Find your perfect place to dine at Coco Ocean

My Magazine 2022/10

3 min

Coco Ocean Resort & Spa remains one of the most luxurious five stars hotels in The Gambia. Nestled beneath the Kuoni trees and blooming hydrangea flowers is where you shall first discover the iconic domes of this boutique-style property.

The Moorish architecture is set amongst well-manicured gardens that flow down towards a beautiful golden sandy beach and the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean. An oasis of chic design where soft pastel tones combine seamlessly with the crisp, minimal white – a signature of Coco Ocean Resort & Spa.

Birds sing cheerfully in the trees, and Green Vervet monkeys can be seen frolicking by the beach and upon the green lawns just meters from your table. Tall coconut palms and many flowers dot the terraces and follow the walkways down to the sea. Soothing hang drum music carries through the air, complimenting the magical atmosphere surrounding it.

In addition to the spectacular landscape, prime oceanfront location and excellent service, Coco Ocean Resort & Spa guests can choose between 13 different areas and layouts to enjoy their meal. There is no place of its kind in The Gambia.

Breakfast begins from six until ten-thirty at Saffran restaurant. Admire the grand domed architecture of the restaurant, reminiscent of old Moorish styles. Large windows overlooking the Saffran courtyard and a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean allow an open, airy atmosphere.

Start with a hot cup of coffee, English breakfast tea or a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice. On the menu, one will find classic breakfast options such as poached eggs Benedict or omelette of your choice, both served with sides of sausage, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms or Norwegian smoked salmon. Indulge with vanilla French toast, homemade waffles, crispy crepes or pancakes with maple syrup, fresh cream and sliced banana. Enjoy house-made yoghurt, a smoothie blended with seasonal fruits or maybe a simple but hearty porridge with milk, honey and slices of apple to top it off. There is also a buffet that offers fresh fruit, including pineapple, melon, cantaloupe, and oranges. There are muffins, croissants, tarts and slices of banana bread. Oatmeal, cereals and veggies are available as well.

One can choose three different areas to enjoy the meal: indoors, Saffran courtyard by the ornamental pool or in the lounge area on comfortable sofas or dining tables by the terraced pools overlooking the ocean.

As the morning comes to an end, you can choose to dine at Saffran fine-dining restaurant or make your way down to the Coco Beach Restaurant.

Coco Beach Restaurant offers lunch from 12 pm to 7 pm in seven different dining settings. Whether sitting in the restaurant, large outdoor terrace, veranda, lounge area, under the palm trees, the beach cabanas or sunbeds, you will enjoy the view and sea breeze as you savour your meal. Lunch can also be served at the main pool – a three-tiered design located between the Saffran Fine Dining and Coco Beach restaurant.

Light pastel colours and ambient lighting adds to an already romantic and tropical feel. From options such as lasagna al Forno to lobster bisque, the Coco Beach menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and appetising snacks. Choose from an extensive selection of beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks and juices. For those with little ones, a children's menu is also available.

After lunch, there is a choice of delicious desserts. Rich and creamy strawberry cheesecake, a fresh seasonal fruit platter and four flavours of homemade ice cream (vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or coconut.) All of which are incisive sweet tooth satisfaction. Each dish is carefully arranged into a fine presentation, both eye-catching and photo-worthy.

Coco Beach Restaurant is also well-known for its regular Sunday Brunch (every Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm).

As the sun sets into the sea, choose to dine at the Saffran, which offers International, Moroccan and Thai specialities or have a snack meal and a drink at Sugar Cane VIP bar & lounge. Dinner is served from 7 pm to 11 pm (or longer).

If you stay at Coco Ocean, you can also order your meal at the private pool or your room. Coco Ocean offers 24 hours room service!

Here holidays and special events are celebrated. There are options for private bookings and packages tailored to one’s specifications and requests. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, business lunches, and more can be organised. It is a perfect place to host an event, as it will most certainly be unforgettable.

The waiting staff and service, along with the scrumptious food, cannot be forgotten. They are both prompt and attentive, seeking to cater to one's needs in a professional, friendly manner. They strive to make the dining experience as pleasant as possible!

This is the place to be if you are looking for a high-end yet unique and entertaining venue. Noted as the best of the best in its category within the Smiling Coast. Coco Ocean Resort & Spa leaves nothing to be desired or wished for because it has it all and possibly more than expected!