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16 August 2021

7 of the best hotels in Gambia for the perfect beach holiday

These resorts and hotels in Gambia are perfect for your holiday

If you are planning a beach holiday to Gambia If you're looking to book, you're probably overwhelmed by the sheer number of beach resorts available. Each one boasts beautiful private beaches, palm trees, and a lovely pool. But what are the best hotels in Gambia for complete relaxation during your well-deserved beach holiday? To help you plan your holiday, I've compiled a list of nine wonderful beach resorts and hotels in Gambia. From beach resorts where you'll experience a true African feel through the décor and the curious monkeys at breakfast, to luxury hotels where each room is unique and you'll find complete tranquility in the secluded location.

Tips for the best travel deals and beach holidays to Gambia:

⋙ At Tui Book your 8 days from €359. Senegambia Beach is our absolute favorite! View all offers here >>
⋙ Also at Holiday discounter Book your affordable beach holidays to Gambia. In this article, you'll find some of their most beautiful accommodations. View the entire range here >>
⋙ Via Corendon book a package holiday including flight. The hotels Coco Ocean, balafon en Kombo are perfect for a beach holiday. View all offers for Gambia here >>

 BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Before you leave and book, check the travel advice on Netherlands Worldwide regarding additional measures and your travel insurance.

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Ice cream date, anyone?

One of the newest openings at Amstel1 is De Boule De Boule, an ice cream and pastry parlor just behind Waterlooplein. After trying it, I can confirm: the ice cream is really, really good.

THE VIBE
After seeing their Instagram, you might think of places like Folderol in Paris, the spot that became famous for pairing ice cream with wine.

But De Boule De Boule feels different. Less destination wine bar, more day-time neighborhood café where you can stop by for homemade ice cream, a pastry, coffee and, yes, a glass of wine.

Inside you'll find shelves filled with vinyl records, a display of freshly made ice cream and homemade pastries crafted by two in-house pastry chefs.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗗
Amstel1 is still being discovered by Amsterdam and it was a little quiet during our visit. I expect the vibe to only get better as more shops open and people find their way here. I'm especially curious to see how it feels this weekend with the market taking over the area for the first full weekend. This covered location with a courtyard feel is incredibly promising.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗
• Olive oil & basil ice cream with sea salt
• Chocolate ice cream with hazelnut topping
• Paired with a glass of Chardonnay and an orange wine.

All of the ice cream is made in-house and completely vegan. If nobody had told me, I honestly wouldn't have guessed.

𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧
The ice cream is excellent, but what makes De Boule De Boule interesting is that it's more than an ice cream shop. It's a place for coffee, pastries, a glass of wine or drinks after a performance at the Stopera.

And yes, I'm already planning to go back to try more flavors, but next time in the evening for a dessert after dinner elsewhere. Just to see how the space changes throughout the day. What would I order then? Very curious about the White Coffee ice cream!

ADDRESS
📍 De Boule De Boule
@debouledeboule
Amstel1, Waterlooplein

Would you go for olive oil & basil or keep it classic?

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

137 17
Open post by yourlbb with ID 18108534478934559
Ice cream date, anyone? One of the newest openings at Amstel1 is De Boule De Boule, an ice cream and pastry parlor just behind Waterlooplein. After trying it, I can confirm: the ice cream is really, really good. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 After seeing their Instagram, you might think of places like Folderol in Paris, the spot that became famous for pairing ice cream with wine. But De Boule De Boule feels different. Less destination wine bar, more day-time neighborhood café where you can stop by for homemade ice cream, a pastry, coffee and, yes, a glass of wine. Inside you'll find shelves filled with vinyl records, a display of freshly made ice cream and homemade pastries crafted by two in-house pastry chefs. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗗 Amstel1 is still being discovered by Amsterdam and it was a little quiet during our visit. I expect the vibe to only get better as more shops open and people find their way here. I'm especially curious to see how it feels this weekend with the market taking over the area for the first full weekend. This covered location with a courtyard feel is incredibly promising. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 • Olive oil & basil ice cream with sea salt • Chocolate ice cream with hazelnut topping • Paired with a glass of Chardonnay and an orange wine. All of the ice cream is made in-house and completely vegan. If nobody had told me, I honestly wouldn't have guessed. 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧 The ice cream is excellent, but what makes De Boule De Boule interesting is that it's more than an ice cream shop. It's a place for coffee, pastries, a glass of wine or drinks after a performance at the Stopera. And yes, I'm already planning to go back to try more flavors, but next time in the evening for a dessert after dinner elsewhere. Just to see how the space changes throughout the day. What would I order then? Very curious about the White Coffee ice cream! 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 📍 De Boule De Boule @debouledeboule Amstel1, Waterlooplein Would you go for olive oil & basil or keep it classic? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck

Today marks 43 ☺️🎈

But when I look in the mirror, I still see that 28-year-old girl who, 15 years ago, had no idea that she would turn her hobby into her job.
Thanks for being there (perhaps for so long) to follow this adventure 🫶🏼❤️.

✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck

222 107
Open post by yourlbb with ID 17990940635977466
Today marks 43 ☺️🎈 But when I look in the mirror, I still see that 28-year-old girl who, 15 years ago, had no idea she would turn her hobby into her job. Thanks for being there (perhaps for so long) to follow this adventure 🫶🏼❤️. ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck

Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢

Straight from the airport to this little place to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉 <3

In Taipei, you go to a Soy Milk Shop for breakfast. Warm soy milk to eat in a bowl, and steam baskets with the tastiest dumplings and baozi. You can really wake me up for this kind of breakfast. These local breakfast spots come in all shapes and sizes, from Michelin-recommended spots to hole-in-the-wall stalls.

Most soy milk shops open early (and sometimes even 24 hours a day), and these are the dishes you want to try:
🥄 Warm soy milk
🥢 Soup dumplings (you can often choose between pork and veggies)
🥢 Pork baozi
🥢 Youtiao (油條 - a kind of fried donut stick)
🥢 Youtiao (油條) w/ pork floss & rice
🥢 Turnip cake
🥢 Chives pancake
🥢 Scallion pancake

TIP: Sharing is a good idea to taste as much as possible, because the portions are (often) large.

You'll want to remember these soy milk shops for your future trip to Taipei:
📍Fuhang Soy Milk
📍Soy Milk Shop
📍Yong He Soya Milk King (Da'an)
📍Sihai Soy Milk

I am currently touring Taiwan, and you can also find all the tips in my Stories Highlight.

Have you ever been to Taiwan? I'm curious if you thought it was *that* amazing!

✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck

#taipeifood #taipeitravel #TaiwanWavesOfWonder #ExperienceTaiwan @taiwantoerisme #presstrip

{ In this Taiwan Travel Guide video, I share my favorite breakfast spots in Taipei for an authentic Taiwanese breakfast }

85 23
Open post by yourlbb with ID 18114837760796928
Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉

7 Best Beach Hotels in Gambia You'll Want to Book Now

Senegambia Beach Hotel

This hotel gives you a true African feel with its tropical garden, featuring exotic birds, numerous palm trees, and monkeys that will join you for some much-needed me-time by the pool. The hotel is located in the heart of Kololi, about 15 km from Banjul Airport, right on the beach. Don't feel like lounging on the beach? Then cool off in one of the pools or sip a cocktail at the pool bar while enjoying the sunset. In the evening, you can quickly reach the Senegambia Strip, where you can truly experience Gambian culture. Here, locals and tourists alike dine all evening, enjoy live music, and dance until the wee hours. This hotel is perfect if you enjoy the opportunity to explore the lively scene outside the hotel in the evening.

View the rates

Senegambia Beach Hotel

Leo's Beach

Looking for a charming boutique hotel? Leo's Beach is located in Brufut, about 3 km from Bijilo National Park and 11 km from Banjul Airport. Leo's Beach is a truly exceptional hotel in the Gambia. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and rooms feature a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. The hotel offers sea views, free private parking, and boasts the best-rated location in Brufut. A continental breakfast is served every morning at this hotel, and in the evening, you can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. local dishes try it and believe me, you will want this!

View the rates

Ⓒ Leo's Beach Hotel

Ngala Lodge

This hotel is small, stylish, and once again surrounded by a tropical garden teeming with beautiful birds. Ngala Lodge is one of my favorite hotels in Gambia! You can completely unwind here; there are no children, it has a lovely private beach, and it's situated on a clifftop, offering stunning views. Feel like exercising? Then you can head to the golf course next door or swim laps in the pool as the sun sets. Want to explore? Then you can head to Cape Point, about 3 km from the hotel.

Ngala Lodge is housed in an old colonial mansion with African elements, and art is featured throughout the hotel, even by the pool! I stayed in a wonderfully spacious suite, and a fun fact is that each suite in the hotel is decorated by a different designer, making it unique. If you're ready for some me-time and relaxation, Ngala Lodge In my opinion, it's the perfect base for a beach holiday in Gambia. The hotel is located 26 km from Banjul Airport.

View the rates

ngala lodge

White Horse Residence

Do you love having a massage every day on vacation? Then White Horse Residence in Tanjii is perfect for you. It's a spa with a wellness center and its own private beach. Relaxation is guaranteed here. Want to get out and about? Free bike rentals are available! You can also enjoy various water sports in the area, such as fishing and canoeing. If you're looking to book a hotel near Tanjii, this one has the best reviews!

