With the new series of Married at First Sight UK on our screens, we are excited to see that the first lucky couple have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to The Gambia!
Last night’s episode saw the newly married couples embark on their exciting honeymoons. Lacey and Nathan jetted off to west Africa and winter sun destination, The Gambia. They were staying at the beautiful African Princess Beach Hotel and delved into a thrilling itinerary of local culture and wildlife. You can follow in their footsteps on your own Gambian getaway with The Gambia Experience.
Compared to the other destinations fellow couples visited on the show, (Thailand, Jamaica and Mexico), The Gambia is just a six-hour flight from the UK, meaning that Nathan and Lacey were able to enjoy their honeymoon without jetlag, as there is no time difference between The Gambia and the UK.
Here is what they got up to and how you can get your very own Married at First Sight experience.
Relax in style at the African Princess Beach Hotel
Located in south Kotu this contemporary hotel is the ideal choice for a special getaway or honeymoon. With a stunning beachfront location, on a stretch of golden sand as far as the eye can see, you can imagine romantic strolls along the shore and lazy days under the African sunshine.
For added luxury, African Princess offers ground floor pool rooms, with direct access to the alluring pools from your room! If you are looking for indulgence and relaxation you can head to the on-site spa for a treatment or two.
Discover the fantastic African Princess Beach Hotel here, with package prices in 2024/2025 from £1089pp.
The Gambian Reptile Park
The park is a sanctuary for native Gambian reptiles and the ideal place to witness local wildlife. The couple received a guided tour of the park during the programme and were given the chance to see the wildlife up close.
The park operates on the entrance fees from visitors and carries out important work and studies into the wildlife, as well as helping local Gambians to have a better understanding of the animals.
The Gambia has plenty to offer when it comes to birds and wildlife; explore our excursions, tours and packages that are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cooking with Ida
Lacey and Nathan headed out for the day to take part in a spot of Gambian cooking with Ida Cham, a well-known name in The Gambia. The couple cooked a delicious traditional dish with local produce, before enjoying their efforts in a secluded spot together. The dish was a hit with the couple, both saying it was the best food they'd tried and couldn't wait to make it back home!
If you are looking to soak up some Gambian culture on your holiday, Ida offers a brilliant day out and an eye-opening cultural experience. Begin the day by shopping for ingredients at a local market in Tanji, you will then have the chance to prepare the dish, learning about traditional techniques and ingredients used. Your efforts are rewarded when you sit down to eat your meal with Ida and her family. This is a great excursion that offers an authentic and intimate experience, giving you the chance to create lasting memories.
Check out our excursions page for holiday inspiration.
Beach time
The couple were filmed playing a spot of beach volleyball on their honeymoon. The beaches in The Gambia are renowned for their beauty, coupled with sunshine and warm breezes, it is the perfect place to spend a relaxing beach holiday.
Whether you wish to play volleyball, sunbathe or sit back and watch the world go by, there is no shortage of remarkable beaches in The Gambia!
On their final night, the couple relaxed under the stars with a romantic meal at the Paradise Beach Club in Kotu. With delicious food right on the sands of the beach, it was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxed dinner as a couple. There are plenty of amazing beachside bars and restaurants to discover in The Gambia.
