MY MAGAZINE
READ ALL ARTICLES HERE
ACCOMMODATIONtrips & activitiesdiningDIRECTORYevents

Top Weekend Events & Relaxation Spots

My Magazine 2024/04
5 min
TRAVEL
Dear sun seekers and relaxation enthusiasts! If you've opted for accommodation in The Gambia without a beachfront oasis or poolside retreat, or if you're simply looking to change your environment, then this guide is just for you. We've curated a selection of 11 places just for you. From beachside bliss to poolside perfection, join us as we uncover the ultimate spots to unwind and indulge in a leisurely weekend escape.

Indeed, The Gambia's array of beachfront and poolside brunch options is ever-expanding. Our team has personally explored several of these venues and captured stunning photos and videos to share with you. We take pride in offering our readers authentic, firsthand experiences, helping you choose the perfect spot for your weekend indulgence.

Here's a list of some of our favourite places: 

1. Bakadaji Hotel 

Bakadaji Hotel is known for hosting events throughout the week, and the weekend is no exception. The weekend activities at Bakadaji start on Friday evening with its African Fridays (watch the video here) - where it's all things African -from cuisine to music, and guests can even wear traditional African attires.

The next in line is the Salsa Evening (click here for the video) on Saturdays - International cuisine and a live band playing salsa music to keep the tempo alive and upbeat. The Salsa Night is for ages 16 and above.

Sunday is packed with 2 events - brunch and an evening buffet, thereby catering to customers with different requirements. The Sunday Brunch ( watch the video here) is perfect for families who are looking for a day of poolside relaxation and a scrumptious meal - from 1 pm to 5 pm.

However, if you're an evening person, then try the Sunday evening buffet - a perfect ending to your weekend.

Bakadaji believes in quality over quantity, so you can be sure you're getting your money's worth. There are a variety of fresh salads for even the most discerning palates. From crisp and vibrant veggies to tangy dressings and sprinklings of herbs, each bite is a burst of freshness. Perfect for salad lovers! But leave space in your tummies for the mouthwatering main courses and the finger-licking desserts!

Location: Bertil Harding Highway, Kololi.

T: +220 228 0234

For the latest prices, updates and information on events and offerings, follow Bakadaji Hotel on Facebook and Instagram. 

Check out Bakadaji Hotel here!

2. Tamala Beach Resort

Are you looking for a dining experience that combines exquisite flavours, breathtaking scenery, and a lively ambience? Tamala offers a culinary extravaganza with a wide variety of sumptuous dishes that will blow your mind. 

If you're a BBQ lover, the Grill Night at Tamala on Saturdays, Sundays and Thursdays is for you. Watch your food grilled and plated by skilled chefs and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views and breeze.

The Fish Market (watch the video here) every Friday evening is a celebration of seafood in all its glory. Choose your favourites from the day's catch and watch as the skilled chefs transform them into culinary delights right before your eyes - pan-seared or grilled over charcoal to seal in the flavours and preserve their natural freshness. The live acrobatic show showcasing Gambia's finest talent adds excitement to your dining experience.

On Sundays, take your taste buds on a tantalising journey with a coveted selection of Gambian, Continental, Indian and Middle-Eastern delicacies that will leave you spellbound! The Sunday Brunch (check out the video here) promises a great day of a lavish and indulgent meal, pool access and a Live band.

Location: Kotu

T: +220 732 7777

WhatsApp: +220 732 7777

For the latest updates and information on events and offerings at Tamala Beach Resort, follow them on Facebook and Instagram

3. Kombo Beach Resort

At Kombo Beach Resort, the week is filled with exciting events to satisfy every need.

Every Friday is dedicated to BBQ lovers with Gambian and Indian flavours - chicken, beef and seafood. Enjoy a live band, wrestling, cultural dancers, and acrobats.

The Kombo Beef Bonanza pays tribute to all things beef with a variety of salads, bread, potatoes and sauces to bring out that ultimate flavour.

Dive into a delightful Sunday Family Brunch (click here for the video), where you can enjoy a delectable spread with your loved ones. Swim, dine and unwind!

And finally, the grand finale of the weekly events is the Seafood Spectacle - exclusively for prawn lovers!

Location: Kotu

T: +220 545 7777

WhatsApp: +220 545 7777 

For the latest updates and information, follow Kombo Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram

4. Balafon Beach Resort

Join Balafon Beach Resort every Friday for an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Italy in The Gambia. From mouthwatering pasta dishes to flavourful pizzas and decadent desserts, the Italian Night (watch the video here) offers a culinary journey that delights the senses. Savour every bite against the backdrop of the serene beachfront setting, with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.

Sundays are sizzling hot at Balafon's Barbecue Day (click here for the video) with mouthwatering BBQ delights, breathtaking beach views, live music vibes and a cocktail paradise.

Location: Kololi

T: +220 209 7777

WhatsApp: +220 209 7777

For the latest updates and information on events and offerings at Balafon Beach Resort, follow them on Facebook and Instagram

5. African Princess Beach Hotel

At the African Princess Beach Hotel (check out this beautiful hotel here), visitors can order from the menu at their Flamingo Restaurant. The pool pass is GMD1000 per person and includes a towel and a sunbed. 

Location: Kotu

T:+220 733 3357

For the latest updates and information, follow African Princess Beach Hotel on Facebook and Instagram. 