View the rates

Ⓒ White Horse Residence

Kombo Beach

This is by far one of the most popular hotels in Gambia, situated on the beach, surrounded by a tropical garden, and close to the center of Kotu. Perfect for a relaxing holiday! Good to know: this hotel has the recognized Travelife Gold sustainability certification, which means they are committed to water and energy use, waste recycling, fair treatment of employees, use regional products, and are actively involved with the local community. If you feel like venturing out, not only is the center of Kotu nearby, but many shops and restaurants are also within walking distance of Kombo Beach. A nice touch: the owner is Dutch. Banjul Airport is about a 20-minute drive away.

View the rates

kombo beach

Hibiscus House Gambia

This is one of the hotels in Gambia where you can truly experience a true African feel thanks to the beautiful colors, the décor, and the small huts you sleep in. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beach, but also features an outdoor pool. It's a 10-minute drive from Bijilo, 20 minutes from Serrekunda, and approximately 25 kilometers from Banjul Airport. The hotel restaurant serves primarily local dishes, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample Gambian cuisine. A fun fact: the suites have names like the Coconut Suite and the Avocado Suite.

View the rates

Ⓒ Hibiscus House

Djembe Beach Resort

Is a wonderful resort where you can enjoy the sun at any time of the day, anywhere. At the beach, the pool, the other pool, or just while you local cuisine tries on the terrace. Djembe Beach Resort is located approximately 14 kilometers from the airport and 1,2 kilometers from the Bijilo Monkey Park. Feel like exercising? Then you can play tennis, cycle, or swim a few laps in one of the swimming pools. Tip: the hotel is practically next door. Poco Loco, the place to have a bite to eat, a drink and some dancing in the evening! 

View the rates

These beach resorts and hotels in Gambia will ensure an unforgettable holiday in any case, enjoy!

Gambia Travel Tips

How to get there: with Tui, Holiday discount en Corendon You can fly from Amsterdam to Gambia every few days, either directly or with a short stopover in Senegal. Did you know that the flight takes only about six hours and that in our winter, it's summer there? This makes it the perfect winter sun destination for us!

Tips for the best travel deals to Gambia:
⋙ Also at Holiday discounter Book your affordable beach holidays to Gambia. In this article, you'll find some of their most beautiful accommodations. View the entire range here >>
⋙ Via Corendon book a package holiday including flight. The hotels Coco Ocean, balafon en Kombo are perfect for a beach holiday. View all offers for Gambia here >>
⋙ At Tui Book your 8 days from €359. Senegambia Beach is our absolute favorite! View all offers here >>

More helpful tips for Gambia? Check out our other lists:

Want to view more Yourlbb approved hotels?

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Useful websites to find your perfect hotel:

1 Our favorite website for booking hotels is Booking.comIf you regularly book hotel rooms here, you will be Genius member And you have access to secret deals and extra discounts. Which filters do we always use to find the best hotels? Choose a high review score, set your maximum budget, and select the neighborhood you want to stay in. Or search using the map function, paying extra attention to whether there's a metro station nearby. Click here to immediately search for a hotel for your next trip >>
2 Don't let the word scare you off package trip, because travel organizations such as Corendon en Tui also have hotels and apartments in their portfolio that are small-scale and unique. Or consider, for example, a Eliza Was Here where your journey is completed by the freedom of a rental car.
3 Prefer a your house or a apartment? Of course we all know Airbnb, but also consider providers such as: Belville en Interhome (with a wide range throughout Europe), Dream parks (where they have tiny houses in the Netherlands, among other things), Landal of Nature house (with beautiful houses in nature). For the most beautiful holiday homes in France, visit the website Gites.nl is recommended.

Travel hack you want to know

It's a thing in America, and in the Netherlands, it's one of the best-kept secrets among travel bloggers. With the right credit card, you can earn points without even realizing it, which you can use to book (Business Class) flights. How exactly does that work? In this blog we explain it >>

Tips for cheap flights and more

We book quite a few flights each year, but if a destination is easily accessible by train, we prefer to take the train. Because no one wants to overpay for a ticket, my tip is to subscribe to newsletters so you're the first to know about special offers.
► Via NS International Book your international train tickets such as London and Berlin. For most routes, such as the Thalys to ParisYou can book tickets up to three months in advance. That's also when the fares are lowest! Click here to discover which cities are easily accessible by train >>
► Sometimes you already know where you want to go, but sometimes it's fun to be inspired by interesting ticket deals that others have found. Check out the Vliegwinkel website for more information. top 5 popular cheap tickets and other deals.
►Do you, like Your Little Black Book, want to offset your flights for CO2 emissions? Then read on here simple how you can do that!

Happy travels!

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| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.

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Read more?

6 Winter Sun Destinations You Want to Book Now

Best time to travel in February: 37 X destinations where the weather is warm

7 of the best hotels in Gambia for the perfect beach holiday

Gambia Travel Guide: 61 tips from hotels to restaurants and fun things to do

16 fun things to do in Gambia besides relaxing on the beach

8 Local Dishes You Want to Try During Your Gambia Holiday

 

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