With the variety of quality resorts and an eclectic mix of sophisticated facilities catering to the needs of all categories of visitors, including the newlyweds, The Gambia, truly deserves its reputation as the honeymooners’ paradise.
The ‘Smiling Coast of West Africa’, as the destination is often tagged by those who have experienced its exciting offerings is worth visiting for romantic escape.
Set in the lush tropical grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the intimate boutique style Ngala Lodge Hotel, Leo’s Heritage Hotel and White House Residence are all fabulous choices for a romantic break. Married couples can choose from comfortable, stylish and beautifully furnished suites, stunning penthouses with private balconies, terraces or gardens all overlooking the Ocean with astounding greenery. Ngala Lodge Hotel provides a relaxed and cozy atmosphere with an emphasis on individual service.
Guests can equally stroll down the colourful gardens and exploit the romantic environment of Sunset Beach Hotel, and as the name suggests, the view of the sunset from the hotel is truly spectacular. At dinner, bird lovers look forward to the pleasure of watching the splendid creation of nature with meals served on the pool terraces that offer a wonderful view of the ocean over the beach.
The wide virgin beach of Kololi is the setting for the Sunswing Beach Resort which offers a perfect setting for wedding receptions for up to 500 people. Lovers can enjoy the sunset with a cool drink in an atmosphere of tranquility. Designed in contemporary African style, all rooms offer either a view of the sea, the hotel swimming pool or gardens. The villas come with fully equipped kitchenettes, separate living rooms and free sun beds with parasols which make them ideal for honeymooners. At night, couples are hosted at the Maddies Beach Club; the ocean-front restaurant & bar, where they enjoy the cool breeze and breath-taking view of the ocean. The hotel is famous for its Friday jazz and Sunday acoustic blues sessions, where guests can enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere until late.
The Ocean Bay Hotel & Resort located at Cape Point, Bakau, is one of the favorite hide outs for honeymooners. The resort offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and a view of a cross section of the Gambia River. All rooms come with comfortable king or double/twin size beds, spacious balconies, mini bars and hairdryers. Honeymooners really feel at home here with 24 hours restaurants, clinic, and bureau d’change and pharmacy service. The hotel truly lives up to its name given the Bay setting where guests can enjoy the calm waters and undertake water sporting activities.
Within the Tourism Development Area, there are nine main resort getaways within the palm fringed Atlantic coast. These resorts run along the entire length of the majestic River Gambia. The resorts are ideal for honeymooners who wish to stay off the beaten track. Each resort offers a unique ecological setting from which couples can choose. Bird Safari Camp, Brefet Cultural Camp, Njawara Cultural Camp, Sindola Safari Camp, Sittanunku Lodge, Tendaba Camp, Tumani Tenda with Makasutu Culture Forest and Sandele Eco Retreat are the notable getaways for honeymooners.
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Situated in Brikama is Makasutu Culture Forest, which was voted the best eco lodge by The Sunday Times, London. Set in a 1,000 acre reserve and encompassing different eco-systems, Makasutu offers an up-market experience which includes 5-star luxury lodge within the meandering and lush green River Gambia “wilderness”. Weddings and wedding receptions are held in the purpose built facilities which offer breathtaking views from all corners of the resort. Guests can enjoy traditional drumming, tribal dancing and singing, guided canoe rides. Visit the “resident holy man” or spend time on short lessons in pottery, cooking, furniture making or wood carving at the resort craft shop.
Sandele Eco Retreat has won a number of awards, including The Guardian’s “Ethical Travel Award” and Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Located in Kartong, Sandele Eco Retreat is set in the forest at the end of miles of beach, with high quality accommodation located in vast, unspoiled surroundings, from where it offers a wide range of activities exclusively for guests.
Most 5-star hotels in The Gambia serve as one-stop venues for weddings, wedding receptions and exquisite lodges for honeymooners. They are not only kitted to host wedding ceremonies in their banquet halls and ball rooms but also host wedding receptions in surrounding beautiful gardens, or on the expansive decks of their swimming pools. The Coco Ocean is a case in point.
So, why wait till next holiday, visit today because romance is in the air for lovers ad fun seekers in The Gambia!
