Sitting on a tiled bench in nothing but a paper g-string is not how I would typically picture the start of a day’s pampering but that is exactly how my morning started; I’m here to enjoy the delights of this beautiful spa, including a traditional Moroccan hammam, in the most opulent and stylish hotel in The Gambia. I’m a firm believer that if you want to give your best to other people whether family, friends, work or even volunteering, you have to make time to look after yourself and what better way to do this than at Coco Ocean Gambia!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information about affiliate links, please visit our Affiliate DIsclosure and Review Policy.
Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, The Gambia, West Africa
Coco Ocean’s Moroccan themed architecture, with white domes shining brightly under the African sun, is stylish and elegant. The attentive staff (that appear to outnumber the guests), the lovely beachside location, the excellent restaurants and the sleek interior design, all add up to make an extraordinarily luxuriant and beautiful hotel. Click on any image below to view the full gallery.
Check out what people are saying about Coco Ocean on Trip Advisor.
The Coco Ocean’s Heaven of Traditions
The spa itself exudes calm and tranquillity both inside and out. My treatment starts with a hammam. I expected to feel embarrassed sitting here in nothing but a paper g-string, but I don’t, and as I am washed from head to toe, the cares of the world drift away. After relaxing in the steam room for a while, I am smothered in black soap and another relaxation period follows. The soap is then washed off, and my therapist proceeds to scrub me removing layers of dead skin. It’s a very thorough exfoliation leaving your skin silky smooth. The whole process takes an hour and if you’ve never tried it before I would highly recommend it!
Having showered, I’m led to another room for my hot stone massage and for another blissful hour, I let the feeling of total relaxation envelop me as my massage therapist skillfully kneads my body with the heated pebbles. This treatment is divine with just the right amount of pressure being used to be both relaxing and beneficial.
Lastly, I move to a white leather recliner with a view of the ocean. A gentle sea breeze caresses me as I sip a refreshing cup of herbal tea. Another expert massage therapist appears and weaves her magic on my feet for half an hour. Gazing out to sea, my mind slowly returns to being in the present.
And so I leave the spa feeling thoroughly relaxed, rejuvenated, exfoliated and detoxified and all for a fraction of the cost of such a treatment in Europe.
After a walk on the deserted sandy beach, I tuck into an excellent lunch at the beachside restaurant. Feeling both relaxed and recharged I’m ready to take on the world!
For more information visit Coco Ocean Resort & Spa or for package holidays from the UK visit, The Gambia Experience part of the Serenity Holidays group. My treatments were complimentary for review purposes.
Boutique Travel Blog’s founder and editor, Kathryn, also blogs at TravelWithKat.com where she shares her passion for discovering new countries, cultures and cuisines.
Two and a half hours of bliss by the sounds of things and at an excellent price. Your post has me feeling that it’s been far too long since I had a pampering session!
What about one on company expenses? You’ll work better after! OK, better not 😉
Ha – I’d have trouble explaining that one away!
Looks like a lovely place! But where is it? I’ve never heard of The Gambia. Would be a great idea to tell your readers where they are in a story.
It’s in West Africa and not as well known as it should be! I’ll add it in 🙂