building with indoor and outdoor treatment areas, from where you can enjoy a massage overlooking the sea. A 10% discount is available for all-inclusive guests on spa treatments, plus free use of the sauna and steam room from November 2011. See spa information
The all-inclusive package now continues until the standard departure time from the hotel on the day of departure; this does not however automatically entitle guests to a late check out from the rooms which must be vacated by 12 noon to ensure they are ready for arriving guests.