6. Coco Ocean Resort & Spa

Experience Coco Ocean's Sunday Brunch (click here to watch the video) with a wide variety of succulent seafood, mouthwatering lamb, tender beef dishes, and tantalizing Moroccan specialities, as well as a Thai station, a BBQ station, and Gambian Afra. There is also a station serving a large variety of local juices, mocktails, and water and a live band to keep you entertained. A pool pass is included in the Brunch price, and children need adult supervision to be able to swim.
 
Location: Bijilo
 
 
For the latest updates and information, follow Coco Ocean Resort & Spa on Facebook and Instagram. 
 

7. Kololi Beach Resort

An experience at the Kololi Beach Resort (check out the beauty of this resort here) is as much about enjoying a cocktail at sunset as it is about spotting some birds, watching the monkeys, taking a dip in one of the pools, or just soaking up the sun on a comfy sunbed.

With a choice of two restaurants - Salt Kitchen and Bar and Mani Sushi - visitors are spoilt for choice.

Salt Kitchen and Bar offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean with an excellent choice of international cuisines and refreshing cocktails.

At Mani Sushi, the menu offers a unique combination of hot & cold appetizers, a variety of raw and cooked fish, sashimi, sushi rolls, soups & hot dishes, along with dazzling views of the pool and the Atlantic Ocean. Our hot dishes include choices like crispy duck, teriyaki, Mongolian beef, and Thai noodles.

On Saturdays, AK The Solo Singer serenades guests with soulful melodies from 8 pm, while Sundays come alive with the smooth sounds of The popular Saxoplayer in the afternoon.

Location: Kololi

T: +220 713 4203

For the latest updates and information, follow Kololi Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram. 

8. Poco Loco Beach Club

Poco Loco (click here for the video) has great entertainment throughout the week. The weekend at Poco Loco starts with Gudi Ambience every Friday with Morr Wally. Lovely ocean breeze, shisha, amazing food, awesome cocktails, shakes and smoothies. Entrance is GMD300 per person.

Don't miss The Revolution Band playing on Sundays, delivering electrifying performances that will keep you dancing all night.

The next time you visit Poco Loco, check out the fantastic views from their VIP Lounge Area upstairs.

Poco Loco has great entertainment on Saturdays as well, so keep watching their social media for the latest updates and information. 

Location: Kololi

T: +220 274 2500

For the latest updates and information, follow Poco Loco Beach Club on Facebook and Instagram

9. Afro Garden Hotel

Afro Garden Hotel offers a unique and affordable experience for travellers seeking a different kind of holiday in The Gambia or for residents looking for a day of relaxation by the pool. There is no charge for using the pool if you order something from the menu for GMD300 and above. This offer is open not only on Sundays but throughout the week, ensuring that if you are in the mood for a swim, you can head off to the Afro Garden Hotel and cool down for a swim and a great meal.

Location: Bijilo

Tel: +220 529 3370 or +220 755 5200

WhatsApp: +220 529 3370 or +220 755 5200

For the latest updates and information, follow Afro Garden Hotel on Facebook.

10. Bojang River Lodge

Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Bojang River Lodge (watch the beauty of the lodge here) offers you unique heart-shaped pools and beautiful gardens, and the Mangrove Restaurant (check out the new restaurant here) features a menu that combines local and international flavours. So you could take a stroll on the beach or take a dip in their pool while you wait for your food to be ready. They also have a little heart-shaped pool for the kids. And when you're there, don't forget to catch a glimpse of the crocodile!

Location: Cape Point

Pool Pass rates are - GMD300 (10 years and above)
                                         GMD150 (2 yrs - 10 yrs)

T: +220 202 2988

For the latest updates and information, follow Bojang River Lodge on Facebook and Instagram

11. Sarges Hotel

Sarges Hotel also offers a pool pass for GMD500 per person. And you can order a la carte from their in-house restaurant.

Location: Kololi

T: +220 282 5413

For the latest updates and information, follow Sarges Hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

12. Calabash Residence

Get ready to soak up the sun and make a splash at Calabash Residence (click here to check out Calabash). Enjoy unlimited access to the sparkling pool from noon to 7 pm, where you can lounge, swim, and unwind to your heart's content while enjoying a scrumptious meal from their in-house restaurant, The Terrace.

Location: Kotu

Pool Pass RateGMD750 per person

Tel: +220 777 6600

For the latest updates and information, follow Calabash Residence on Facebook and Instagram

Follow us on social media for more updates

Did you enjoy this article? Share it with friends >>>

Afro Garden Hotel: Affordable Luxury, Unmatched Hospitality
African Princess Beach Hotel: Royal Serenity
Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

All articles

    Subscribe To Our Magazine
    No spam, notifications only about new issues.
    Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

    Other articles

    The Role of the Griot and the Origins of the Kora
    The word "griot" may be unfamiliar to many, but it denotes a revered role that has been crucial in the history of West Africa, particularly from the M...
    Community Power in Action: 100 Trees Planted
    On July 26, 2024, a remarkable display of international collaboration and environmental stewardship unfolded as the Indian High Commission in Dakar, t...
    First Lady Leads Landmark Forum at Prime Atlantic Hotel
    Recently, Prime Atlantic Hotel in Banjul played host to a prestigious forum, marking a monumental moment in The Gambia's healthcare landscape. The eve...
    Dunes Resort Reopens as Dunas Boutique Hotel Under A New Management
    Located in Kotu, the newly refurbished Dunas Boutique Hotel (previously Dunes Resort) opened its doors to the public on January 27th, 2024 under a new...
    © MyGambia 2024
    Developed by MarkLab

    My Gambia Team

    Typically replies within 30 minutes

    We will be back soon.

    Hey there 👋
    We are here to help. What can I do for you?
    Start Chat with us
    chat