Leo’s Hotel, The Gambia

For a winter sun destination, consider The Gambia.

 The Gambia is probably not at the top of your list if you wanted winter sunshine.  It wasn’t on mine either till Ian surprised me (again, I know I do love surprises) for a week away for my birthday at Leo’s Hotel, The Gambia.  Ian had booked the holiday with ‘The Gambia Experience’ which included flights, hotel and airport transfers.  The flight from the UK is only six hours, winter temperatures average at 32°C and as it is on the same time zone so ‘NO’ jet lag!  We stayed at Leo’s Hotel in The Gambia which is an adults-only, small, chic, family run, boutique hotel located in Brufut Heights.

We were greeted at the airport by the driver to be transferred to Leo’s hotel – the transfer was under an hour and allowed us to view some beautiful scenery on the journey.  The owners, Nina and Alois, were very friendly on arrival and welcomed us with a drink and gave us a tour of the hotel and our room.

Leo’s Hotel has 5 double rooms located on the first floor and one suite with a garden view.  The double rooms are very spacious, light and modern with beautiful, private views from the balcony.  All rooms are overlooking the swimming pool, which lights up at night, with the garden and ocean in the distance .  Walking out onto the balcony every morning with amazing views was heaven!

Each double room includes the following:

• Air conditioning and ceiling fan
• Mini safe
• Mobile phone to use during your stay
• Minibar
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• LCD flat screen
• Stereo system

No need to worry about the mosquitoes as there’s mossie nets on the windows.  Free wifi is provided throughout the hotel.

There were plenty of sun loungers around the pool and garden area.  As you walk through the garden you can relax in the hut and have a quiet drink.  At the end of the garden, walk down the wooden steps and you’ll reach miles and miles of sandy beach.  Here you can walk for ages and only come across a handful of friendly people.  With only 5 rooms we felt we were here on our own most of the time.  Probably because there is plenty to do in The Gambia from exploring to strolling the local markets haggling for a bargain.

Breakfast was included with the room rate.  The breakfast menu was extensive with a selection of fruit juices, fruit salad, continental and hot breakfast.

The restaurant at Leo’s Hotel catered for lunch and dinner offering various Mediterranean and Gambian cuisines using the freshest ingredients.  The hotel was very popular with the local residents and offered plenty of tables for anyone wishing to dine there too.  Food here was fantastic; fresh and full of flavour served by super friendly staff who were really attentive.

On the evening of my birthday, Ian had booked the whole restaurant for a few hours.  We had a whole sea bass and the owner of the hotel even made me a chocolate and strawberry birthday cake!  The cake was divine.  Definitely a birthday to remember!

For a few evenings, we took a short taxi ride to the nearest town and sampled a couple of the local restaurants.

The hotel is child free, located in a very quiet area of Brufut and two minutes from the secluded beach.  The owners of the Leo’s hotel were very accommodating and went out of their way to ensure we had a memorable holiday.  Perfect for a romantic holiday.  What more could you want!

Hope to make a return trip very soon.

Have you stayed at Leo’s Hotel in The Gambia?

 

 

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