Posted on Dec 15, by Kathryn Burrington. Imagine looking out from the clifftop with a view of the ocean, a gentle sea breeze caresses your skin. As your eyes close your expert therapist starts to work their magic. Elegant and serene, they offer you the chance to completely spoil yourself at a fraction of the price you would pay for a similar treatment in the UK.
If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury, a visit to the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa is a must. The Spa itself, the first in The Gambia, features an indoor swimming pool in an opulent and tranquil setting, a hamam, an ice plunge pool, nine treatment rooms plus a further five suites specifically for couples.
My morning at The Spa started with a hamam, a traditional Moroccan steam-bath and cleansing routine that left my skin feeling silky soft and refreshed. From here I was shown to another treatment room for a hot stone massage where my expert therapist kneaded and pummelled my new skin. I then had a few moments to myself reclining on a white leather sofa, sipping a refreshing cup of herbal tea and enjoying the view of the ocean before a fabulous Asian foot massage took me to an even deeper state of relaxation.
At the end of this blissful two and half hours I floated out of the spa feeling thoroughly renewed. Guests not staying at the hotel are also most welcome to visit The Spa but advanced booking is recommended. Their signature massage, combines four different techniques, namely a Bali hot stone massage, a Swedish leg massage, an Indonesian hand massage and an Indian head massage.
Lasting an hour, as I found out for myself, this is a superbly relaxing experience that left me feeling thoroughly pampered from top to toe. Facilities at the spa include a sauna, steam room, a lovely cliff-top swimming pool, three smart indoor treatments rooms and three outdoor massage alcoves overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As well as the friendly staff, what really makes this spa stand out for me is the location; majestic baobab trees and African inspired architecture, surrounded by green lawns on a hillside looking out to sea, all blend harmoniously to create a stunning setting, a wonderful place to escape to for a spot of R and R.
